Europe Confectionery Market Size
| Study Period | 2016 -2027 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2021 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2028 |
| Historical Data Period | 2018 - 2020 |
| CAGR | 3.50 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Europe Confectionery Market Analysis
Europe's Confectionery Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.50% over the forecast period.
Europe is a prominent region in the confectionery market. There has been a shift in consumer demand towards healthy foods which include value-added nutrient-rich foods which also include snack bars. The market players are also taking advantage of the rising demand for vegan products and tailoring snack bars accordingly. For example, OGGS released 4 new snack bars in 2021. The consumers’ tastes and their inclination towards chocolates and sweets have been the reason behind the growth of the confectionery market across the region. The market witnessed significant investments by key players focusing on expanding their production capabilities and presence across various countries and driving the confectionery market across the region.
Moreover, companies are making strategic investments in developing innovative products with enhanced benefits, owing to changing consumer preferences, in order to achieve a competitive advantage in the market. Thus, the investments and aggressive competitive strategies being undertaken by the players are also augmenting market growth. An increase in consumers’ cravings for a variety of chocolates and candies has led to the growth in the sales of low calories and sugar-free confectionery products in Europe. Additionally, the innovation and launch of themed confectionery during festive seasons have been driving the market. For instance, in November 2022, Nestlé Confectionery announced a Christmas 2022 range full of festive confectionery new launches from its renowned brands across the United States. With the new launches the Quality Street pouch bag were added with two new Quality Street Favourites bags: The Purple One and Strawberry Delight.
Europe Confectionery Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Confectionery Market according to our research experts:
Growing Demand of Innovative and Functional Confectionery
The consumer trend for better-for-you snacks gives candies, gums, chocolates, and snack bars made with functional ingredients an opportunity to scoop up their shares in the health and wellness product categories. Functional confectionery continues to grab the interest of both companies and consumers looking forward to newer, value-added products. Thus, companies operating in the market are adding healthy ingredients to their brands, to differentiate themselves from the rest. Confectionery companies are formulating products with chia seeds, pomegranates, and sea salt.
Sea salt and super fruits have shown continued growth in the functional confectionery category, as candy makers use on-trend ingredients, like pomegranate, cranberry, and acai, in innovative ways. However, the imports and sales of these products have been affected by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which is likely to affect the market growth, due to which the imports of the functional snacks have decreased in 2021 as compared to 2020. According to the UN Comtrade, breakfast cereal and cereal bar imports to the United Kingdom (UK) were valued at about 226 million British pounds in 2021.
One of the most popular vehicles for functional ingredients is gum, which is being utilized for its appeal as a unique delivery system. Gums also improve the delivery of healthy ingredients. Mints and gums are also becoming popular sources for providing energy-based health benefits. Functional gum and mint products have focused on benefits, such as cavity prevention, mouth cleaning, and teeth whitening. The increasing innovation in the functional confectionery sector is leading to growth in the market.
Germany as the Dominant Player in the Confectionery Market
Germany has one of the largest cocoa and chocolate candy markets in the bulk and specialty segments. However, since the bulk market has already reached saturation, the specialty cocoa, and chocolate candy segment of the confectionery market has been gaining momentum. This is supported by the increased demand for the large organic and sustainable cocoa market. The industry is experiencing major sales from online channels as a result of developments in the retail sector. Grocery purchases made through online distributors are preferred by consumers since they offer significant savings. As a result, snack bar sales are expanding at the fastest rate possible in Germany through channels such as Amazon, eBay, Otto, Tchibo, and Weltbild, which are also among the market's main online players. According to Handelsverband Deutschland (German Retail Association), the online food business including confectionery sales attained a market share of 2.7% in 2021 in Germany and according to Statistisches Bundesamt, the entire confectionery sales in Germany in 2021 was EUR 14.45 billion.
