The United Kingdom Confectionery Market Report is Segmented by Type (Chocolate, Sugar Confectionery, Snack Bar and More), Packaging Type (Single-Serve and Multipacks), Price Tier (Mass and Premium) and Distribution Channels (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Online Retail Stores and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (tonnes).

The UK Confectionery Market size was valued at USD 11,759.5 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13,361.0 Million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.20 % during the forecasts periods. Recent developments include: April 2023: Swizzels Sweets has partnered with Applied Nutrition to launch a range of sports nutrition products in several of Swizzels’ well-known flavors. The sports brand Applied Nutrition announced Drumstick flavor lollies of both its bestselling hydration drink, BodyFuel, and a 60 ml shot variant of its popular pre-workout, A.B.E.April 2023: Under the ONE brand, The Hershey Company launched the Peanut Butter & Jelly Flavored Protein Bar. The ONE Limited Edition Peanut Butter & Jelly flavored bars are packed with 20 g of protein, 1 g of sugar, and the familiar taste of peanut butter and strawberry jelly flavors.March 2023: Nestlé launched a new chocolate bar fused with two flavors, i.e., the Purple One and Green Triangle. These chocolate bars are available in supermarkets across the United Kingdom.. Key drivers for this market are: Escalating Demand for Processed Poultry Products, Favorable Government Initiatives to Boost Production. Potential restraints include: Rising Vegan Trend among Young Consumers, Deeper Penetration of Red Meat Across Saudi Arabia. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

Forecast: Chocolate Confectionery Market Size Value in the UK 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The Chocolate and Confectionery Production industry can be divided into three categories: cocoa products, sugar confectionery products and chewing gum. The industry has struggled in recent years as rising health consciousness undermines long-term demand for chocolate and sweets, with consumers instead turning to functional alternatives like protein bars, fruit and plant-based snacks to satisfy their cravings. As consumer attitudes shift, there has been a resurgence in luxury chocolate, with moderated consumption boosting demand for more indulgent experiences when people choose to treat themselves. However, this trend is fuelling imports of foreign chocolate, particularly from Switzerland and France, which leverage long-standing associations for quality chocolate making to appeal to Brits, undermining domestic revenue.

Chocolate and Confectionery Production revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 0.6% to £4.2 billion over the five years through 2025-26, with revenue expected to dip by 2.9% in the current year. A major shortage of cocoa drove prices sharply higher in 2024-25, prompting widespread price hikes across the industry. While the initial surge lifted revenue, it has since weighed on long-term demand as consumers turned away from costly chocolate in favour of cheaper alternatives, dragging on sales. Producers have adapted to unpredictable costs through measures like shrinkflation. Mars reduced the size of its Galaxy Minstrels More to Share bags from 215 grams to 197 grams in February 2025 while keeping the price unchanged. Profit is expected to nudge upwards to 17.3% of revenue in 2025-26, reflecting easing cocoa prices and producers' efforts to cut per-unit costs of their chocolates and confectionery.

Revenue is set to decline modestly in the coming years as manufacturers adapt to evolving consumer trends by developing healthier and more ethically sourced products. In anticipation of upcoming bans on TV and online advertisements for high-fat, salt or sugar products from 2026, chocolate manufacturers are gearing up to introduce healthier products and adapt their marketing strategies. Companies will also stoke consumer demand through product innovation, especially in the market's premium segment, where customers perceive better value for money. A heightened focus on sustainability is also expected as the industry works to shed its negative environmental image and strengthen its appeal among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Revenue is expected to push downwards at a compound annual rate of 0.4% over the five years through 2030-31 to £4.1 billion.

UK Confectionery Market size was valued at USD 16.10 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 24.54 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2026 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Consumer Demand for Premium and Artisanal Products: An increasing preference for high-quality, organic, and handcrafted confectionery is anticipated to drive market expansion. Greater willingness among consumers to pay for ethically sourced ingredients and innovative flavors is being observed.

Focus on Healthier Alternatives: Rising health consciousness among UK consumers is expected to boost demand for sugar-free, low-calorie, and functional confectionery products. Investments in plant-based and fortified sweets are being made by manufacturers to cater to evolving dietary preferences.

The UK confectionery market surged to $8.7B in 2024, jumping by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +74.5% against 2017 indices.

Chocolate Confectionery Market Size Value in the UK, 2021 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

During a survey in the summer of 2025, about 46 percent of respondents from the United Kingdom stated that they like to snack on chocolate & candy bars. Only seven percent stated that, in general, they do not care about these types of products.Interested in more detailed results covering all brands of this ranking and many more? These statistics show the results of the GCS Brand Profiler.

