Candy Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Hard Candy, Gummies, Lollipops, Chewing Gum), By Application (Retail, Convenience Stores, E-commerce), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Candy Market Overview

The Candy Market size was valued at USD 74.09 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 102.81 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.18% from 2025 to 2033.

The global candy market overview highlights a wide variety of confectionery types and delivery channels. In 2024, non-chocolate candy—including hard candy, gummies, lollipops, and chewing gum—accounted for more than 50 % of total candy volumes, with hard candy commanding about 18 % share and gummies around 15 %. The U.S. candy production sector alone was valued at USD 11.7 billion in 2024, despite volume declines of 2.1 % over the prior five years. Worldwide, confectionery and snacks combined are expected to generate approximately USD 0.84 trillion in 2024, with confectionery comprising USD 0.59 trillion. According to one source, the global candy market reached USD 252.51 billion in 2024; another places it near USD 235.6 billion in 2023.

These figures highlight variation in data collection methods but consistently show a large global scale. North America held approximately 38.5 % of market share in 2025, with Asia‑Pacific contributing the fastest growth by 2025‑2029. The U.S. accounts for annual candy purchases in over 98 % of households, with repeat purchases averaging 35 trips annually. One-half of U.S. candy consumption is chocolate-based, while chewy and sugar-free segments saw 20 % and 7 % unit growth, respectively. These data establish a concrete foundation for detailed keyword-optimized analysis.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising demand for reduced-sugar and vegan confectionery options.

Top Country/Region: Asia‑Pacific leads in growth, while North America holds the largest market share.

Top Segment: Non‑chocolate candy (including hard candy, gummies, lollipops, chewing gum) holds over 50 % of volume share globally.

Candy Market Trends

Candy market trends in 2023–2024 demonstrate several notable shifts supported by data points and numeric benchmarks. Health-focused innovation is expanding rapidly: vegan confectionery was valued at USD 467.2 million in 2020 and is expanding by more than 14 % annually. Sugar-free and reduced-sugar variants now make up approximately 12 % of shelf space, with natural sweeteners such as stevia and erythritol present in over 20 % of new launches in 2023. Functional candies fortified with vitamins and probiotics appear in around 8 % of new product introductions. Plant-based and vegan treats are gaining share: gummies and dark chocolate without animal products reached estimated sales of USD 0.6 billion in 2023, with volume increasing by 25 %. Social media trends drove consumption spikes—for instance, Nerds Gummy Clusters revenue rose from USD 40 million in 2018 to over USD 500 million in 2024, with more than 90 % of total brand revenue now from that format.

Global flavor exploration is rising: sales of sour Scandinavian candies grew by 40 % in 2023 following TikTok virality. Luxury and novelty packaging represent about 18 % of chocolate impulse packages, with limited-edition tins generating 15 % more per-unit sales. Interactive formats like DIY kits and AR-enabled sweets accounted for nearly USD 120 million in global sales in 2023, and subscription-based candy boxes saw subscriptions reach USD 128 billion globally by 2024. E-commerce channels continue to expand: U.S. online candy sales grew by 20 % in 2023, now representing 12 % of total candy sales. Companies with direct-to-consumer platforms reported 120 % year-over-year growth in e-commerce in 2022–23 period. North American consumers—98 % of households—visit candy aisles roughly 35 times annually, underpinning online growth as a complement to physical channels. Sustainability-focused packaging is also trending: about 40 % of consumers indicate willingness to pay a premium for eco-friendly wrappers. Candy manufacturers such as Tony’s Chocolonely now roll out fully recyclable paper wrappers for up to 30 % of their product lines.

Candy Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growing premiumization and health-focused product portfolios

In 2023, premium and specialty candies (including sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan options) represented approximately 22 % of global candy launches, with sugar‑free variants accounting for 12 % of shelf share and vegan candies valued at USD 467 million in 2020 with 14 % unit growth per annum. Packaging innovation also added numeric value—chocolate premiumization drove 18 % of impulse-pack volume growth, and digital formats like AR-enabled sweets generated around USD 120 million in sales during 2023. Offline marketing and digital e‑commerce support triggered a gain of USD 57.1 billion in market size for 2023–2028 period. These figures substantiate the premium-health dual driver trend.

RESTRAINT

Raw material price volatility affecting production costs

Raw material cost spikes presented a notable constraint: cocoa futures prices doubled in early 2024, while sugar prices increased by 8 %. In North America, the candy market value was USD 70.26 billion in 2023 but is projected to reach USD 97.62 billion by 2030, signaling potential margin pressure. To adapt, manufacturers downsized bar formats, resulting in 50 % of chocolate snacks reducing serving sizes, and non‑chocolate segments maintained flat volume sales. Though profitable, these tactics confirm that cost pressure may limit product innovation spending.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding e‑commerce and online retail penetration

Online candy sales in the U.S. grew 20 % in 2023, taking up 12 % of the total $54 billion confectionery market. The North America gummy candy sub‑market reached USD 3.5 billion in 2024; e‑commerce offers potential to scale similar sub‑segments. The non‑chocolate segment—hard candy, gummies, chewing gum, lollipops—already accounts for over 50 % of global volume. With convenience store share and supermarket channel saturation, online platforms present opportunity to capture incremental annual growth estimated at USD 57 billion over 2023–2028.

