The UK Confectionery Market is segmented by Confections (Chocolate, Gums, Snack Bar, Sugar Confectionery) and by Distribution Channel (Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key data points observed include market segmental split by confections, confectionery variant, sugar content, and distribution channel.

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Chocolate Confectionery Market Size 2024-2028

The chocolate confectionery market size is forecast to increase by USD 31 billion at a CAGR of 4.36% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the frequent product launches and packaging innovations in the industry. Consumers' increasing preference for premium and artisanal chocolate products, coupled with the expanding retail presence of these offerings, is fueling market expansion. However, the market faces challenges, including the rise in the number of product recalls due to contamination issues. These incidents can negatively impact brand reputation and consumer trust, necessitating stringent quality control measures. To capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively, companies must prioritize product safety, invest in research and development for innovative offerings, and adopt sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. By staying abreast of consumer trends and market dynamics, chocolate confectionery players can position themselves for long-term success in this dynamic and competitive market.

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

Request Free SampleThe market experiences growth, fueled by consumers' enduring affection for premium quality chocolate products. Global chocolate consumption continues to rise, driven by the popularity of both mainstream and luxury indulgence offerings. Premium confectionery products, including milk mousse and creamy caramel, capture a significant market share due to their rich sensorial appeal. Health-conscious consumers seek out chocolate with label claims such as organic, sustainably sourced, and dark chocolate varieties, reflecting the trend towards healthy eating lifestyles. Exotic spices, floral notes, unexpected textures, and rare cocoa varieties add to the market's dynamic nature, catering to the diverse tastes of chocolate lovers. Artisanal chocolates, with their distinct flavor combinations, further expand the market landscape, offering a unique and luxurious experience.

How is this Chocolate Confectionery Industry segmented?

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 ChannelOfflineOnlineGeographyEuropeGermanyUKNorth AmericaUSAPACChinaIndiaSouth AmericaMiddle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The chocolate bars segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market is expected to grow steadily, with chocolate bars remaining the largest segment in 2023 and beyond. This segment includes countlines and molded bars. Countlines consist of individually wrapped, chocolate-coated bars, while molded bars are small chocolate pieces cut from larger blocks. Major brands such as Snickers, Milky Bar, Milka, Galaxy, 5 Star, Dove, and Cadbury Dairy Milk dominate the chocolate bars market. Innovative chocolate flavors and textures, as well as attractive packaging, are key growth drivers. Consumer preferences for premium quality products, including dark chocolate confectionery with health benefits, are influencing market trends. Peanut butter, milk mousse, creamy caramel, and other gourmet flavors are gaining popularity. Healthy eating lifestyles have led to the demand for sugar reduction, low-calorie, and sugar-free chocolate snacks. Premium chocolate brands, artisanal chocolates, and organic and sustainably sourced chocolate are also on the rise. Consumer packs, added sugar content, and seasonal treats are other market trends. Consumers' preferences for high-quality, gourmet chocolate products, visual appeal, and innovative varieties continue to shape the market.

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The Chocolate bars segment was valued at USD 50.50 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 33% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The European the market is driven by the demand for premium quality products, particularly in the UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and Spain. Major players in this market include Mars, Mondelez International, Barry Callebaut, Nestle, Ferrero, and Chocoladefabriken Lindt and Sprungli AG. The market is highly competitive, with a variety of offerings from both regional

The UK confectionery market rose remarkably to $7.1B in 2024, picking up by 5.3% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

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.

In UK Confectionery Market, It is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by factors such as innovation, changing consumer preferences, and the increasing demand for healthier options.

