Confectioneries & Sweets Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Sugar,Chocolate,Fine bakery wares,Others), By Application (Adult,Child), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Confectioneries & Sweets Market Overview

The Confectioneries & Sweets Market size was valued at USD 2107.32 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2931.97 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The global confectioneries & sweets market is poised at a pivotal stage, with consumers in 2024 consuming approximately 233.5 billion kilograms of confectionery and snacks annually. Per‑person purchases averaged 26.2 kg in 2023, ranging from popular chocolate bars to fine bakery wares. Per‑capita consumption in the confectioneries & sweets category has steadily increased over recent years, rising from 9.67 kg in 2023 to an estimated 9.85 kg in 2024, and projected to exceed 10.03 kg in 2025.

Production of key sweetening ingredients supports this surge, with global sugar output reaching 194 million tonnes in 2023–2024 and sugar‑cane production topping 1.9 billion tonnes in 2022, nearly 21% of global crop production. Cocoa bean harvesting, crucial for chocolate confectionery, totaled 2.38 million tonnes in 2023, with Ivory Coast delivering 42% of that supply.

Major manufacturers in confectioneries & sweets include Mars Inc., Mondelez International, Ferrero Group, Nestlé, and Hershey. In 2023, Mars reported net confectionery sales of USD 22 billion, Mondelez 14.41 billion, and Ferrero 13.08 billion, reflecting their dominant footprint. These figures highlight the sheer scale, diversity of ingredients, and leading players steering the global sweets landscape.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising per‑capita consumption reaching 10 kg by 2025 indicates strong consumer demand.

Top Country/Region: North America leads with nearly 25 kg per capita in 2024.

Top Segment: Chocolate confectionery dominates, accounting for over 40% of global confectionery exports.

Confectioneries & Sweets Market Trends

The confectioneries & sweets market is evolving rapidly, with notable shifts in product formats and consumer preferences. In 2024, global chocolate confectionery alone recorded USD 198.6 billion in sales, driven by premium offerings and innovation. Online channels have surged, with e‑commerce accounting for 15.4% of total retail sales in Q2 2023—a 7.5% year‑on‑year increase—fueling direct‑to‑consumer sweets delivery. Consumers are trading up: luxury chocolatiers like Venchi and Läderach experienced robust sales despite cocoa price surges that tripled between 2022 and 2024. Premium chocolate sales remained strong, with luxury egg products priced at €44–54 in 2024. Meanwhile, European shoppers treat chocolate as a daily staple, purchasing roughly 21 kg per person annually, compared to 23 kg in the U.S. The health and wellness trend is reshaping the sugar-based sweets landscape. Organic chocolate confectionery reached USD 1.06 billion in market size in 2024, responding to demand for fewer additives and higher-quality ingredients. Fine bakery sweets and clean-label candies are growing faster than mass-market alternatives.

Volume growth is steady: the overall confectioneries & sweets market volume is projected to reach 233.5 billion kg by 2028, marking an annual volume increase of 3.7% for 2024. Per‑capita volumes climbed from 9.5 kg in 2020 to 9.67 kg in 2023, with expectations to surpass 10.7 kg by 2029. This trend is notable regionally: Australia led with 27 kg per person in 2024, followed by South Korea at 18 kg, and Japan at 17 kg. Ingredient availability and input costs also shape trends. Sugar production hit 194 million tonnes, while cocoa production increased to 2.38 million tonnes, of which Ivory Coast alone contributed 42%. These volumes ensure supply, but price volatility has triggered shrinkflation and ingredient reformulation across product lines. In summary, key trends in the confectioneries & sweets market include: premiumization and luxury product popularity, strong e‑commerce growth, health‑oriented organic and fine-bakery segments, rising per-capita consumption globally, and ingredient‑driven reformulation responding to raw‑material pressures.

Confectioneries & Sweets Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising per‑capita consumption of confectioneries & sweets reaching 10 kg by 2025.

Global consumers are increasingly indulging in sweets: average intake rose from 9.67 kg in 2023 to 9.85 kg in 2024 and is projected to hit 10.03 kg in 2025. High‑consumption markets like Australia (27 kg), the U.S. (23 kg), South Korea (18 kg), and Japan (17 kg) reinforce sustained demand. China consumed 13 million tonnes of confectionery in 2024—about one-third of global volume. These numbers show a consistently expanding consumer base fueling market growth.

