Chewy Candy Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The global chewy candy market was valued at USD 24 billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 30.53 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024–2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5%. 

Chewy candy is a kind of confection that takes some work to bite into and chew due to its dense, chewy texture. Typically, components like sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, flavors, and colors are used to make chewy sweets. In the past, the market had a notable presence. Caramel, gumdrops, and taffy were the prominent ones that were popularly consumed. Presently, with product innovations and economic growth, the market has witnessed considerable progress. In the future, with a focus on healthier formulations and sustainable practices, a significant upsurge is anticipated.

Key Market Insights:

According to an IRI estimate, sales of jellies and gummy sweets in the year 2022 increased by 13.7% to $4.83 billion. Retail sales of pastilles, jellies, gummies, and chews are expected to reach around $7 billion by 2024, the biggest amount of any sugar confectionery category. With yearly sales of over 4.2 billion dollars, chewy candy is the most popular kind of confection. Chewy candy sales in North America are predicted to reach $3.5 billion in 2024.

Approximately 1 in 8 individuals worldwide suffer from obesity. Confectioneries, including chewy candies, contribute to unhealthy weight gain. To tackle this, companies are coming up with healthier formulations that have fewer sugars and calories. Additionally, information about the right portion control is being provided through awareness programs.

Chewy Candy Market Drivers:

Growing disposable income has enabled the development.

Urbanization is one of the main factors responsible for the economic progress of many countries. The standard of living has changed due to this. This has resulted in a rising middle class and an increasing disposable income. Dual income has become the new norm. People can go out regularly. As a result, consumers are willing to spend more money on premium and unique offerings. Chewy candies have gained prominence due to their taste, flavor, and variety. Some of them are sweet, and the rest are sour. They help satisfy the carvings of individuals. Besides, some of them are used for desserts like sweets, muffins, cookies, ice cream, etc. Additionally, certain bakery products, like sweet rolls, can impart a different taste. They are fulfilling and convenient products. This shift in consumer preference is helping to increase sales.

The expansion of distribution channels is contributing to the success.

Chewy candies are available in a wide range of distribution channels. Supermarkets & hypermarkets are usually the main ones. They have many flavors, making them a convenient option. Online retail is another option. People can easily access them because of the Internet. This mode usually has the latest products. Besides these, specialty stores are another popular option. These stores are dedicated exclusively to chewy candies. The owners have a good knowledge of the delicacies. Exotic and mixed options are offered here. People can readily reach all these channels, which helps facilitate market growth.

Chewy Candy Market Restraints and Challenges:

Health concerns and intense competition are the main issues that the market is currently facing.

These types of candies have no nutritional value. They usually have a lot of sugar and calories. Additionally, the sour ones have excessive amounts of salt. Over- or daily consumption of them is not recommended. They can result in diabetes, overweight, and obesity. Besides, since they are chewy, they get deposited on and in between the teeth. Cavities and other dental issues result from this. They can occasionally harm teeth because of how difficult it is to chew on them. Moreover, chewing them makes it difficult to swallow, resulting in digestive problems like bloating. Furthermore, they may harm crowns and fillings that need to be repaired by a dentist. People are incorporating healthy foods. Their preferences are shifting towards more healthful options like fruit, protein bars, energy drinks, and other useful snacks.

Chewy Candy Market Opportunities:

Healthier formulations can provide the market with an ample number of possibilities. By incorporating vitamins, minerals, and other important compounds, the nutritional value can be raised. This helps in attracting a wider consumer base. Secondly, product innovations are beneficial. This can be done by experimenting with flavors and ingredients and adding different fruits. Apart from this, the customization of candies is advantageous. Candies are tailored as per the needs of an individual, such as keeping in mind dietary restrictions, flavor choices, ingredients, etc. Besides this, online retail is a boon. By having a virtual presence, a greater number of customers can be reached globally.

CHEWY CANDY MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Chewy Candy Market Segmentation: By Product Type

• Gummies

• Fruit Chews

• Caramels

• Taffy

• Licorice

• Others

Gummies are the largest product type in this market. The combination of chewy texture, a wide variety of flavors, fun forms, vivid colors, and nostalgic appeal makes gummy candy enticing. It has a vast range of flavors, and its chewiness makes for a delicious treat. Manufacturers have responded to the growing consumer desire for healthy snack options by releasing gummies with decreased sugar content, actual fruit juices, and natural components. Health-conscious consumers are drawn to these more nutritious gummy choices, which is fueling industry expansion. Fruit chews are the fastest-growing category. Customers looking for natural, healthier snack choices find fruit chews to be an attractive option. These candies have a very fruity flavor and vivid color since they frequently incorporate actual fruit liquids or purees. The rising focus on health and fitness has led to a rise in the demand for chewy sweets with nutritional value. Fruit chews frequently take advantage of this trend by advertising their fruit content and presenting themselves as a more healthful treat than conventionally sweet candies. They are seen as a guilt-free choice that may be enjoyed by kids and adults. Fruit chews have become more popular as customers prioritize clean-label products and look for alternatives to artificial flavors and colors.

