Candies Market 2025 – Market Size & Segments Analysis, Industry Trends, Manufacturers Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast 2034

The global market value of the Candies Market is valued to be 65.8 billion, and a CAGR of 4.2% is expected during the forecast period. The candy market belongs to the industry that sells candies, which are rich in sugar and have a variety of flavors, colors, and other components. Change in consumer preference due to rising disposable income and rising growth in e-commerce is bringing significant change in market dynamics.

The increasing number of health-conscious markets and rising growth in the number of bakeries all over the world is driving growth in the candy market. Rising demand for indulgence and treats is driving the demand for the candies. Evolving lifestyles of people are driving demand for on-the-go snacks like candies.

Growth Drivers

Rising health awareness has increased demand for organic, natural, and sugar-free candies in the market. Consumers are willing to pay more for premium-quality confectionary products. Companies are introducing new flavors, textures, and formats to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Rapid urbanization and increasing retail penetration in emerging economies like India, and China are fueling growth in the market.

Western-style confectionery is becoming popular in these regions. Companies investment in creative advertisement, and digital market campaigns to attract a broader audience is a key driving factor.

Increasing trend of gifting confectionery products for social occasions and festivals boosts market demand significantly. Globalization has made exotic candy varieties more accessible. Innovations in flavors and packaging attract consumers, especially younger demographics.

Urban areas tend to have higher candy consumption due to greater availability and exposure to modern retail channels. Aggressive marketing campaigns, and celebrity endorsements influence consumer preferences, and drive sales. Increasing cultural exchange, and globalization have expanded consumer exposure to different types of candies, enhancing market diversities.

Segmentation

Price Point

·         Economy

·         Mid-Range

·         Luxury

Distribution Channel

·         Supermarket/Hypermarket

·         Convenience Stores

·         Pharmaceutical and Drug Stores

·         Food Services

·         Duty-Free Outlets

·         E-Commerce

·         Other

Type

·         Hard-Boiled Sweets

·         Mints

·         Gums and Jellies

·         Chocolate

·         Caramels and Toffees

·         Medicated Confectionery

·         Fine Bakery Wares

·         Others

Age Group

·         Children

·         Adult

·         Geriatric

Regional Outlook

·         Asia Pacific

·         North America

·         Latin America

·         Middle East and Africa

·         Europe

Candies Market Distribution Channel Segmentation

On the basis of the distribution channel, the candies market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmaceutical and drug stores, food service, duty-free outlets, e-commerce, and others. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are leading distribution channels. These outlets dominate due to their extensive reach, wide product variety, and frequent consumer fall.

Due to growing online shopping habits, e-commerce is a rapidly growing segment, and direct-to-consumer models are driving e-commerce sales. Convenience stores, duty-free outlets, and pharmaceuticals and drugstores also play significant roles, often targeting specific consumer needs. Increasing demand for sugar-free candies is driving the market towards significant growth.

Candies Market by Age-Group Segmentation

On the basis of the age group, the Candies Market is segmented into Children, Adult, and Geriatric. The children segment is the leading one due to their strong preference for sweets, driven by flavors, colorful packaging, and engaging marketing strategies. However, the adult segment is also growing steadily. Adults are increasingly drawn to premium, sugar-free, or functional candies. The geriatric segment accounts for a smaller portion but is gaining attention with sugar-free and low-calorie candies designed for health-conscious older consumers, addressing concerns such as diabetes and dental issues.

Candies Market by Type Segmentation

On the basis of the type, the candies market is segmented into hard-boiled sweets, mints, gums and jellies, chocolate, caramels and toffees, medicated confectionery, fine bakery wares, and others. Chocolates are the leading segment due to rising consumer demand and a growing preference for chocolate products significantly. Due to the consumer’s perception about the chocolate as a premium product compared to other types of confectionaries like hard candies or mints. This perception drives higher demand for chocolate products.

Regional Outlook

On the basis of the regions, the Candies Market is segmented into 5 regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Europe. North America is the leading region and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.  Region is home to major confectionary companies, such as Mars, Incorporated, Mondelez International, and The Hershey Company, which have a long-standing presence and extensive distribution networks. Consumers in North America have a strong tradition of candy consumption, with the U.S. alone generating 7.8 billion pounds of candy annually. Continuous innovations in flavors, packaging, and product offerings cater to diverse consumers.

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising disposable income, urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences. Chocolate remains a dominant category in the region. China dominates as a significant contributor in the market. Consumers preferences are shifting towards innovative flavors, healthier options, and products with ethical or environmental claims. There is a growing demand for plant-based, low-sugar, and clean-label confectioneries. Asia Pacific confectionery is on an upward trajectory, and rising disposable income of people is driving growth in the market significantly. Emerging economies like India, China, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea are witnessing significant growth during the forecast period.

The European market is due to increasing demand for healthier alternatives and a rise in demand for gummies, and jellies are driving demand in the market significantly. Increasing number of innovative product development is the key reason behind the significant growth in the market. The trend of gifting confectionery products such as cookies, chocolates, and bakery items has contributed to market growth significantly. Due to volatility in raw material costs, including sugar and cocoa, is hindering the market growth significantly. Countries such as Germany, Finland, Denmark, England, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Italy, and France are contributing significantly to market growth. Gummies and jellies are leading the European market. Presence of key players in the market are contributing significantly.

Key Players

·         Ferrero

·         Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.

·         THE HERSHEY COMPANY

·         Quality Candy Company

·         Nestlé

·         Cloetta

·         General Mills Inc.

·         Mondelez International

·         Mars, Incorporated

·         Pladis global

·         LOTTE CONFECTIONERY CO.LTD

·         Storck (Germany),

·         Perfetti Van Mell,

·         Candy Rush Muskoka

·         HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG  

·         Arcor

·         Sweet Candy Company

·         THE BANG CANDY COMPANY

·         Palmer-candy

·         SUGARFINA USA LLC

·         Jelly Belly Candy Company

·         Other Players