Additionally, the trend of premium textured chocolate, added with grains or cereals, is growing among chocolate consumers in Germany. In addition, the packaging is also playing a prominent role. Hence, manufacturers are wrapping the confectionery in innovative wraps, such as ecological packaging, especially to attract younger consumers who are highly aware of sustainability. Furthermore, in recent years, the vegan population in Germany increased rapidly. The trending vegan food in the developed market drives the demand for vegan chocolates. Companies are expanding their chocolate portfolios in the country to capitalize on the lucrative opportunities.
Europe Confectionery Industry Overview
The confectionery market in Europe is competitive and dominated by some of the major companies such as Ferrero International SA, Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V., Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG, and Nestle SA. The market consists of several brands which have a long history in the market and traditional importance during festival season. Additionally, many confectionery companies are expanding their product portfolio by adding a new variety of products with enhanced nutritional content, new product format, and new packaging formats, to enhance their appeal among European consumers.
Europe Confectionery Market Leaders
Nestlé S.A.
HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Ferrero International S.A.
Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Confectionery Market News
- In February 2022, new confections were launched by Nestlé including KitKat Biscoff Giant Egg and Aero melts. For chocolate and sweets lovers, Nestlé introduced a variety of new products including Chocolate Caramel KitKat Bites, KitKat Bites, that were available in the United Kingdom stores.
- In September 2021, KIND, a manufacturer of nutritious snack bars with headquarters in the United Kingdom, added a brand-new flavor to its protein bar product line. The hazelnut dark chocolate bar was available across the United States. WHSmith Travel, BP, Amazon, Nisa, and Costcutter were a few retailers selling the newly launched product. Additionally, the products were offered via a variety of distributors, such as Simply Heavenly, DDC Foods, and Tree of Life, to independent retailers.
- In July 2021, General Mills Inc. Nature Valley launched Full Mix snack bars in the United Kingdom. The bars, which contained berries, seeds, peanuts, wholegrain oats, and peanut butter, were first introduced in the United States before it was introduced into the European market.
Europe Confectionery Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definitions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Drivers
4.2 Market Restraints
4.3 Porters Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Type
5.1.1 Chocolate Confectionery
5.1.2 Sugar Confectionery
5.1.3 Snack Bars
5.1.4 Gums
5.2 Distribution Channel
5.2.1 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
5.2.2 Convenience Stores
5.2.3 Specalist Retailers
5.2.4 Online Retail
5.2.5 Others
5.3 Country
5.3.1 Germany
5.3.2 United Kingdom
5.3.3 Spain
5.3.4 Italy
5.3.5 France
5.3.6 Russia
5.3.7 Rest of Europe
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Market Share Analysis
6.2 Key Strategies Adapted
6.3 Company Profiles
6.3.1 Mondelēz International, Inc.
6.3.2 Mars, Incorporated
6.3.3 Ferrero International S.A.
6.3.4 Nestlé S.A.
6.3.5 Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V.
6.3.6 Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
6.3.7 United Confectioners
6.3.8 HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG
6.3.9 The Hershey Company
6.3.10 Meiji Holdings Company, Ltd.
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
8. DISCLAIMER
Europe Confectionery Industry Segmentation
The Europe confectionery market is segmented by type, distribution channel, and geography. By product type, the market segmentation includes chocolate, sugar confectionery, snack bars, and gum. The market is also segmented based on distribution channels including supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialist retailers, online retail, and others. The study involves the analysis of regions such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on value (in USD Million).
| Type | |
| Chocolate Confectionery | |
| Sugar Confectionery | |
| Snack Bars | |
| Gums |
| Distribution Channel | |
| Supermarkets and Hypermarkets | |
| Convenience Stores | |
| Specalist Retailers | |
| Online Retail | |
| Others |
| Country | |
| Germany | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Spain | |
| Italy | |
| France | |
| Russia | |
| Rest of Europe |
Europe Confectionery Market Research FAQs
What is the current Europe Confectionery Market size?
The Europe Confectionery Market is projected to register a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2023-2027).
Who are the key players in Europe Confectionery Market?
Nestlé S.A., HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Ferrero International S.A. and Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V. are the major companies operating in the Europe Confectionery Market.
Europe Confectionery Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 Europe Confectionery market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Confectionery analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2028 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