Chewy Candy Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channels

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Specialty Stores

• Online Retail

• Others

The largest distribution channels are supermarkets & hypermarkets. These locations make it simple for customers to purchase by providing a wide range of selections.  Customers can assess the product's quality through visual inspection. They could get the answers to their queries from the shopkeeper. Additionally, consumers can bargain through this mode. Many people who are unfamiliar with using the Internet tend to go for this channel. Online retail is the sector growing at the fastest rate. Because of its ease of use, versatility, and large product range, e-commerce is becoming more popular. Customers can buy products from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered to their doorstep. Furthermore, this channel's expansion has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers receive several offers and discounts for their purchases, making this an attractive option.

Chewy Candy Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

The market with the largest share is North America. Leading the charge are the US and Canada. The main reason for this is that chewy candies are quite widely available. This might be attributed to the region's retail presence, broad market penetration, and effective distribution networks. Furthermore, a lot of major companies that have a global presence are present in this area. A few of them are The Hershey Company, Mars, Incorporated, Mondelez International, and Ferrara Candy Company. They are well-established, which helps in increasing revenue generation. The market with the fastest growth is Asia-Pacific. The leading countries are China, Japan, India, and South Korea. The middle class is growing, and discretionary income is expanding as a result of rapid urbanization. Furthermore, sales have increased as a result of new products that are being commercialized. Consumer preference and demand for this product are also helping with the profits.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Chewy Candy Market:

The market was negatively impacted by the viral outbreak. Among the new norms were social isolation, movement restrictions, and lockdowns. This affects supply chain management, logistics, and transportation. Import-export activities suffered as a result. To stop the virus from spreading, all businesses and production facilities had to close. This resulted in the suspension of production and other activities. Remote work was prioritized to stop the virus from spreading. Because of the economic uncertainty, layoffs were common. A large number of people lost their jobs. The majority of the funds were used for healthcare-related applications. This caused delays in collaborations and launches. Individuals began to realize how important their health was. Complexity increased with diabetes and other cardiac conditions for people affected by the coronavirus. Desserts, candies, drinks, and other junk food were abstained from. Euromonitor, a market research agency, reported that North American gum and mint sales decreased by 14% and 15%, respectively, during the pandemic. Clean, home-cooked cuisine gained popularity. Following the epidemic, the market has started to rebound. The establishment of businesses has aided in revenue growth. Laws and limitations have been loosened, facilitating normal operation. Market revenue has increased in part due to online retail.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

Consumer concern about environmental sustainability is increasing, which is fueling the market for chewy candies packed in environmentally friendly materials such as compostable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. To lessen their influence on the environment and satisfy customer demands for ethical packaging, manufacturers are looking at sustainable packaging options.

Key Players:

1. Mars, Incorporated

2. The Hershey Company

3. Mondelez International

4. Haribo GmbH & Co. KG

5. Ferrara Candy Company

6. Perfetti Van Melle

7. Nestlé S.A.

8. Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc.

9. The Kraft Heinz Company

10. Jelly Belly Candy Company

• In January 2024, HI-CHEW introduced a new direct-to-consumer e-commerce portal that allows candy lovers to buy all of their preferred HI-CHEW flavors in one location. The portal serves as a one-stop shop for everything HI-CHEW and offers a wide range of flavor choices, such as stand-up pouches, peg bags, and sticks, for direct purchase. Users may choose their product and flavor kind and filter to suit their palate thanks to the user-friendly UI.

• In July 2023, Mentos and Fanta produced a special edition of orange-flavored Mentos and Fanta chewy candy. The candies taste like a combination of Mentos with the distinct flavor of Fanta Orange, with a crunchy outside and a soft inside. According to Mentos and Fanta, the collaboration supports their shared objective of offering novel, inventive experiences that are both energizing and enjoyable.

• In January 2023, Ferrara released two new products: SweeTARTS Gummy Fruity Splitz and Trolli Sour Duo Crawlers. Their brand-new Gummy Fruity Splitz, is chewy and squishy, with two distinct colors—sweet on one side and sour on the other. Cherry, apple, orange, blue punch, lemon, and grape are among the flavors. Trolli Sour Duo Crawlers are a sour treat that comes in three tropical flavor combinations: mango pineapple, citrus watermelon, and strawberry guava. Each layer is composed of two textures, one chewy and one soft.