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Global confectionery market growth – A Summary
- The global confectionery market will reach $278 billion by 2032
- The growth of non-chocolate confectionery is faster than the overall category, at 5.5% CAGR
- Market share of chewy candy is 50%, which leads the non-chocolate market.
- Candy sales are boosted by seasonal events such as Halloween and Easter
- Gen Z and Millennials prefer sour and spicy flavours
Global confectionery is growing.
The industry, which includes everything from brightly coloured lollipops and rich chocolates to a variety of other confections, is booming.
It’s currently valued at $278bn, but that number is expected to rise by 2032. (Market analysts Fortune Business Insights).
Candy is the leading confectionery product.
Candy sales soaring
Data Bridge Market Research reports that non-chocolate sweets are growing fast. The market is up 5.5%, according to the research. It is expected to grow from $87bn in current sales, up to $134bn.
The National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) spokesperson says that non-chocolate candies are the second largest confectionery category. Their share in total confectionery has increased steadily since 2020. This is due to the consumer demand for different types of candy.
Which candies do consumers want the most?
Sweet fan favourites
According to the NCA report Getting to Know Candy Consumers 2025, chewy candies account for 50% of non-chocolate candy sales.
The 5 best candy varieties
- Gummies
- Chewy candy
- Hard Candy
- Lollipop
- Licorice
Younger generations also enjoy the texture of liquid and freeze-dried candies.
When it comes down to the taste of the product, traditional fruit flavors are tops with 42% market share. Gen Z and Millennials prefer sour and spicy flavours, as well as “mystery”.
Gen X is currently leading unit sales with Millennials closely behind.
Enjoy a sweet seasonal treat
When we look at the sales of confectionery, it is clear that the main driver remains seasonal, with the top four being Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
A spokesperson from the NCA says that candy is deeply rooted in everyday pleasure and also special occasions. “61% consumers treat themselves to candy, but major holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Winter celebrations also contribute to seasonal peak.
Aside from this, the candy industry benefits both from planned purchases and those that are not. There is really no bad season for them. In fact, whether you are happy or sad, your mood will influence the purchase of candy.
In terms of priorities for shoppers, price is the next priority. Brands need to get this right, or else they could lose to their competitors.
Brand is ranked third, indicating that the “power of brand” has diminished.
Today and tomorrow, who is buying candy?
Source: National Confectioners Association
2025 2030 Generation Z 3.2% 17.2% Millennials 30.2% 34.1% Generation X 32.3% 25.7% Boomers 31.2% 21.8% Silent Generation 3.1% 1.2%
Chocolate market
Chocolate continues to dominate the sector despite the growth of the sweets category.
Chocolate’s dominance is expected to continue, with a global market worth of $123bn. It also retains its emotional and cultural resonance among consumers around the world. The market is expected to grow to $184bn in 2033. This will continue to be the dominant product.
Despite the size of chocolate confectionery’s market, it is growing at a slower rate than other types, with a CAGR of 4.8%, according to Grand View Research, indicating a shift in consumer tastes.
It is clear that, while chocolate will remain the cornerstone in confectionery, there are other segments that have gained momentum, driven by such trends as health-conscious snacks, plant-based products, novel textures, and new formats.
The chocolate industry is a leader for the moment, but there is a shift in consumer preferences and investments towards non-chocolate sweets.
What is next in confectionery?
The confectionery industry is moving into a new dynamic phase as consumer preferences change and innovations accelerate. The brands that are most likely to grow will be those who embrace seasonality, variety of texture, and flavour experimentation.
The future is bright for the chocolate industry, as non-chocolate sweets are gaining in popularity, while the market for chocolate remains stable. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities available to manufacturers, investors, and retailers.