Global Confectionery Market By Type (Chocolate, Sugar Candy & Gum Candy), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarket, Independent Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores/Forecourt Retailers, Departmental Store, Non-Store Retailing (Online Store)), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 233.42 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.69%
Fastest Growing Segment	Chocolate
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 325.34 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Confectionery Market will grow from USD 233.42 Billion in 2025 to USD 325.34 Billion by 2031 at a 5.69% CAGR. The global confectionery market is defined as the sector dedicated to food products rich in sugar and carbohydrates, encompassing chocolate, sugar confectionery, gum, and bakers' confectionery. The primary drivers supporting this market's growth include rising disposable incomes worldwide, which empower consumers to engage in discretionary spending on indulgent treats. Additionally, the enduring tradition of gifting sweets during festivals and social observances provides a consistent revenue stream, ensuring demand stability that exists independently of evolving flavor or packaging trends.

However, a significant challenge that could impede market expansion is the increasing consumer and regulatory focus on health concerns related to high sugar consumption, such as obesity and diabetes. This pressure forces manufacturers to navigate complex reformulation processes and stricter labeling laws, which can escalate production costs. despite these hurdles, the industry demonstrates remarkable financial resilience; according to the National Confectioners Association, in 2024, confectionery sales in the United States surpassed $54 billion. This statistic indicates that consumer demand for traditional treats remains robust in major markets even amidst a climate of health consciousness.

Key Market Drivers

The growing consumer preference for premium and artisanal products acts as a primary catalyst for value generation within the industry. As shoppers become more discerning, they increasingly prioritize quality over quantity, favoring chocolates and confectioneries characterized by high cocoa content, superior craftsmanship, and distinct flavor profiles. This shift has compelled manufacturers to elevate their standards, moving beyond mass-market formulations to offer goods that promise a unique sensory experience. According to Lindt & Sprüngli, March 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2023', the group achieved an organic sales growth of 10.3%, a performance attributed significantly to the robust volume development of their premium product lines. Consequently, established brands are aggressively expanding their luxury portfolios to maintain competitiveness and capture higher profit margins in mature markets.

Simultaneously, the rising focus on sustainably sourced ingredients and ethical production is reshaping supply chain strategies and corporate positioning. Modern consumers demand transparency regarding the environmental impact and labor conditions behind their treats, compelling companies to invest heavily in responsible cocoa sourcing programs and deforestation-free supply chains. According to Nestlé, March 2024, in the 'Creating Shared Value and Sustainability Report 2023', the corporation successfully expanded its income accelerator program to reach 10,000 cocoa-farming families in Côte d'Ivoire to support better livelihoods. This strategic pivot serves not only to satisfy regulatory requirements but also to build brand loyalty among ethically conscious buyers. Highlighting the sheer scale of operations adapting to these new market dynamics, according to The Hershey Company, in 2024, consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, totaled $11.16 billion.

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Key Market Challenges

The increasing consumer and regulatory emphasis on health risks associated with sugar intake, specifically obesity and diabetes, presents a formidable barrier to the Global Confectionery Market. This trend compels manufacturers to undertake expensive reformulation initiatives and adhere to rigorous labeling requirements, directly increasing operational expenditures. Furthermore, heightened health consciousness diminishes the frequency of indulgence among core demographics, threatening the volume of products consumed. This shift creates a dichotomy where revenue growth may be driven primarily by price inflation rather than genuine demand expansion, obscuring underlying weaknesses in consumer uptake.

The direct impact of this challenge is evident in recent volume data, which contrasts with rising revenue figures. According to the National Confectioners Association, in 2024, unit sales within the chocolate category declined by 3.3 percent. This reduction in sales volume highlights a contraction in actual consumption levels, suggesting that health-related hesitation is actively curbing market expansion. Consequently, the industry faces a scenario where volume growth is stifled by health concerns, limiting the market's ability to scale based on consumer demand alone.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of multi-sensory and textural product experiences is reshaping consumer preferences, moving demand beyond simple flavor enjoyment toward complex oral haptics. Manufacturers are prioritizing innovation in gummies, jellies, and chewy formulations that offer prolonged physical engagement, catering to a desire for edible entertainment that traditional melting chocolates often lack. This shift is quantitatively evident in the divergent performance of market sub-segments, where textural variety is outperforming standard indulgence. According to the National Confectioners Association, March 2025, in the '2025 State of Treating' report, non-chocolate candy sales achieved a year-over-year growth of 4.9% in 2024, significantly outpacing the chocolate category, which grew by only 0.4% during the same period.

