Global Confectionery Market Expected to Reach USD 266.0 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

Global Confectionery Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The global confectionery market size was valued at USD 198.2 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 266.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.99% from 2025 to 2033.

The growing consumer demand for innovative and unique confectionery offerings has led to a surge in new product launches across the industry. In addition, companies are increasingly focusing on introducing novel flavors, textures, and packaging to cater to shifting preferences for healthier, more sustainable options. A key trend is the rise of plant-based, allergen-free, and eco-friendly products. For instance, in October 2024, Mars expanded its Skittles portfolio with the launch of Skittles Pop'd, a new freeze-dried confectionery featuring a crispy texture and unique flavor profiles. This product reflects the growing demand for texture innovation and the continuous evolution of flavor profiles, which are available in original and Sour varieties. Set for a nationwide rollout in early 2025, Skittles Pop'd is a direct response to consumer interest in novel snacking experiences. Similarly, Ferrero is leveraging consumer interest in premium gifting and sustainability by introducing exclusive products at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes in September 2024. Among the highlights were a travel retail-exclusive Rocher Gift Tin featuring 24 pralines, alongside new flavors for Tic Tac and a new range of Premium Delight Biscuits. Meanwhile, these products cater to evolving consumer preferences for high-quality treats and emphasize sustainability with eco-friendly packaging and ingredients, a growth-inducing factor in the global confectionery industry.

Moreover, the expansion of premium offerings and the increasing focus on travel retail are also evident in the growing opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. In November 2024, Kreol Travel Retail launched Vobro confectionery at Kochi Airport Duty Free. This Polish brand, offering a range of products including chocolates, pralines, and gummies, highlights the strong demand for premium, diverse confectionery choices in travel retail. This launch underscores a significant opportunity for growth in the Asia-Pacific duty-free sector with its commitment to providing high-quality products for travelers. Confectionery brands are seizing the chance to cater to the evolving tastes of consumers seeking indulgence and convenience during their journeys, as travel demand rebounds. Consequently, confectionery brands are continuously innovating to meet the rising demand for unique, premium, and sustainable products.

Global Confectionery Market Statistics, By Region

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America dominates the confectionery market, driven by a growing demand for healthier and more inclusive snack options.

North America Confectionery Market Trends:

North America is the dominating region in the confectionery market, as consumers are increasingly seeking plant-based, allergen-free products that cater to diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly alternatives. The rise of health-conscious and ethically minded consumers has led to the expansion of brands offering clean-label, sustainable confections. For example, in October 2024, Freedom Confectionery expanded into the U.S. with the launch of Freedom Confectionery LLC, in partnership with LBB Distribution. This plant-based, allergen-free brand offers products such as gummies, marshmallows, and chocolate-covered mallows, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. As consumers prioritize products with clean ingredients and transparency, brands in North America are capitalizing on these evolving trends to meet the growing demand for healthier, more inclusive treats.

Europe Confectionery Market Trends:

In Europe, the confectionery market is shifting towards premium, sustainable, and health-conscious products. Also, consumers are increasingly opting for low-sugar, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. For example, in the UK, brands like Green & Black's are expanding their organic chocolate range to cater to the demand for clean-label products. Furthermore, the trend towards vegan and allergen-free confectioneries is growing, driven by dietary preferences.

Asia Pacific Confectionery Market Trends:

Asia Pacific is witnessing a rise in indulgence-driven snacking, with a focus on innovative flavors and formats. In addition, countries like Japan are popularizing unique and exotic confectionery, such as matcha-flavored chocolates and mochi. As disposable incomes rise, consumers are willing to explore premium and international confectionery offerings, propelling market growth. Local brands are also increasingly adopting global trends like vegan and sugar-free products.

Latin America Confectionery Market Trends:

In Latin America, the confectionery market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing urbanization and a preference for sweet snacks. In Brazil, chocolate remains the leading category, with brands like Kopenhagen expanding their premium offerings. Besides this, the trend towards healthier confectionery is emerging, with a growing demand for low-sugar and organic options among health-conscious consumers, especially in urban areas.

Middle East and Africa Confectionery Market Trends:

In the Middle East and Africa, the demand for confectionery is heavily influenced by festive occasions, with products like chocolates and sweets being staples during celebrations, such as Eid and Ramadan. In UAE, brands like Al Nassma are innovating with luxury camel milk chocolate. In addition, there is a rising interest in healthy options, including sugar-free and low-calorie treats, as health awareness grows in urban regions.

Top Companies Leading in the Confectionery Industry

Some of the leading confectionery market companies include Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Crown Confectionery, Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd., Ferrero International S.A., HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG, Mars Incorporated, Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd, Mondelez International Inc., Nestle S.A., Parle Products Pvt. Ltd, The Hershey Company, and The Kraft Heinz Company., among many others. In August 2022, Nestle's announcement of KitKat V marks a significant step in meeting the evolving consumer preferences for plant-based alternatives in the confectionery market.Nestle is catering to the growing segment of consumers who seek dairy-free and animal-free options without compromising on taste or texture by introducing a vegan version of its iconic KitKat chocolate bar.

Global Confectionery Market Segmentation Coverage

• On the basis of the product type, the market has been bifurcated into hard-boiled sweets, mints, gums and jellies, chocolate, caramels and toffees, medicated confectionery, fine bakery wares, and others, wherein chocolate represents the most preferred segment. The chocolate segment is driven by the increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits, particularly its high cocoa content, which is associated with antioxidants and potential cardiovascular benefits.
• Based on the age group, the market is categorized into children, adult, and geriatric, amongst which adult dominates the market. The adult confectionery segment is driven by the increasing demand for sophisticated and indulgent flavor profiles, catering to mature palates seeking unique taste experiences.
• On the basis of the price point, the market has been divided into economy, mid-range, and luxury. Among these, economy exhibits a clear dominance in the market. The economy segment of the confectionery market is primarily driven by a variety of key factors that influence both production and consumer behavior.
• Based on the distribution channel, the market is bifurcated into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmaceutical and drug stores, online stores, and others, wherein supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the market. These retail formats offer a wide range of confectionery products under one roof, catering to diverse consumer preferences and providing convenience in shopping.