The Future of Chocolate, Sugar and Gum Confectionery 2021

Providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the Future of Chocolate, Sugar & Gum Confectionary market, including the behaviours, preferences and habits of the consumer.

The pandemic has slowed innovation as the usual channels and tactics used to attract new consumers have been shut down. Sampling and gifting through boutiques and other brick-and-mortar options have proven to be a challenge, but online sales have grown. Especially challenged has been gum, as impulse buys disappeared. In the next two years the war on sugar will remain a challenging battleground as consumers overwhelmingly want to keep their usual products without sugar reduction. Sustainability comes up against hygiene as consumers are still cautious about sharing. Confectionery’s role as a mental health support remains strong.

In five years and beyond as suppliers broaden the “cocoa lands” in an effort to expand supply beyond Africa, the issue of child slave labor will continue to be important. As the idea of promoting less-sweet flavors gains ground, the potential for relying on aromas to enhance flavor will become a new focus for manufacturers. Manufacturers continued to innovate across confectionery categories even as consumers’ access to many confectionery channels was restricted. Across markets, manufacturers launched new products through online sales and social media. This market report covers the chocolate market share UK, chocolate industry market share and how the industry has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lockdowns and closures have weighed heavily on a category that depends on taste and interactions. Sharing bags, communal boxes and sampling trays fell out of favor as hygiene became a major focus for confectionery consumers.

Read on to discover more details or take a look at all of our Chocolate Confectionary market research and Sugar and Gum Confectionary market research. 

Covered in this report

Brands: Sportness, Mentos, Tony’s, Tasty Tabs, Hershey, Mondelēz, Fairtrade, Siggi’s.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

Written by Marcia Mogelonsky, a leading analyst in the Food & Drink sector, her extensive knowledge delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

Confectionery will never be a conventional “health food” and the path to sugar reduction remains bumpy. However, its role in emotional support should be championed.
Marcia Mogelonsky
Director of Insight