2026
10
The Future of Sugar and Gum Confectionery 2026
2026-03-11T00:01:09+00:00
REP7A223233_546E_4A3B_A232_33546EBA3BDA
2195
191871
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Report
en_GB
Sugar and gum confectionery are transforming fast, driven by bold innovation, rising eco‑expectations and the evolving needs of health‑focused and ageing consumers. Regina Maiseviciute-Haydon, Associate Principal, Mintel Food & Drink…
Global
Sugar and Gum Confectionery
simple

The Future of Sugar and Gum Confectionery 2026

"Sugar and gum confectionery are transforming fast, driven by bold innovation, rising eco‑expectations and the evolving needs of health‑focused and ageing consumers."

Regina Maiseviciute-Haydon, Associate Principal, Mintel Food & Drink

Regina Maiseviciute-Haydon, Associate Principal, Mintel Food & Drink

Discover the future trends in the global sugar and gum confectionery market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the global confectionery market over the next five years.

The most important upcoming trends in the sugar confectionery market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.

This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative and inspirational launches in confectionery. Understanding the future of the industry has never been so easy.

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  1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    • Where we are now
    • In the next two years
    • In five years and beyond
  2. IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

    • Mintel’s perspective
    • The rise of premium confectionery
    • Premium innovations can elevate sugar confectionery
    • Consumer attitudes towards premium product positioning in categories adjacent to sugar confectionery
    • Opportunities exist to explore various premium attributes in sugar confectionery
    • Inspiration from Japan: focus on health, provenance and multi-sensory engagement
    • Flavour and functional innovations in chewing gum
    • Flavour exploration as a growth driver in the gum category
    • Graph 1: new gum launches by flavour, 2021-26
    • Opportunities for bold flavours, textures and experiences in gum
    • Meeting wellness expectations in everyday gum
    • Gum gets a healthy twist: the rise of functional benefits
    • Consumer needs for functional gum: how to help brands drive strategic growth
    • Consumer needs for functional gum: functional chewing gum prototypes
  3. IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND

    • Mintel’s perspective
    • Opportunities for the gum industry to align with eco-driven consumers
    • Reinventing gum for sustainability
    • Age-appropriate sugar and gum confectionery
    • Seniors prioritise health, seeking tailored food and drink products
    • The power of gentle textures
  4. KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • 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.

Powered by Robust Data

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.

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