RESTRAINT

Input‑cost volatility leads to shrinkflation and recipe reformulation in mass‑market products.

Sharp prices for cocoa (tripling between 2022 and 2024) and sugar pressures caused manufacturers to reduce product sizes or substitute ingredients. Some mainstream brands cut cocoa content, prompting consumer concern. North America has seen deeper sales impact than Europe, where chocolate is viewed as a staple. Rising input costs also resulted in price-sensitive consumers trading down, slowing volume growth in mainstream sweets.

OPPORTUNITY

Premium and organic confectioneries leveraging consumer willingness to trade up.

Premium chocolate brands like Venchi and Neuhaus saw strong growth in 2024, with super-premium products commanding €44–54 price points. Organic chocolate goods reached USD 1.06 billion in 2024, as health-conscious demographics refuse mass-market substitutes. Consumers increasingly choose quality over quantity during cost‑of‑living pressure, opening windows for artisanal confectionery innovation, clean labels, functional ingredients, and luxury packaging.

CHALLENGE

Price sensitivity in key markets due to economic pressures and GLP‑1 weight‑loss drug adoption.

In the U.S., where the average consumer buys sweets as impulse items, cocoa price hikes and inflation have led to noticeable sales drops. Meanwhile, Europe’s steady consumption buffers these impacts. Additionally, GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs may suppress appetite for sweet snacks, posing new uncertainties for North American and other health-oriented markets. Companies must balance pricing and messaging to maintain demand in evolving landscapes.

Confectioneries & Sweets Market Segmentation

The Confectioneries & Sweets market is segmented by type—Sugar, Chocolate, Fine Bakery Wares, Others—and by application—Adult and Child. Segmented analysis highlights consumption preferences and growth potential across product categories and consumer age groups, supported by volumes and per‑capita figures.

By Type

• Sugar: Bulk sugar sweets remain foundational. With global sugar production at 194 million tonnes, sugar-based candies, gummies, and boiled sweets account for approximately 40% of total volume. Regional per‑person sugar‑sweets intake ranges from 27 kg in Australia to 15 kg in the UK.
• Chocolate: Premium and mass-market chocolate dominates exports, contributing over 40% of global confectionery exports. The global chocolate market reached USD 198.6 billion in 2025; volume consumption per person averaged 23 kg in the U.S. and 21 kg in Germany in 2024.
• Fine bakery wares: Pastries, cookies, and artisanal sweets form around 15% of total sweets volume. Demand for clean-label bakery wafers rose +4% in 2024, supported by health‑oriented consumers shifting from mass-market options.
• Others: This residual category—jelly beans, center-filled candies, and novelty sweets—represents 25% of global confectionery volume. Volume grew from 9.5 kg per person in 2020 to 9.85 kg in 2024, indicating stable demand.

By Application

• Adult: account for approximately 60% of sweets consumption globally. In regions like North America and Europe, average adult intake ranges between 20–27 kg per person per year. These markets show strong targeting for premium and lifestyle-oriented products.
• Child: Children consume nearly 40% of global confectionery volume. With per‑capita purchase averaging 15 kg among under‑18s, family-oriented product launches and health‑friendly candy options are high priority for manufacturers.

Confectioneries & Sweets Market Regional Outlook

Regional performance in the confectioneries & sweets market reveals consumption diversity, ingredient production disparities, and evolving consumer behavior.

• North America

led global consumption with per‑capita intake around 23 kg in 2024, translating into total volumes of 7.7 million tonnes—approximately 11% of global consumption. The U.S. alone accounted for one‑quarter of global chocolate sales, with total confectionery and snacks volume projected to reach 233.5 billion kg by 2028. However, cocoa price hikes (tripling over two years) and inflationary pressures created noticeable sales declines in mass‑market segments. GLP‑1 medication adoption and increased price sensitivity among U.S. consumers pose challenges. Despite slowdowns, strong demand for premium sweets and e‑commerce growth keep the market robust.

