Confectionery Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

What is the Confectionery Market Size?

The global confectionery market size is calculated at USD 284.23 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 300.71 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 466.87 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.68% from 2025 to 2034.

Confectionery Market Key Takeaways

• Europe led the global market with the largest market share of 36% in 2024.
• By Type, the chocolate segment has held the largest revenue share in 2024.
• By Type, the sugar confectionery segment is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR during the projected period.
• By Distribution Channel, the supermarkets & hypermarkets segment had the biggest market share in 2024.
• By Age Group, the adult segment dominated the global market in 2024.
• By Age Group, the geriatric segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.

Confectionery Market Outlook

• Industry Growth Overview: The confectionery market is growing, driven by demand for healthier products, premiumization, e-commerce, and flavor novelties. New brands are presenting novel and exotic flavor combinations, like chili-lime dark chocolate or matcha-infused gummies.
• Global Expansion: The confectionery industry is expanding globally due to factors like rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences. Europe is the largest market by share, driven by strong traditions in chocolate craftsmanship, seasonal gifting, and a focus on premium and sustainable products.
• Major investors: Major investors are large multinational companies that dominate the market, along with dedicated private equity organizations and venture capital funds that invest in smaller, emerging brands.

Confectionery Market Growth Factors

The various confectionery products such as chocolates, gums, chews, jellies, toffies, caramel, nougat, and sweets are enormously popular among the global population ranging from kids to old age people. The constantly evolving consumer taste and preferences have encouraged the manufacturers to indulge in the production of new and innovative confectioneries. Introduction of functional ingredients, innovative fillings, and exotic flavors in the various confectioneries like chocolates and sweets have significantly driven the global confectionery market in the past. Various marketing and promotional strategies of the key market players have a key role in the increased consumption and sales of the various confectioneries. For instance, Dairy Milk repositioned itself as a gifting product. As a result, Dairy Milk became a trending gifting product in India. Further, the consumption of confectioneries is not only limited to the kids. The aggressive marketing strategies by the players targeted the adult and geriatric population in order to expand their business.

The growing trend of sugar-free, growing consumption of on-the-go snacks, and impulse buying of confectioneries are the major boosters of the confectionery market. The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes among the children, and adults have significantly encouraged the confectionery manufacturers to opt for sugar substitutes that can provide the taste of sugar with low or no impact of the blood glucose levels. This is a major factor that is expected to be the driving force of the confectionery market during the forecast period.

Market Scope

Type Insights

The chocolate segment led the global confectionery market with remarkable revenue share in 2024 and is anticipated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Chocolate is the most common and popular confectionery across the globe. The growing rising disposable income, craving for chocolate among the all age groups, and easy availability of various chocolates like dark chocolate, white chocolate, nut-based, and fruit-based chocolates are the important factors driving the demand for the chocolates globally.

On the other hand, the sugar confectionery is estimated to be the most opportunistic market due to the rising adoption of low-calorie sugar substitutes in various sugar confectioneries. The taste bud satisfying feature of the sugar confectioneries coupled with the low or no negative impact on health is driving the sugar confectionery segment across the globe.

Distribution Channel Insights

By distribution channel, the supermarkets & hypermarkets segment led the global confectionery market with remarkable revenue share in 2024 and is anticipated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The supermarkets & hypermarkets offers discounted prices on popular brands and has high penetration in the developed markets like U.S., Germany, UK, France, Canada, Italy. This segment accounted for over 35% of the market share in 2023 and is estimated to remain the leading segment throughout the forecast period.

On the other hand, online stores is expected to be the most opportunistic segment during the forecast period. This is attributed to the rapid growth and popularity of online groceries and food delivery platforms across the globe.

Age Group Insights

The adult segment led the global confectionery market with remarkable revenue share in 2024 and is anticipated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to the increased consumption of different confectioneries among the millennials. The improved packaging, introduction of innovative flavors, and personalized services offered by the confectioners are the major driving force of this segment.

On the other hand, the geriatric segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. The population of the world is getting older. Therefore, the consumption habits of people is expected to boost the consumption of sugar-free confectioneries, thereby propelling the segment growth in the forthcoming years.

Europe Confectionery Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2034

The Europe confectionery size is accounted at USD 102.32 billion in 2025 and predicted to increase from USD 108.26 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 168.07 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2034.

Based on the region, Europe dominated the global confectionery market with the highest revenue share in 2024 and is expected to sustain its significance throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the highest per capita consumption of confectioneries in majority of the European countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, France, Italy, and Netherlands. Further, the growing consumer awareness regarding the side-effects of chemically produced raw materials like cocoa liquor used for making chocolates have exponentially boosted the demand for the organic chocolates in the region. The growing demand for the organic chocolate among the population is expected to be the major driver of the confectionery market in Europe during the forecast period.