The Confectionery Wholesaling industry has navigated a challenging operating environment. Concerns over the health problems attributed to the consumption of confectionery, like obesity, have deterred demand for several products high in sugar and fat. Many small wholesalers and major confectionery producers' wholesale and distribution divisions operate in the industry, including Mondelez, Mars Wrigley Confectionery and Nestle. Revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 2.7% to £10.2 billion over the five years through 2024-25. Wholesalers have pumped money into developing their product mixes to reduce sugar content, spurred by shifting consumer tastes and preferences for healthier snacks. Sales of premium goods have surged as consumers seek top-quality, ethical products, boosting demand for more high-end confectionery products. Organic and Fair Trade certification has allowed higher prices to be passed downstream, leading to higher input prices in upstream production. Some vertically integrated wholesalers have cut ties with organisations like Fair Trade to preserve their profit margin. Since 2022-23, economic headwinds, including severe inflationary pressures, have weakened consumer confidence and disposable incomes, constraining spending on confectionery products. Despite this, consumers still turn to sweet treats as a pick-me-up, keeping revenue growing at an estimated compound annual rate of 1.3% in 2024-25. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 6.1% to £13.7 billion over the five years to 2029-30. Demand for high-margin premium confectionery will drive growth and support profitability. To prop up profitability, wholesalers will likely continually move away from more costly Fair Trade associations, despite public outcries. Wider acknowledgement of niche opportunities for growth presented by the industry, like the organic market, is likely to encourage more confectionery wholesalers to enter the industry. Increasing wholesale bypass and market consolidation will inevitably push some smaller wholesalers out of the industry.

The UK Chocolate Market is segmented by Confectionery Variant (Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate) and by Distribution Channel (Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key data points observed include market segmental split by confections, confectionery variant, sugar content, and distribution channel.

United Kingdom Confectionery Market was valued at USD 16.28 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 21.57 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.8%

Pages	182
Market Size	2024: USD 16.28 Billion
Forecast Market Size	2030: USD 21.57 Billion
CAGR	2025-2030: 4.8%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	England
Key Players	1 Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG 2 Arcor S.A.I.C 3 August Storck KG 4 Barry Callebaut AG 5 Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG 6 Confiserie Leonidas SA 7 Ferrero International SA 8 HARIBO Holding GmbH & Co. KG 9 Mars Incorporated 10 Mondelēz International Inc.

Discover the latest trends in the UK chocolate and confectionery market as demand continues to rise. Market performance is expected to gradually increase over the next decade, with an estimated growth in both volume and value terms. Find out how the market is projected to expand to 822K tons and reach $5B by 2035.

The value generated from the export of sugar confectionery including white choclate not containing cocoa in the United Kingdom saw no significant changes in 2024 in comparison to the previous year 2023 and remained at around 226.9 million British Pounds. However, 2024 marked the third consecutive increase of the value in this industry. Find other key market indicators concerning the mate, cheese and curd and birds skin..

The Chocolate and Confectionery Production industry can be divided into three categories: cocoa products, sugar confectionery products and chewing gum. Producers have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including rising health consciousness, fluctuating input costs and increased competition from imported goods. The resultant dip in revenue has prompted action among producers. Increased health awareness has made organic and fair trade practices more popular and led consumers towards healthier chocolate and sweet alternatives. Manufacturers have started producing low-sugar versions of classic chocolate bars. Chocolate manufacturers have also been expanding into vegan chocolate. Industry revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £5 billion, including an estimated rise of 8.1% in 2024-25. Fluctuating input costs, including cocoa, milk and sugar, have forced manufacturers to hike selling prices to pass on cost increases to downstream buyers, propping up profit and revenue. A major shortage of cocoa in the 2024 harvesting season has caused prices to skyrocket in 2024-25. Consumers are also gaining a greater taste for luxury chocolates, boosting sales. 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 (expected in late 2025), chocolate manufacturers are gearing up to introduce healthier products. Companies will also stoke consumer demand through product innovation, especially in the market's premium segment, where customers perceive better value for money. Still, revenue is expected to edge upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.7% over the five years through 2029-30 to £5.1 billion.

The global chocolate confectionery market is slated to reach USD 167.1 billion in 2025. The industry is poised to witness 7.1% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, registering USD 334.2 billion by 2035.