• Europe

remains the world’s top per‑capita sweets market with Germany averaging 21 kg per person and the UK 15 kg in 2023. Chocolate and sugar confectionery manufacturers concentrate heavily in Europe, dominating exports; Germany captured 16.8% of global chocolate exports in 2022, followed by Belgium (8.3%) and Italy (7.2%). Premium chocolatiers thrived despite cocoa volatility; luxury brands like Läderach doubled business in five years. Cookies and fine bakery wares also saw clean‑label product growth. European consumers treat confectioneries as grocery staples, bolstering volume even amid price increases.

• Asia‑Pacific

registered strong volume growth, with China consuming 13 million tonnes, India 4.1 million tonnes, and the region projected to reach 37 million tonnes by 2035. Per‑capita consumption peaked at 27 kg in Australia, 18 kg in South Korea, 17 kg in Japan, and climbing in India. Cocoa production rose +4.2% annually in China from 2013–2024. Organic and premium sweets are gaining traction in urban markets. Export figures: Malaysia (USD 2.7 billion), China (2.3 billion), and Indonesia (874 million) together held 64% of Asia‑Pacific’s confectionery exports in 2024, reflecting strong regional supply chains back to global hubs.

• Middle East & Africa

consumed modestly but grew resiliently, contributing about 18% of global confectionery volume outside the top markets. Cocoa production remains minimal locally, but 57 countries in the region produced a combined 300 000 tonnes in 2023. European exports supported supply, with Belgium, Poland, and Germany shipping large volumes. Premium sweets adoption increased in Gulf countries, though luxury penetration was slower than in Europe. Average per‑capita intake remains below 10 kg, but rising middle‑class incomes and urbanization drive opportunity. Investment in distribution and brand awareness is expected to push volume growth over the coming years.

List of Top Confectioneries & Sweets Companies

• Delfi Limited (Singapore)
• Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd. (Japan)
• Ferrero SpA (Italy)
• Lindt & Sprüngli AG (Switzerland)
• Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd. (South Korea)
• Mars Incorporated (U.S.)
• Mondelez International Inc. (U.S.)
• Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland)
• The Hershey Company (U.S.)
• Wrigley Jr. Company (U.S.).

Mars, Incorporated (U.S.): Held the highest confectionery market share in 2023, with net sales of USD 22 billion.

Mondelez International, Inc. (U.S.): Ranked second, with net confectionery sales of USD 14.41 billion in 2023.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Clean Label Starch Market is witnessing significant investment traction driven by increasing consumer demand for transparency and natural ingredients in food products. Investments are being directed toward the development of non-GMO and organic starches, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, where nearly 64% of consumers report checking ingredient labels for artificial additives. In 2023, over 39% of global food manufacturers allocated increased budgets to clean label innovation, with starches playing a crucial role in product reformulation across sauces, soups, and ready meals. Multinational food companies are revising formulations to replace modified starches with clean label alternatives that offer similar viscosity, mouthfeel, and stability. Private equity firms and strategic investors are increasingly acquiring companies with clean label portfolios. For instance, several mid-sized starch extraction plants in Southeast Asia received capital injections in 2023 to expand processing capacities for native tapioca and rice starches. Additionally, new entrants are emerging with advanced processing technologies like hydrothermal treatments and high-pressure homogenization to produce functional clean label starches without chemical additives. Investments in enzymatic starch modification processes also increased by 27% in 2023, highlighting the industry's commitment to natural innovation.

Asia-Pacific remains a significant investment hotspot due to its abundant raw material base and increasing clean label product demand. China and India collectively contributed to more than 42% of starch production expansion projects initiated in 2024, mainly for cassava and corn-based starches. European manufacturers are investing in sustainability-led innovation, particularly in the Netherlands, France, and Germany, where clean label regulations are more stringent. Investment in wheat starch facilities grew by 18% in the region, primarily aimed at serving the growing demand in bakery and confectionery sectors. Foodservice and retail sectors are also creating substantial opportunities for clean label starch adoption. In 2023, over 55% of quick-service restaurants in North America reported switching to sauces and dressings containing clean label thickeners. In retail, clean label private-label products grew by 31% year-on-year in 2023, prompting supermarkets to pressure suppliers for clean ingredient alternatives. Emerging investment opportunities are also present in bio-based packaging where starch plays a role as a film-forming agent. R&D spending on starch-based biodegradable packaging materials rose by 23% globally in 2024, aligning with the zero-plastic goals of many FMCG companies. Collectively, these trends indicate a robust investment outlook for clean label starch technologies, product development, and infrastructure expansion across the food, beverage, and biopolymer industries.