The proliferation of functional and nutraceutical-infused confectionery represents a strategic pivot from treating candy solely as an indulgence to viewing it as a vehicle for wellness. Brands are increasingly blurring the lines between confectionery and supplements by fortifying products with vitamins, proteins, and botanicals to appeal to health-conscious buyers. This "better-for-you" proposition allows consumers to justify impulse purchases by associating sweet treats with tangible physical benefits rather than empty calories. According to Mondelēz International, June 2025, in the 'State of Snacking' report, 74% of global consumers now prioritize snacks that offer high-quality nutrition, highlighting the growing commercial viability of fortified treats that deliver functional value alongside enjoyment.

Segmental Insights

The chocolate segment currently represents the fastest-growing category within the global confectionery market, driven significantly by shifting consumer preferences toward premium and functional food products. This expansion is primarily supported by the rising demand for dark chocolate, which consumers increasingly value for its perceived health benefits and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, economic growth in emerging markets has elevated disposable incomes, thereby boosting the consumption of premium chocolate varieties for gifting and personal indulgence. Manufacturers are responding to these trends by introducing organic and clean-label options that align with evolving dietary expectations.

Regional Insights

North America holds a dominant position in the global confectionery market, primarily driven by high per capita consumption of chocolate and sugar-based products. This market leadership is supported by the presence of established manufacturers that continuously adapt to consumer preferences for premium and healthier alternatives, such as low-calorie or organic options. Furthermore, the region benefits from a highly developed retail infrastructure that ensures widespread product accessibility. Strict food safety standards enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also play a critical role in maintaining high levels of consumer trust and product quality.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, The Hershey Company unveiled a new product line titled "Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies," developed in collaboration with a renowned basketball legend. Showcased at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show, the launch featured oversized gummy candies molded into shapes inspired by the athlete's face and legendary nicknames. The product line included both sweet and sour varieties, such as peach, berry punch, and pineapple flavors. This partnership aimed to leverage the cultural icon's influence to drive engagement in the fast-growing gummy candy segment, offering a playful and unique option for consumers.
• In September 2024, Mondelēz International reached an agreement to acquire a significant majority stake in Evirth, a leading manufacturer of frozen-to-chilled cakes and pastries in China. This strategic move aimed to accelerate the company's growth in the cakes and pastries category, a core focus alongside chocolate and biscuits. The acquisition built upon an existing minority investment in the Chinese firm, which already produced branded products such as Oreo and Philadelphia for the local market. The transaction was designed to leverage the partner's strong distribution network and research capabilities to tap into China's expanding bakery sector.
• In September 2024, Ferrero announced the official European launch of a plant-based version of its famous hazelnut spread, Nutella. The new product, named Nutella Plant-Based, replaced milk with vegetal ingredients such as chickpeas and rice syrup while maintaining the brand's signature taste and creamy texture. The release was scheduled to begin in select European markets, including Italy, France, and Belgium, catering to the growing consumer demand for vegan and flexitarian options. The product was certified vegan by the Vegetarian Society, ensuring it met strict criteria for plant-based dietary requirements.
• In January 2024, Nestlé introduced the first KitKat chocolate bars made with cocoa mass sourced from the company's Income Accelerator Programme. This initiative, launched in Europe, aimed to connect consumers with cocoa farmers and raise awareness about the sustainability of the cocoa used in the iconic confectionery brand. The program focused on closing the living income gap for cocoa-farming families and reducing child labor risks by incentivizing better agricultural practices and school enrollment. The launch marked a significant step in the company's efforts to achieve full traceability and physical segregation of its cocoa supply chain.

Key Market Players

• Mars, Incorporated
• Ferrero Group
• Mondelēz International, Inc.
• The Hershey Company
• Nestlé S.A.
• Lindt & Sprüngli AG
• Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Pladis Global
• Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V.
• Lotte Confectionery Co., Ltd.

By Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Chocolate Sugar Candy & Gum Candy	Supermarkets/Hypermarket Independent Grocery Stores Convenience Stores/Forecourt Retailers Departmental Store Non-Store Retailing (Online Store)	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Confectionery Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Confectionery Market, By Type:

• Chocolate
• Sugar Candy & Gum Candy

• Confectionery Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarket
• Independent Grocery Stores
• Convenience Stores/Forecourt Retailers
• Departmental Store
• Non-Store Retailing (Online Store)

• Confectionery Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE