The Future of Chocolate, Sugar and Gum Confectionery is a global market report that covers the latest innovations and consumer trends across the global confectionery market in 2024. Our global future of report identifies evolving areas, consumer attitudes, and important advances expected across regions like EMEA, APAC, and the Americas over the next five years and beyond.
Global Confectionery Market Landscape
The confectionery market has faced a number of challenges in the past year. Inflation in major markets drove prices up for all confectionery. The situation was exacerbated in chocolate confectionery because of the price of cocoa. However, sugar confectionery continues to flourish in an era of ‘sugar reduction’.
The Future of Confectionery in the Next Two Years
Premium chocolate continues to be a major component of the category. It has transformed from an exclusive, hard-to-find product to a supermarket staple, and a lucrative category for multinationals and private label brands. Consumers appreciate premium chocolate, but do not rely only on branded products, which highlights an opportunity for private label.
- 56% of UK chocolate users agree that eating premium chocolate is a good way to boost their moods.
The Future of Confectionery in the Next Five Years
For a number of reasons, smaller-sized chocolate products are well-positioned to become popular in the future. Portion control will be back as an element of healthy dieting and eating. At the same time, forces within the category are driving up prices. Consumers will see affordable, smaller bars as the best option.
This is just a snapshot of the Future of Confectionery, to learn more about future innovations and challenges facing the market, purchase our full report. Readers of this report may also be interested in A Year of Innovation in the Chocolate Confectionery Market 2023 or A Year of Innovation in the Gum and Sugar Confectionery Market 2023.
Expert Analysis from a Food Industry Specialist
This report, written by Marcia Mogelonsky, Director of Insight, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight global confectionery market trends and add expert context to the numbers.
Confectionery will skirt myriad challenges – from ingredient shortages and inflation to the ‘ultra-processed’ debate – by banking on indulgence and nostalgia.
Marcia Mogelonsky
Director of Insight
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what you need to know
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in the next two years
- Consolidation in the chocolate industry spells a change in the meaning and positioning of premium chocolate
- Gum’s supporters are dwindling, pointing to more challenges in the future
- Graph 1: usage of chewing gum, 2018-23
- Graph 2: interest in new gum concepts, 2023
- Ultra-processed food and the confectionery industry
- Graph 3: highly processed food/drink products are fine in moderation as part of a balanced diet, 2022*
- Graph 4: “I eat something indulgent every day (eg dessert or treat)”, 2023*
- Graph 5: Natural-related claims, % of chocolate and sugar confectionery* 2021-23
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in five years and beyond
- Smaller chocolate bars will become the norm
- New uses for chewed chewing gum
- Growing interest in customizing confectionery will allow consumers to control their sweet tooth habits
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key takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
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Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
For a closer look at what's included in a Mintel Future of report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
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