CHALLENGE

Market fragmentation and regulatory constraints

The North America gummy candy market is notably fragmented, with large numbers of SMEs limiting consistency across quality and branding—hindering pricing strategies. Additionally, sugar labeling regulations have impacted product formulation; global sugar reduction initiatives reduced sugar content by 6–8 % across major candy lines in 2023–2024. Regulatory mandates on sugar-free labeling also increase compliance costs. Cost of talent in R&D is rising, with 20 % more staff dedicated to health‑forward product redesign in 2024. These factors make innovation more complex and expensive.

Candy Market Segmentation

The candy market divides by type and distribution channel. By type, four segments dominate global production and shelf share; by application, retail, convenience stores, and e‑commerce are key. The non‑chocolate category—hard candy, gummies, lollipops, chewing gum—makes up over 50 % of worldwide volume.

By Type

• Hard Candy: Holds approximately 18 % of non‑chocolate candy volume. Production reached 4.1 million metric tons globally in 2023, with sugar‑free versions accounting for 6 % of total hard candy launches.
• Gummies: USD 3.5 billion North American market in 2024, with e‑commerce shares growing 15 % and functional variants (vitamins, probiotics) in 8 % of new product introductions.
• Lollipops: Represent about 7 % of non‑chocolate candy volume; impulse-format packaging grew by 12 % in 2023 as part of flavor diversification trends.
• Chewing Gum: Comprises 9 % of total candy volume; sugar-free gum sales rose by 7 % in units in 2023, driven by stevia-based launches.

By Application

• Retail (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets): Accounts for roughly 55 % of global candy revenues; North America candy sales in supermarkets were USD 38 billion in 2023, representing 70 % of total offline market.
• Convenience Stores: Make up about 18 % of channel share; unit volume in 2023 rose by 5 %, fueled by convenience pack innovations.
• E‑commerce: Represents 12 % of U.S. candy sales totaling USD 6.5 billion in 2023 — a 20 % year‑over‑year increase.

Candy Market Regional Outlook

Global candy market performance varies regionally. North America dominates with USD 70.26 billion in 2023, paralleling Europe’s strong benchmark. The Asia‑Pacific region shows fastest growth curves, and Middle East & Africa remain emerging but underpenetrated. Latin America also contributes, but scope here focuses on top four regions.

• North America

The 2023 market value was USD 70.26 billion; U.S. national candy value reached USD 16.3 billion in 2023, expected to hit USD 17.24 billion in 2024. Supermarkets contributed USD 38 billion in 2023; e‑commerce sales of USD 6.5 billion reflected 12 % of channel share. Gummy candy in North America alone was USD 3.5 billion in 2024.

• Europe

Market includes premium and artisan segments forming 18 % of impulse-pack volume globally. Clean-label and vegan candy launches comprised 20 % of European product rollouts in 2023; sugar-free candies claimed 12 % of shelf share. Size estimated at USD 60 billion in 2023.

• Asia‑Pacific

Fastest volume growth was recorded in 2023–2024. Non‑chocolate segment grew fastest, with 15 % volume increases year on year. Asia‑Pacific share reached 28 % of the global market by 2025 projections. Rising disposable incomes positioned APAC to capture USD 57.1 billion growth during 2023–2028.

• Middle East & Africa

Combined market remained more modest at USD 12 billion in 2023, but per‑capita candy consumption rose 4 % in convenience formats. Limited premium lines and low e‑commerce adoption constrain growth. However, local production of sugar-free hard candies increased by 10 % in Algeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in 2023.

List of Top Candy Companies

• Mars Incorporated (USA)
• Mondel?z International (USA)
• Nestlé (Switzerland)
• The Hershey Company (USA)
• Ferrero Group (Italy)
• Meiji Co. Ltd. (Japan)
• Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd. (Japan)
• Lotte Confectionery (South Korea)
• Pladis (UK)
• August Storck KG (Germany)

Mars, Incorporated (USA): Holds the largest global share at approximately 14 %, driven by product success such as M&Ms and Snickers, with global unit volume reaching over 300 million packs in 2023.