The Confectionery Wholesaling industry has benefitted from consumers perceiving confectionery as an affordable luxury that they can't do without, despite the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures over the past five years. The consumer appetite for new and exciting treats is expanding, with exotic and nostalgic products performing well. Growing health consciousness has supported sales for products low in sugar, like dark chocolate and plant-based jellies. Revenue in the confectionery wholesaling industry is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 5.1% to £12.3 billion over the five years through 2025-26. The average profit margin is forecast to expand to 5.5% in 2025-26. The industry has encountered some challenges in recent times. Soaring cocoa and sugar prices have led to wholesalers having to pass on a significant portion of purchase costs downstream to retailers and consumers, which has had the knock-on effect of dampening revenue growth. Supermarkets, which are confectionery wholesalers' largest buyer, are putting the industry under greater pressure to drop their prices through the wholesale bypass. With the wholesale bypass, they can cut out wholesalers and buy straight from manufacturers, using their size and logistical capacity. They've also expanded their own-label products, which has reduced their reliance on wholesalers. These factors are expected to contribute to a 0.8% dip in revenue for confectionery wholesalers in 2025-26. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 2.9% to £14.2 billion over the five years through 2030-31. As the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressure subside, wholesalers' orders for confectionery are likely to inch upward, particularly from convenience stores, which are expanding their presence across the UK. Sales for high-margin premium confectionery will drive growth and support profitability, with hospitality markets like restaurants and hotels wanting to bolster the quality of their services to their customers. Expanding digitalisation in the industry will open up opportunities for wholesalers to directly sell to consumers through e-commerce and push down operational costs by enhancing processing efficiency and broadening distribution systems, ultimately boosting revenue and profitability. However, wholesalers will face growing regulatory pressures from the government, which is expanding its initiative to tackle obesity by banning the advertisement of products high in fat, sugar and salt from October 2025.

The United Kingdom Chocolate Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate), Form (Tablets and Bars, and More), Price Range (Mass, Premium), Ingredient Type (Dairy-Based, Plant-Based, Single Origin), and Distribution Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Both Value (USD) and Volume (Units).

UK Confectionery comes with extensive industry analysis of development components, patterns, flows, and sizes. The report calculates present and past market values to forecast potential market management during the forecast period between 2025 - 2033.

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Chocolate Confectionery Market Size 2024-2028

The chocolate confectionery market size is valued to increase USD 31 billion, at a CAGR of 4.36% from 2023 to 2028. Frequent product launches will drive the chocolate confectionery market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 33% growth during the forecast period.
By Product - Chocolate bars segment was valued at USD 50.50 billion in 2022
By Distribution Channel - Offline segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 45.58 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 31.00 billion
CAGR : 4.36%
APAC: Largest market in 2022

Market Summary

The market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, characterized by continuous innovation and consumer preferences. Core technologies, such as 3D printing and nanotechnology, are revolutionizing the production process, enabling the creation of unique and intricate chocolate products. Applications, including gifting, impulse buying, and health-conscious options, are driving market growth. Service types, including customization and personalization, are gaining popularity among consumers. Regulations, such as those regarding labeling and ingredients, are shaping the market landscape. According to recent reports, The market is expected to reach a significant market share in the upcoming years, driven by an increase in product launches and packaging innovations. For instance, in 2020, Nestle launched a new line of chocolate bars with recyclable packaging, addressing consumer concerns about sustainability. However, the market also faces challenges, such as an increase in the number of product recalls due to contamination issues. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist for companies to differentiate themselves through product quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practices.

What will be the Size of the Chocolate Confectionery Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Chocolate Confectionery Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The chocolate confectionery industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments. ProductChocolate barsBoxed assortments and seasonal variantsOthersDistribution ChannelOfflineOnlineGeographyNorth AmericaUSEuropeGermanyUKAPACChinaIndiaRest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The chocolate bars segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic and evolving the market, chocolate bars continue to dominate with a significant market share of 55.3% in 2023. This trend is expected to persist, as chocolate bars are poised to maintain their leading position with a projected market share of 56.8% by 2028. The chocolate bars segment encompasses countlines and molded bars. Countlines, individually wrapped chocolate-coated bars, and molded bars, small chocolate pieces cut from large chocolate blocks, are popular sub-segments. Major brands such as Snickers, Milky Bar, Milka, Galaxy, 5 Star, Dove, and Cadbury Dairy Milk, contribute significantly to the chocolate bars segment. Innovative chocolate flavors and textures in confectionery products, along with eye-catching packaging, fuel the growth of this category. Quality control metrics, such as sugar crystallization, viscosity control, and chocolate tempering, play a crucial role in maintaining the desired texture and taste in chocolate confectionery products. Ingredient sourcing, sensory evaluation methods, and supply chain management are essential for ensuring consistent product quality. Defect detection systems, waste reduction strategies, and rheological properties are key considerations in chocolate confectionery production. Ingredient interactions, ingredient preservation, and ingredient functionality are essential for optimizing product formulation and ensuring product stability. Storage conditions, texture analysis, texture modification, process optimization, and moulding techniques are critical aspects of chocolate confectionery manufacturing. Energy efficiency improvements, aroma retention, and enrobing techniques are ongoing trends in the industry. Microbial contamination control, flavor profiling, and mass production techniques are essential for maintaining product safety and efficiency. Color stability, cocoa bean processing, and flavor compound interactions are crucial factors in creating high-quality chocolate confectionery products. The market is a continuously evolving industry, with ongoing research and development in areas such as automation systems, quality assurance protocols, and packaging technologies. The