Metrics	Values
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 167.1 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 334.2 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	7.1%

Segmentation

Segment	Value Share (2025)
Chocolate Bars	31.7%

Segment	Value Share (2025)
Milk	46.4%

Country-wise Analysis

Countries	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	6.9%
UK	7.2%
France	7.5%
Germany	6.8%
Italy	7.3%
South Korea	8.0%
Japan	7.6%
China	8.5%
Australia	7.4%
New Zealand	7.5%

Competitive Outlook

Company	Industry Share
The Hershey Company	15-20%
Ferrero	10-15%
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG	7-10%
Mars, Incorporated	12-16%
Mondelēz International	8-12%
Nestlé	7-10%
CEMOI Group	2-4%
Barry Callebaut	3-5%
Lake Champlain Chocolates	1-2%
LOTTE	2-4%

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Sugar Confectionery Market Size 2024-2028

The sugar confectionery market size is forecast to increase by USD 24.8 billion at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2023 and 2028. The global confectionery industry encompasses the production of chocolate (chocolate market) and is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. One trend influencing market expansion is the increasing number of product launches, particularly in the areas of soluble candies and aerated products. These innovations offer consumers new textures and flavors, catering to evolving preferences. Additionally, the rise of online retailing is boosting market growth, as consumers increasingly turn to e-commerce platforms for convenience and accessibility. However, the negative health effects associated with sugar consumption pose a challenge to market growth. Manufacturers are responding by introducing sugar-reduced and sugar-free options, as well as exploring alternatives such as gums, jellies, licorice, and hydrocolloids.

What will the Sugar Confectionery Market Size during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a wide range of sweets, including boiled sweets, fondant, vitreous mass, crystalline products, and various types of chocolate. These confections are produced through a series of processes, including boiling, cooling, and crystallization, to create desirable textures and flavors. Sucrose, invert sugars, and glucose syrups are the primary raw materials used in sugar confectionery production. The manufacturing process involves heating sucrose to its melting point, followed by cooling and crystallization to form the desired confection. Invert sugars and glucose syrups are used as substitutes for sucrose or in combination with it to enhance the texture and sweetness of the final product.

Additionally, flavors and colors are essential components of sugar confectionery, with a vast array of options available to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Syrup bob, a traditional method of making boiled sweets, involves the use of artificial colors and preservatives to enhance the visual appeal and extend the shelf life of the product. Water activity and colligative properties play a crucial role in sugar confectionery production. Proper control of water activity ensures the stability and shelf life of the final product, while an understanding of solubility and the maillard reaction is essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor.

Market Segmentation

The market 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.

Product Type

  Hard boiled sweets
  Caramel and toffees
  Gums and jellies
  Medicated confectionery
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    Mexico
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Product Type Insights

The hard boiled sweets segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market in the United States is extensive, comprising a multitude of products that cater to diverse consumer tastes. A notable segment within this industry is hard boiled candies, which hold a substantial market share due to their enduring popularity. Hard boiled candies, also referred to as hard caramels, are a classic confectionery item with a lengthy shelf life and a wide array of flavors. Their production process involves cooking sugar and other ingredients to a high temperature, resulting in a hard, glass--like candy. Hard caramels are a well-loved staple in the market. These sweets are cherished for their long shelf life and the vast selection of flavors they offer.

Hard caramels are produced by boiling sugar and other ingredients to a high temperature, yielding a hard, glass-like candy. The hard boiled candy market is characterized by intense competition, with key players focusing on product innovation and consumer preferences. Wholesale trade plays a crucial role in the distribution of hard boiled candies. Coated sweets, such as chocolate-covered caramels, and bonbons, are also significant contributors to the market. Traditional hard caramels, with their classic, chewy texture, remain popular, while aniseed sticks and Bavarian malt balls cater to niche consumer segments. New product launches and flavor innovations continue to drive growth in the hard boiled candy market.

