Sugar Confectionery Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Hard Boiled Sweets, Caramel & Toffees, Gums & Jellies, Mints, Medicated Confectionery, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/Supermarket, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, and Others), and Regional Forecast 2024-2032

Sugar confectionery refers to a broad category of food items, including various treats, including chocolates, jellies, gums, and more, known for their delightful sweetness. Consumers in emerging markets are becoming more sophisticated and are seeking out products that offer unique experiences, flavors, and textures. This is driving demand for premium and functional sugar confectionery products. Moreover, consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives, such as sugar-free and low-calorie products, which manufacturers are responding to by introducing innovative and healthier options. For instance, in February 2024, Mars Wrigley, an American multinational manufacturer of confectionery, launched a new fruity gum in watermelon flavor in its Extra Sugarfree range.

Manufacturers continuously introduce new and unique products to cater to evolving consumer tastes, keeping the market growing and engaging consumers with exciting offerings. For instance, in November 2022, Chupa Chups,  a Spanish brand of lollipop and confectionery company, launched Fr-ooze Pop, a playful sweet treat with oozing candy gel. The new product is available in three flavors, including blueberry, strawberry, and tropical.

However, consumers are shifting toward healthier lifestyles, leading to a decline in sugar consumption and pressure on companies to reduce the sugar content in their products. Governments and health campaigners are pushing for stricter regulations on sugar content, labeling, and packaging, which can be challenging for confectionery companies to comply with.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Sugar Confectionery Market


• Supply Chain and Regulatory Analysis


• Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Sugar Confectionery Market


• Key Developments

SUGAR CONFECTIONERY MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

Analysis by Product Type

By product type, the market is divided into hard boiled sweets, caramel & toffees, gums & jellies, mints, medicated confectionery, and others.

The hard-boiled sweets segment is anticipated to hold a major share of the global market. Hard-boiled candies have been around for centuries and hold a special place in many people’s childhood memories. This nostalgic factor continues to drive consumer interest. Hard-boiled candies are generally inexpensive and come in individually wrapped packages, making them convenient and budget-friendly treat options. The growth of the hard-boiled confectionery market is significant due to its unique characteristics, such as its shelf-stable nature and the variety of flavors and textures available.

The caramel and toffees segment is expected to grow considerably in the forecast period. Caramel and toffees can be perceived as premium ingredients, especially when used with high-quality ingredients such as nuts, chocolates, and others. This association with premium offerings can further drive sales of the product.

The mint segment is expected to grow considerably in the forecast period. Mint flavors are becoming increasingly popular globally, particularly among younger consumers who are drawn to the refreshing and invigorating taste of mint. The increasing availability of mint products in various formats, such as gum, candy, and breath mints, is contributing to the growth of the segment.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

By distribution channel, the market is divided into hypermarket/supermarket, convenience stores, online retail, and others.

The hypermarket/supermarket segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer a wide range of sugar confectionery products, making them easily accessible to consumers. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient shopping options, and supermarkets offer a one-stop shopping experience for various products, including sugar confectionery items. As consumers' disposable income increases, they are more likely to indulge in sweet treats, such as sugar confectionery products, which are often purchased at supermarkets.                                                                                                                                                                           

The online retail segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. The ease of payment for products through online channels is an important factor driving the popularity of e-commerce in the sugar confectionery market. Online retail provides consumers with greater accessibility to sugar confectionery products, especially in regions where physical stores are limited.

Regional Analysis

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The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest proportion of the global sugar confectionery market. The growing middle-class population and rising disposable incomes in countries, such as China and India are driving the demand for premium-quality confectionery products. The shift in consumer preferences toward indulgent treats and the increased popularity of chocolates among both kids and adults are contributing to the market growth.

Europe is anticipated to expand with a significant growth rate. The market is driven by factors such as rising impulse buying behavior, increasing indulgence in sweets during occasions, such as Christmas and other festivals, and the growing demand for healthier alternatives to sugar confectionery products. The growing demand for premium and gourmet sugar confectionery products, particularly in countries, such as the U.K. and Germany, is driving the market growth.

Key Players Covered

• HARIBO of America, Inc.


• Lindt & Sprüngli AG


• Jelly Belly Candy Company


• The Kraft Heinz Company


• Nestle S.A.


• Specialty Food Association, Inc.


• The Hershey Company


• Lotte Confectionery


• Perfetti Van Melle


• Ferrero SpA and others.

Key Industry Developments

• In May 2024, Ferrero International SpA, an Italian multinational company, introduced Tic Tac Chewy in the U.S. market. The new product has a crunchy exterior and is chewy from the inside, bursting with intense fruit flavor.


• In April 2024, Mars Wrigley's fruity bubblegum brand, BOOMER, reintroduced its latest innovation, BOOMER Jelly on Top. The new product combines jelly with a classic gum taste with an aim to enhance the gum experience.