United Kingdom (UK) Confectionery Market is expected to grow during 2025-2031

The Europe Confectionery Market report segments the industry into Confections (Chocolate, Gums, Snack Bar, Sugar Confectionery), Distribution Channel (Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others), and Country (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Rest of Europe). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

Chocolate Confectionery Market Size Volume in the UK, 2021 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Europe has a robust chocolate and confectionery manufacturing sector owing to European consumers’ appetite for sweet treats. Europe is the world's leading producer and consumer of chocolate. The continent imported 58% of the world’s cocoa beans in 2023 and accounted for 76% of worldwide chocolate sales. Notably, renowned chocolate manufacturers from Belgium and Switzerland contribute significantly to this high export rate and together with Germany also lead in per-capita chocolate consumption. Consequently, the huge demand for chocolate within and outside Europe creates a profitable market for European manufacturers. The chocolate and confectionery industry faces challenges due to increasing sugar and cocoa prices. These rising costs have compelled European manufacturers to raise their selling prices. Although consumers continued to buy chocolate and sweets despite the price hikes, the growing cost of living threatens to reduce consumption. Statistics show that EU sugar prices alone rose by 80% in the year through June 2023, sparking attempts to minimise sugar usage in chocolate products. Nonetheless, the high price of chocolate has driven industry revenue growth of 0.1% over the five years through 2025, to reach €76.9 billion. Cocoa prices have dropped in 2025, contributing to a projected 1.1% drop in industry revenue. Confectionery manufacturers are set to implement healthier solutions and pursue more sustainable practices. An increased health awareness among European consumers threatens the consumption of sugary products like chocolate. However, it could also present an opportunity for healthier alternatives like dark chocolate, which contains less sugar. Ethical sourcing and sustainability are becoming more popular as consumers increasingly demand information about their chocolate's origin and production process. As a result, European chocolate manufacturers are keen on sourcing cocoa from sustainable farms and promoting transparency in their supply chains. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.6% over the five years through 2030 to reach €87.3 billion.

The UK Compound Chocolate Market report segments the industry into Product Type (Dark, Milk, White Chocolate), Form (Chocolate Chips/Drops/Chunks, Chocolate Slab, Chocolate Coatings, Other Forms), and Application (Bakery, Confectionery, Frozen Desserts & Ice Cream, Beverages, Cereals, Other Applications). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

The confectionery market is projected to be valued at USD 324.7 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to grow to USD 605.8 billion by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% over the forecast period.

Semi-Annual Demand Space Update

Country-wise Insights

Discover the latest trends and insights into the booming UK chocolate market. This comprehensive analysis reveals market size, growth projections, key players, and segment performance, from dark and milk chocolate to various distribution channels. Learn how sustainability and innovation shape the future of UK chocolate consumption. Recent developments include: March 2023: Whitakers Chocolates unveiled its investment in enhancing its printing process and flow wrapping capabilities as it expands its chocolate production focused on private label ranges. The company’s launch product is a 90-gram flow wrap square pack of dark chocolate Fondant Creams.October 2022: Barry Callebaut introduced the second generation of chocolate. By design, the second generation of chocolate puts ‘cocoa first, sugar last.’ Dark chocolate is only made from cocoa and sugar; milk chocolate contains dairy as well.February 2022: Nestlé unveiled new chocolates and sweets, including KitKat Biscoff Giant Egg and Aero Melts. Nestlé unveiled an array of new goodies for chocolate and sweet lovers that will land on UK shelves.. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

GlobalData’s Country Profile report on the confectionery sector in United Kingdom provides insights on high growth markets to target, trends in the usage of packaging materials, types and closures category level distribution data and companies market shares. Read More