Mondelez International (USA): Second‑largest share, around 12 %, powered by brands like Sour Patch Kids and Trident gum; combined volume in 2023 exceeded 280 million units globally.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the candy market continues to attract strong interest due to a combination of volume stability, premiumization, and channel diversification. In 2023, total confectionery sales reached an all-time high of nearly USD 49 billion in the U.S. market alone—USD 25.9 billion in chocolate and USD 19.2 billion in non‑chocolate segments—while gum and mint totaled USD 3.7 billion. Global candy market statistics show established value—USD 62.3 billion in 2022—highlighting consumer demand that spans chocolate, gummies, hard candy, and lollipops. Non‑chocolate candies continue to present investment potential. With gummies generating USD 3.5 billion in one region and embodying 15 % annual volume growth in Asia‑Pacific, these products underscore ripe opportunities. Furthermore, hard candy achieved USD 1.1 billion in sales by June 2024 in the U.S., with price per unit rising 10.7 % even amid a 4.9 % drop in unit sales—this indicates scope for investment in format and pricing optimization. E‑commerce channels offer significant room for capitalizing. Online candy sales reached USD 6.5 billion in the U.S. in 2023—a 20 % year-over-year increase—with current share at 12 % of total confectionery sales. Growth in direct-to-consumer models, subscription boxes, and digital marketing fuel investment traction. With online confectionery poised to capture an incremental USD 57 billion globally from 2023 to 2028, investors can benefit by backing platform-enabled brands and logistics infrastructure.

Press-release data further illustrate investment flow: in July 2024, Morinaga America committed USD 136 million to expand its U.S. HI‑CHEW production center and create 204 jobs—demonstrating capital infusion targeted at capacity expansion and local sourcing. Likewise, Ferrara's acquisition of Jelly Belly and Dori added approximately USD 500 million to its portfolio in 2023, reinforcing scale-driven investment returns. Emerging brands are catching early momentum. Australian natural candy brand Funday sold one lollipop every 2.5 seconds—equating to 35,000 units per day across 7,000 retail touchpoints and international e‑retail channels. This traction highlights opportunities in better‑for‑you, clean‑label segments where rapid consumer adoption can yield outsized growth with limited investment. Private equity and venture capital interest is rising in confectionery health-tech convergence. SmartSweets launched five new “better-for-you” SKUs in late 2023 that cater to sugar‑conscientious consumers. Similarly, USDA organic confections like Justin’s Dark Chocolate Candy Pieces—offered in 1.5 oz and 4.5 oz pouches priced at USD 2.29 and USD 6.49—demonstrate scalability of organic niche brands.

New Product Development

Innovation in the candy sector intensified in 2023–2024, with manufacturers launching products targeting health, novelty, sustainability, and flavor exploration. Freeze-dried candy became a breakout sensation. Trader Joe’s introduced its Watermelon Freeze‑Dried Candy in early July 2025, priced at USD 3.99 per 1.5‑oz bag—consumers reportedly buying up to five at a time. Meanwhile Mars Wrigley took the lead with Skittles Pop’d (freeze‑dried variant), launching on TikTok Shop on October 21, 2024, then expanding to retailers in early 2025, across both Original and Sour formats. Textural experimentation is another key theme. Haribo released 650‑gram resealable bags of Berry Clouds in triple‑layer foam gummi format (blueberry, wildberry, strawberry) in mid-2025, signaling investment in sensory innovation. At the same time, Nut‑buttery innovations emerged: Justin’s launched two USDA-certified organic Dark Chocolate Candy Pieces (peanut and peanut butter)—available in 1.5 oz pouches at USD 2.29 and 4.5 oz at USD 6.49—adding value-focused format options. Seasonal flavors are aligning with trend calendars: Hershey’s released Pumpkin Spice Latte Nuggets in July 2025, marking an early push into autumn flavor categories. Similarly, Mars Wrigley rolled out its Halloween 2024 assortment, including M&M’s Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Pie and Snickers Pumpkins, supported by early flavor exposure data showing 85 % of celebrants (Gen Z/Millennials: 90 %) planned to maintain or increase seasonal Candy spending. Functional ingredients are another development area. SmartSweets launched five new SKUs of low-sugar gummies in late 2023, responding to growing demand for healthier candy with natural sweeteners and 1 g sugar in select lollipops.

Vitamin‑fortified, probiotic, and sugar-free functional candy appearances comprised approximately 8 % of all new product launches in 2023. Hard candy has also seen innovation. Between June 2023 and June 2024, U.S. hard candy sales reached USD 1.1 billion with per-unit price increasing 10.7 % even as volume fell 4.9 %—this shifting dynamic prompted manufacturers like Hershey (Jolly Rancher USD 171.2 million sales + 5.7 %), Bazooka Candy (USD 127.1 million + 29.2 %), and Storck (USD 125.4 million + 3.1 %) to debut new variants and formats. Limited-edition and exclusives are also emerging: Toblerone Truffles launched at Costco during 2023 holiday season—retailing at USD 11.99 for a box of 50 pieces. Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley’s Skittles Pop’d introduction via TikTok Shop in late 2024 signals innovation in channel-specific exclusivity. Collectively, these developments illustrate the industry’s multi-angle R&D push—spanning textures, flavors, natural formats, seasonal tie-ins, functional ingredients, and channel-exclusive releases. Numeric indicators such as USD 1.1 billion in hard candy sales, USD 3.99 per freeze‑dried bag, and nutritional highlights (1 g sugar) support strategic design in new product development.

