Candy Market is estimated to be valued at USD 91.04 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 123.89 Bn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2025 to 2032.
Consumers actively drive the candy market through their demand for indulgent, convenient, and innovative products. The market includes both chocolate and non-chocolate types such as gummies, hard candies, mints, and chews. Retailers like supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms boost sales by offering seasonal treats, premium options, and unique flavors. Health-focused products and viral trends on social media are also shaping buying behavior. As a result, the candy market continues to evolve, offering a wider and more engaging range of experiences.
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Convenience Store acquired the prominent share of 36.0% in 2025. Consumers drive candy sales in convenience stores by making impulse purchases during quick visits. Retailers boost these sales through strategic product placement at checkout counters and high-traffic areas, encouraging unplanned buys. Shoppers often pick candy as an affordable treat, while younger customers actively seek bold flavors and novel formats. Promotions, seasonal setups, and bundled deals capture additional interest. By offering easy access, wide availability, and a fast-shopping experience, convenience stores play a key role in driving growth in the candy market. For instance, in June 2025, Pladis expanded the famous McVitie's Club brand by launching McVitie's Club Layers Orange, bringing it to both convenience and confectionery shelves.
Consumers actively drive growth in the non-chocolate candy market by seeking variety, novelty, and healthier snacking options. They prefer bold flavors, unique textures, and innovative formats such as gummies, sour candies, and chewy treats. Seasonal releases and impulse buys at convenience stores further support sales. Health-minded shoppers look for sugar-free, vegan, and naturally sourced ingredients. Brands boost visibility and encourage trial through creative marketing and social media engagement, shaping non-chocolate candy into a vibrant, fast-evolving segment of the confectionery industry. For instance, in February 2025, Fazer has launched new grain-based Fazer Taste the Future candy tablets without cocoa. The company carefully analyzed the aroma profiles of various Finnish grains and paired them with other plant-based ingredients to create the new Fazer Taste the Future tablets. Such innovations are accelerating the candy market share.
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North America dominates the overall market with an estimated share of 39% in 2025. Consumers in North America are driving the candy market by showing strong interest in premium and artisanal products that highlight unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. They are influencing manufacturers to develop healthier options, including low-sugar, natural, and functional candies. Seasonal and limited-edition releases generate excitement and encourage repeat purchases, while convenient, on-the-go packaging meets busy lifestyles. Brands actively use quick commerce and social media platforms to market their products, engage younger audiences, and spark innovation throughout the region. For instance, in September 2024, Protein Candy™ officially launched across North America, introducing the world's first "super candy." Containing 14 grams of protein, 4 grams of sugar, 6 grams of prebiotic fiber, and only 140 calories, Protein Candy™ delivers up to 100 times more protein than any other candy on the market.
Consumers in Europe are driving the candy market by demanding premium and ethically sourced products with high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. They influence manufacturers to create sugar-reduced, organic, and natural candies in response to health and wellness trends. Seasonal events and innovative flavors capture consumer interest, while convenient packaging meets the needs of busy lifestyles. Brands actively use digital marketing and e-commerce to reach younger consumers and launch new products that reflect changing preferences across the region. For instance, in January 2025, The Ferrara Candy Company, a global leader in sugar confections, announced the arrival of NERDS Gummy Clusters and NERDS Rope in Europe. Bison Brands supports this expansion by simplifying supply through localized expertise, competitive pricing, and dedicated logistics hubs in the Netherlands and Spain.
Consumers in the United States drive the candy market by seeking bold flavors and innovative textures, prompting brands to explore new and unconventional products. They increasingly choose better-for-you options with cleaner ingredients and less sugar. Seasonal limited-edition releases generate excitement and encourage repeat purchases, while convenient, portable packaging appeals to busy lifestyles. Brands actively use digital platforms, particularly social media, to market their products, set trends, and engage a wide range of consumers, quickly adapting to evolving preferences nationwide. For instance, in December 2024, Ferrara Candy Company, a leading sugar confections company in the U.S., launched its Holiday Candy Salad Kit. Customers can gift one of the year's sweetest—and viral—social media trends, available exclusively on its first-ever TikTok Shop while supplies last.
Consumers in the United Kingdom are shaping the candy market by prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing alongside indulgence. They show growing interest in artisanal and craft candies that deliver unique flavor experiences. Health consciousness pushes demand for reduced-sugar and natural ingredient products. Seasonal promotions and limited-edition releases keep consumers engaged, while convenient and eco-friendly packaging attracts modern shoppers. Brands actively use online sales and social media to connect with younger audiences and quickly respond to changing market trends. For instance, in July 2025, Ruly, a new entrant in the UK confectionery sector, launched its line of caffeine-infused sweets to capture a niche in the growing functional candy market.
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
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| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 91.04 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 4.5% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 123.89 Bn |
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August Stork, Candy Me, CartoonCandy, Cloetta Ab, DeMet, Ferrero Group, Ferrara Candy Company, Grupo Arcor, Haribo GmbH & Co. KG, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International, Inc., Naeemfoods, Perfetti Van Melle, Purebred Confectionery, Rock Candy, and The Hershey Company. |
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The candy market is shifting toward products made with natural sweeteners, organic components, and minimal artificial additives. Consumers want transparent labels reflecting health-conscious choices, prompting brands to reformulate recipes. This trend fuels innovation in plant-based sugars, natural colors, and preservatives sourced from nature, aiming to satisfy taste without compromising wellness. Clean-label candies are gaining traction as shoppers balance indulgence with nutritional awareness, pushing the industry toward greater ingredient transparency and sustainability.
Candy makers are exploring bold, unexpected flavor combinations to break monotony. Mixing sweet with savory, spicy, or exotic fruit profiles appeals to adventurous palates craving novelty. This trend sees influences from global cuisines, integrating ingredients like chili, matcha, or yuzu. The focus is on creating sensory excitement through layered flavors and textures, transforming candy from a simple treat to a gourmet experience. This innovation drives consumer engagement by appealing to curiosity and exploration.
With the surge in plant-based lifestyles, there’s a promising opportunity to develop vegan-friendly candies using natural, animal-free ingredients. Innovations in plant proteins, natural sweeteners, and gelatin alternatives allow brands to cater to vegans and flexitarians seeking ethical indulgence. This segment invites creative formulation and marketing focused on cruelty-free, sustainable, and allergy-friendly treats, tapping into a growing community driven by environmental and health values.
In May 2025, German confectionery brand Treets launched in the UK via the new Candy Kittens Introduces platform, offering three vegan snacks: Crunchy Corn, Crispy, and Salted Peanuts. The products, packaged similarly to a well-known US brand, feature ChoViva—a cocoa-free chocolate alternative made from sunflower seeds.
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About Author
Sakshi Suryawanshi is a Research Consultant with 6 years of extensive experience in market research and consulting. She is proficient in market estimation, competitive analysis, and patent analysis. Sakshi excels in identifying market trends and evaluating competitive landscapes to provide actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. Her expertise helps businesses navigate complex market dynamics and achieve their objectives effectively.
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