New Product Development

The Clean Label Starch Market is experiencing accelerated new product development as manufacturers respond to growing consumer demand for simple, recognizable ingredients. Innovations are being driven by the need to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life in processed foods without resorting to chemically modified additives. In 2023, more than 180 new food and beverage products were launched globally featuring clean label starches, particularly in the bakery, dairy, and convenience food sectors. Food manufacturers are increasingly turning to functional native starches processed through physical and enzymatic methods. In 2024, over 36% of newly introduced clean label starches were developed using hydrothermal techniques, which enhance starch performance while maintaining its clean label status. Companies are developing starches with high freeze-thaw stability for use in frozen meals, sauces, and dairy products. A new native rice starch variant introduced in late 2023 offered improved opacity and creaminess, making it ideal for plant-based dairy alternatives and baby foods. Potato and tapioca starches remain at the forefront of innovation due to their neutral taste, clarity, and strong thickening abilities. In 2023, a major European supplier introduced a physically modified potato starch that functions effectively in cold-processed soups and salad dressings, offering an ideal alternative to emulsifiers and synthetic stabilizers.

Tapioca starch is also being used in gluten-free baked goods, with a newly launched blend that provides enhanced elasticity and volume in bread formulations. To meet the needs of clean label beverages, a number of producers have developed low-viscosity starches that prevent sedimentation and improve mouthfeel in fruit juices and nutritional drinks. A newly patented corn-based starch released in 2024 demonstrated high clarity and stability at low pH, positioning it as a preferred ingredient in acidic beverages. Snack food manufacturers are incorporating clean label starches for improved crunch and reduced oil uptake. In 2023, a U.S.-based company launched a pre-gelatinized starch derived from waxy maize designed specifically for extruded snacks and cereals. This starch enhances expansion and texture while eliminating the need for synthetic binders. R&D in clean label starch also extends into the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. In 2024, a modified waxy rice starch was introduced for tablet binding, offering a natural alternative in pharmaceutical applications. Similarly, starches are being used in biodegradable cosmetic formulations, with over 48 new personal care products launched globally in the past year featuring clean label starch as a key functional ingredient. These innovations are redefining the boundaries of clean label across industries.

Five Recent Developments

• Mars acquires Hotel Chocolat (Nov 2023): Mars spent USD 651.5 million to acquire UK-based Hotel Chocolat, targeting a stronger foothold in the premium category.
• Fabelle Finesse (Nov 2022): ITC’s Fabelle launched cocoa‑thin chocolate bars of 7 microns, representing technological advancement in texture innovation.
• Ferrero Rocher Premium Bars (Sep 2022): Released with layered fillings to capture luxury premium segment.
• Premium luxury surge (2024): Brands like Venchi and Läderach reported doubled sales over five years; Venchi’s luxury product context priced at €44–54 during 2024.
• Organic chocolate market breach (2024): Organic chocolate confectionery’s valuation reached USD 1.06 billion, expanding the health-focused product line significantly.

Report Coverage of Confectioneries & Sweets Market

The comprehensive analysis of the Clean Label Starch Market offers a detailed exploration of industry dynamics, material types, key applications, formulation sources, distribution channels, and regional trends. The report covers native and modified starch types derived from sources such as corn, wheat, potato, tapioca, and rice, with an emphasis on products free from chemical modification and artificial additives. The analysis extends to application areas including bakery & confectionery, dairy & frozen desserts, sauces & dressings, beverages, meat & poultry products, and baby foods, examining demand patterns across these segments. It includes a close examination of consumer preferences, regulatory frameworks, manufacturing trends, clean label certifications, and technological advancements such as enzymatic and physical modification methods. The market segmentation also includes insights into regional consumption trends across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In addition to highlighting key manufacturers, product innovations, and supply chain dynamics, the report evaluates sustainability concerns, raw material sourcing, and packaging strategies. Furthermore, the study explores the competitive landscape, import-export analysis, market drivers, constraints, and opportunities, offering a data-rich foundation for strategic planning and investment decision-making.

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