• In May 2025, the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in, has been celebrated by the UK government as a ‘landmark deal' and ‘huge economic win'.
• The UK will eliminate tariffs on 99% of goods, while India will cut duties on 90%, with 85% becoming duty-free within a decade.Source: avask

Revolution in the confectionery Industry in the UK

The UK was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, which allowed the mass production of confectionery. Innovations in food manufacturing and packaging. The UK has a highly advanced and effective retail landscape, with suitable conditions for stores and supermarkets playing a significant role in making confectionery broadly accessible and capitalizing on impulse purchases.

For Instance

• In June 2025, Food is unveiling a new Beverages, Confectionery, and Snacks Framework that promises to transform the way NHS trusts source their favourite treats. Trusts can easily order via our online NHS Supply Chain Catalogue, directly fulfilling their patients' needs with delivery right down to the ward level.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing confectionery market during the forecast period. The presence of huge youth population, rising disposable income, changing consumer lifestyle, demand for the premium products among the young population, and rising investments in the region by the major market players are the various important factors that are expected to foster the market growth across the region.

• In October 2025, Oroos Secures ₹20 Crore in Funding to Capture the Sweet Spot of Bharat's Growing Confectionery Market. The capital will be used to establish a fully automated manufacturing facility in Greater Noida and to build Oroos's distribution network across Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. Source: India Technology News

Strong Presence of Distribution Networks in India

In India, increasing disposable income, developing consumer preferences, and a shift towards premium and health-beneficial confectionery choices. Manufacturers are continuously evolving new flavors such as chili, cinnamon, or traditional Indian flavors in advance formats, packaging options, and healthier substitutes like dark chocolate, organic, sugar-free, and vegan decisions to cater to increasing demands and health awareness, which drives the growth of the market.

North America is Significantly Growing in the Confectionery Market

North America is significantly growing in the confectionery market, driven by rising innovation, customer demand for qualitative products, and increasing online retail channels. Major organizations are investing massively in research and development to announce new flavors. The rise of novel platforms has made it simple for slighter and niche brands to reach a broader audience, which contributes to the growth of the market.

In May 2025, Justin's introduced all-new Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Candy Bars, available in two varieties: Dark Chocolate Peanut Caramel Nougat and Milk Chocolate Peanut Caramel Nougat. Source: Yahoo

Sweet Growth: U.S. Confectionery Market Trends

The market is growing through premiumization and innovative functional ingredients. Consumers increasingly prefer high-quality, ethically sourced chocolates and unique flavor profiles, moving beyond traditional sugary treats to healthier alternatives and luxury experiences.

Confectionery Market - Value Chain Analysis

R & D:

R&D process in confectionery involves idea generation, market research, ingredient and nutritional research, and product development through prototyping and testing.

Consumer Services:

Consumer services are mainly focused on improving the customer experience and confirming product satisfaction. Service includes product information and transparency, digital presence and online engagement, and many other features.

Top Vendors in the Confectionery Market & Their Offerings

• Made Uncommon: In November 2025, Made Uncommon acquired both Love Cocoa and HIP Chocolate for an undisclosed sum.Source: Food Manufacture
• Barry Callebaut: In September 2025, Chocolate giant Barry Callebaut announced a long-term partnership with Planet A Foods, a start-up innovating in sustainable cocoa-free chocolate alternatives. Source: Foodbev Media

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is moderately fragmented with the presence of several local companies. These market players are striving to gain higher market share by adopting strategies, such as investments, partnerships, and acquisitions & mergers. Companies are also spending on the development of improved services. Moreover, they are also focusing on maintaining competitive pricing.

• In January 2020, The Hershey Company launched its new chocolate bars in India to mark its presence in the most attractive market in the Asia Pacific region.
• In November 2020, Mars Incorporated launched its premium chocolate, Galaxy Kenzin five variants, in the Middle East countries.

These major developments by the key players serves the constantly changing tastes and preference of the modern day consumers and exponentially contributes towards the market growth across the globe.

Confectionery Market Companies

• Nestle S.A.
• The Hershey Company
• Mars Incorporated
• Ferrero Group
• Mondelez International, Inc.
• HariboGmbh& Co. K.G.
• Barry Callebaut
• Meiji Holdings
• Pladis Global
• Chocoladefabriken Lindt &Sprungli AG
• Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Chocolate
• Sugar Confectionery
• Gums & Jellies
• Mints
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Pharmaceuticals
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

By Age Group

• Adult
• Kids
• Geriatric

By Geography

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Europe
• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Rest of the World