Godiva Chocolatier presented a two-day Valentine’s Day installation in New York City’s Herald Square and Flatiron Plaza, giving out more than 10,000 chocolates and unveiling a pair of 20-foot, larger-than-life Gold Ballotin and Goldmark Heart boxes to an excited public visiting the plaza areas.

The New York-based chocolate maker has enjoyed a positive surge in popularity, growing its U.S. market share and sales distribution in 2021 when consumption rose 31% year over year.

“Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. For us, Valentine’s Day is super important. We were happy to see everyone, and it was great to be out and brighten their days,” said Angela Fotopoulos, Global Head of Brand Communications and Activation for Godiva Chocolatier.

The U.S. chocolate market alone will reach an estimated at $16 billion by 2023 and as a global leader in premium chocolate, Godiva is one of the largest players for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate is the number-one gift that consumers expect to both give (75%) and receive (68%) for this Valentine’s Day.

Godiva just celebrated its 95^th anniversary, focusing on its craftsmanship, quality, and heritage.

In other trends, among those likely to gift chocolate, 86% expect to gift the same amount or more as last year and 75% plan to purchase the same amount or more online. And those who expect to receive chocolate for this upcoming Valentine’s Day would prefer to receive milk chocolate (49%) in the form of a chocolate gift box (62%).

“Consumers are treating themselves more, and treating others – just because,” Fotopoulos acknowledged. Looking ahead, “we definitely want to change our trajectory. We are focused on e-commerce and the chocolate aisle. Online has doubled year over year. The pandemic has altered consumer behaviors.”

Everyday occasions have become more important than ever, and “we know our chocolate brings happiness and delight.”