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The hard boiled sweets segment accounted for USD 16.20 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

APAC is estimated to contribute 44% to the growth of the global

Learn about the growth of the chocolate and confectionery market in the UK, driven by increasing demand. Find out the projected market volume and value by the end of 2035.

The global confectionery market is projected to grow from approximately USD 324.7 billion in 2025 to around USD 605.8 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Confectionery Business Size (2025)	USD 324.7 billion
Projected Global Confectionery Business Value (2035)	USD 605.8 billion
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	6.2%

Semi-Annual Demand Space Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1	5.8% (2024 to 2034)
H2	6.0% (2024 to 2034)
H1	6.3% (2025 to 2035)
H2	6.6% (2025 to 2035)

Country-wise Insights

Countries	CAGR (2025 to 2025)
Germany	4.4%
UK	6.5%
USA	3.1%
China	7.5%
Japan	3.2%

The Europe Confectionery Market is segmented by Confections (Chocolate, Gums, Snack Bar, Sugar Confectionery), by Distribution Channel (Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others) and by Country (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key data points observed include market segmental split by confections, confectionery variant, sugar content, and distribution channel.

In UK Sugar Free Confectionery Market , was valued at approximately USD 10.11 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 12.45 billion by 2029,

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

The UK chocolate market, a significant segment within the broader European confectionery landscape, exhibits robust growth potential. While precise market size figures for the UK specifically are unavailable from the provided data, extrapolating from the global CAGR of 3.32% and considering the UK's established confectionery market, a reasonable estimate for the 2025 UK chocolate market size could range between £2.5 billion and £3 billion. This growth is fueled by several key drivers: the enduring popularity of chocolate as a treat and indulgence, continuous innovation in product formats (e.g., vegan options, gourmet bars, healthier alternatives), and the increasing demand for premium and artisanal chocolates. The market is segmented by product type (dark, milk, white), form (chips, slabs, coatings), and application (bakery, confectionery, beverages). Dark chocolate, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking antioxidants, shows particularly strong growth potential. Premiumization is a major trend, with consumers willing to pay more for high-quality, ethically sourced, and uniquely flavored chocolate. However, factors such as economic fluctuations and increasing ingredient costs represent potential restraints on market expansion. Key players in the UK market include established international brands and smaller, specialized artisanal producers, reflecting the diverse range of consumer preferences. The market's future trajectory will likely be shaped by the ongoing trends towards sustainability, transparency in sourcing, and personalized consumer experiences. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of multinational giants and smaller, specialized players. Major players like Cargill, Barry Callebaut, and Puratos leverage their global scale and established supply chains, while smaller companies often focus on niche markets or specific product attributes (e.g., organic, fair-trade). The dominance of established brands notwithstanding, there is ample opportunity for smaller players to carve out market share by offering innovative products, appealing to specific consumer segments (e.g., health-conscious or ethically minded consumers), or concentrating on regional distribution. The growth of online retail channels provides additional avenues for smaller companies to reach a wider customer base. Successful future strategies will require a keen focus on understanding evolving consumer preferences, adapting to market shifts, and effectively managing supply chain challenges. The UK market's dynamism and growth prospects make it an attractive arena for both established and emerging players. Recent developments include: June 2021: The Puratos, United Kingdom-based company, launched two new Belgian chocolate products with 40% less sugar than their previous offerings., April 2020: Brenntag Food & Nutrition and Cargill expanded their distribution relationship in the United Kingdom and Ireland to include cocoa and chocolate., January 2020: Swiss chocolate and cocoa products company Barry Callebaut has opened a new branch of its Chocolate Academy in Banbury, United Kingdom.. Notable trends are: Upsurge in Consumption of Bakery and Confectionery Products.

For the fifth consecutive year, the UK chocolate and confectionery market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 5.6% to $5B in 2024. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Chocolate and confectionery consumption peaked in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.