A Year of Innovation in Sugar and Gum Confectionery 2026
"Brands are reinventing confectionery through seasonal excitement, functional and free-from formulations, and bolder flavours and textures."
Anis Pauzi, Associate Analyst (Innovation)
Explore the latest innovations in sugar and gum confectionery with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.
Key innovation trends in the global confectionery market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
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- What we have seen
- Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
- Other innovative launches
- Global spotlight: chewy formats take the lead in category innovation
- Graph 1: sugar and gum confectionery launches, by sub-categories, 2025-26
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EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
- Europe: seasonal confectionery innovation surges
- Consumers crave novelty and themed treats
- Brands go big on seasonal as variety packs drive the boom
- Graph 2: sugar and gum confectionery launches with seasonal and/or limited edition claims, 2021-26
- Seasonal launches fuel Halloween sweet spend
- Europe: brands diversify flavours to broaden appeal
- Consumers seek balance through contrasting flavours
- Flavour innovation shifts toward berry fruit and sour
- Graph 3: sugar and gum confectionery launches, by select flavour component subgroups, 2021-26
- Sour flavours step in as sweetness evolves
- The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Bold launches fuel flavour exploration
- Brand renovation/innovation: Pimp My Party launches adult flavours
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ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
- Asia: brands drive innovation in functional confectionery
- Consumers turn to candy for wellness
- Asia leads global uptake of functional claims
- Graph 4: sugar and gum confectionery launches with functional claims, by region, 2025-26
- Brands across Asia reinvent sweets with functional benefits
- Asia: brands expand launches with softer texture
- Texture turns sweets into an emotional indulgence
- Brands turn their attention to softer candies
- Graph 5: sugar and gum confectionery launches, by textures, 2021-26
- Brands use texture to elevate experience
- Australia & New Zealand
- Better-for-you innovation takes centre-stage
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THE AMERICAS
- North America: private-label confectionery continues to rise
- Consumers choose private label for affordable indulgence
- Private label drives confectionery launch activity
- Graph 6: sugar and gum confectionery launches, by share of private label, 2021-26
- Private label innovates through format, flavour and seasonality
- North America: freeze-dried confectionery sees a rise in launch share
- Freeze-dried candy sparks a new texture trend
- Freeze-dried claims gain momentum in texture-led innovation
- Graph 7: sugar confectionery launches with a 'freeze-dried' descriptor*, 2023-26
- Freeze-dried formats drive innovation
- Latin America
- Latin American confectionery embraces chili flavours
- Sweet and spicy duo
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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