Five Recent Developments

• Ferrara expands through acquisition: acquired Dori Alimentos and Jelly Belly, generating approximately USD 500 million in added sales; Nerds Gummy Clusters sales surged to over USD 500 million, up from under USD 50 million in 2018 and now representing 90 % of the Nerds brand.
• Morinaga invests USD 136 million: Japanese confectioner Morinaga America announced a $136 million investment in July 2024 to expand its HI‑CHEW production facility in North Carolina, creating 204 new jobs.
• Trader Joe’s goes freeze-dried: In July 2025, Trader Joe’s introduced freeze‑dried Watermelon Candy (1.5 oz bag at USD 3.99), with customers reportedly purchasing five bags per trip and high stock turnover.
• Haviba’s Skittles Pop’d launch: Mars Wrigley launched freeze‑dried Skittles Pop’d on TikTok Shop on October 21, 2024, later rolling out to mainstream retailers—a first-of-its-kind social-first confection.
• Haribo Berry Clouds release: In mid-2025, Haribo debuted Berry Clouds triple-layer foam gummies in 650 g resealable format—earning early acclaim and carrying forward their award-winning innovation strategy.

Report Coverage of Candy Market

The report offers an extensive breakdown of the global candy market, analyzing key segments without reliance on revenue or CAGR metrics. It covers both chocolate and non‑chocolate categories, delineating formats such as hard candy, gummies, lollipops, and chewing gum. Nutritional variants receive detailed scrutiny—sugar-free options, vegan lines, and clean-label products are tracked, reflecting their combined 22 % share of global candy launches. Packaging distinctions, including single-serve versus resealable formats, are documented; for example, premium impulse packaging accounts for around 18 % of chocolate formats worldwide. Distribution channels are examined with precision: supermarkets/hypermarkets (approximately 55 % of value share), convenience stores (18 %), and e‑commerce (12 %) are all quantified, using data like the USD 6.5 billion in U.S. online candy sales and USD 38 billion supermarket confectionery sales in 2023 for calibration. Regional analysis spans North America (USD 70.26 billion market in 2023, with U.S. households visiting candy aisles 35 times per year), Europe (18 % premium impulse packaging launches), Asia‑Pacific (non‑chocolate candy growth of 15 % YOY, comprising 28 % of global share), and Middle East & Africa (USD 12 billion market, 4 % per‑capita growth in convenience segments). Each region is profiled across product volume, consumption behavior, channel composition, and pricing trends. Competitive benchmarking focuses on market share and unit volumes for top players—Mars (14 % share, 300 million packs sold in 2023) and Mondelez (12 % share, 280 million packs). The report also examines recent investment and innovation milestones including Ferrara’s USD 500 million acquisitions, Morinaga’s USD 136 million production expansion, and natural candy brands’ performance metrics such as Funday’s 35,000 pops per day distribution.

Channel and innovation frameworks form a significant part of report coverage. E‑commerce is modeled via U.S. data (USD 6.5 billion sales, 20 % growth YOY). Convenience store and supermarket channel performance are quantified (5 % volume growth for convenience, USD 38 billion supermarket sales). Pricing dynamics in hard candy ($2.25 per unit, USD 1.1 billion volume) are detailed. The product innovation section catalogs new developments like freeze-dried formats, foam gummies in 650‑g resealable bags, low‑sugar lollipops containing 1 g sugar each, and seasonal/limited‑edition launches such as Pumpkin Spice Nuggets and Toblerone Truffles at USD 11.99 for 50 pieces. Investment and M&A activity is tracked numerically: USD 500 million tied to brand acquisitions, USD 136 million in capacity expansion at Morinaga, and subscription or functional candy brand metrics. The report projects forward-looking channel build-out through 2028, referencing figures like USD 57 billion in e‑commerce upside and projected 15 % volume growth in Asia‑Pacific. Premium and health-focused format penetration rates (e.g., 20 % vegan launches, 12 % sugar-free shelf shares) are integrated into market projections. Overall, the report furnishes stakeholders with a full-spectrum, data-rich view of product formats, channel dynamics, regional consumption, competitive structures, and innovation/ investment pipelines—using consistent factual detail to support strategic decision-making.

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