GITNUXREPORT 2026

Candles Industry Statistics

The global candle industry is large and growing steadily worldwide.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

68% of U.S. adults purchased candles in 2023, up from 62% in 2020

Statistic 2

Millennials represent 42% of candle buyers globally in 2023

Statistic 3

Women account for 72% of scented candle purchases in North America

Statistic 4

55% of Gen Z consumers prefer eco-friendly candles, per 2023 survey

Statistic 5

Urban dwellers buy 1.8 times more candles than rural residents in Europe

Statistic 6

Households with children under 12 purchase 25% fewer candles

Statistic 7

High-income earners ($100k+) spend 3x more on luxury candles

Statistic 8

47% of baby boomers buy unscented candles for functionality

Statistic 9

Hispanic consumers in U.S. represent 18% of candle market, growing fastest

Statistic 10

62% of candle buyers are aged 25-44 in Asia-Pacific

Statistic 11

Pet owners purchase 30% more aromatherapy candles

Statistic 12

Single-person households buy candles 2.5x more frequently

Statistic 13

39% of LGBTQ+ consumers prefer artisanal candles

Statistic 14

College-educated buyers favor soy candles at 58% rate

Statistic 15

Remote workers increased candle purchases by 35% since 2020

Statistic 16

Vegetarians/vegans choose plant-based waxes 75% of time

Statistic 17

51% of parents aged 35-50 buy candles for self-care

Statistic 18

African American consumers 22% more likely to buy scented

Statistic 19

Retirees over 65 account for 28% of tealight sales

Statistic 20

Fitness enthusiasts buy wellness candles 40% above average

Statistic 21

Gamers represent 15% of novelty candle buyers

Statistic 22

Homeowners purchase 4x more pillar candles than renters

Statistic 23

67% of yoga practitioners use candles weekly

Statistic 24

Low-income households (<$50k) buy budget candles 55% of time

Statistic 25

73% female, 27% male candle buyers in UK 2023

Statistic 26

Students aged 18-24 buy 20% of novelty candles

Statistic 27

Married couples spend 15% more on couple-scented candles

Statistic 28

82% of scented candle buyers are female in India

Statistic 29

Scented candles preferred by 78% of consumers for relaxation

Statistic 30

U.S. candle manufacturing output reached 1.2 billion pounds in 2022

Statistic 31

China produces 60% of global candle wax supply

Statistic 32

Paraffin wax consumption in candle production: 2.8 million tons annually

Statistic 33

Soy wax production capacity in U.S. at 450 million lbs/year

Statistic 34

75% of candles use cotton wicks

Statistic 35

Global wax recycling rate for candles at 12% in 2023

Statistic 36

U.S. has 450 candle manufacturers, down 5% since 2018

Statistic 37

Fragrance oil usage averages 8-12% by weight in scented candles

Statistic 38

Automated pouring lines produce 500 candles/hour in large factories

Statistic 39

Beeswax harvesting yields 1 lb per 20 lbs honeycomb

Statistic 40

40% of candle molds are aluminum, 30% silicone

Statistic 41

Dye consumption for colored candles: 50,000 tons/year globally

Statistic 42

U.S. imports 25% of candles from China, value $450 million

Statistic 43

Wick trimming machines process 10,000 units/day

Statistic 44

Palm oil for wax: 150,000 tons used in candles annually

Statistic 45

Labeling machines apply 2,000 labels/minute in high-volume plants

Statistic 46

Cure time for soy candles averages 1-2 weeks post-pour

Statistic 47

65% of manufacturers use ERP software for inventory

Statistic 48

Glass jar supply chain disruption affected 20% production in 2022

Statistic 49

Hand-poured candles represent 15% of artisanal production

Statistic 50

Fragrance blending requires 100+ tests per new scent

Statistic 51

EU candle factories comply with 95% REACH chemical regs

Statistic 52

Robotic arms package 1,200 boxes/hour

Statistic 53

Coconut wax sourced from 50,000 tons copra annually

Statistic 54

Defect rate in mass production under 2% with quality control

Statistic 55

Overseas shipping containers for candles: 500,000/year from Asia

Statistic 56

Essential oil distillation for candles uses 10,000 tons/year

Statistic 57

U.S. wick suppliers deliver 90 million feet annually

Statistic 58

Pour temperature optimal at 135-145°F for paraffin

Statistic 59

30% of factories use solar power for energy

Statistic 60

Custom mold lead time 4-6 weeks for new designs

Statistic 61

Waste wax recycling saves 15% material costs

Statistic 62

The global candle market size was valued at USD 4.92 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 63

In 2023, the U.S. candle market generated revenue of approximately $3.2 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.8% annually through 2028

Statistic 64

Europe's candle industry reached €2.1 billion in sales in 2022, driven by premium scented products

Statistic 65

The scented candle segment dominated the global market with a 65% share in 2023, valued at over $3.2 billion

Statistic 66

Asia-Pacific candle market is forecasted to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.2% from 2023-2030 due to rising disposable incomes

Statistic 67

Global candle exports totaled $1.45 billion in 2022, led by China with 45% market share

Statistic 68

The luxury candle market grew by 12% YoY in 2023, reaching $1.8 billion globally

Statistic 69

U.S. online candle sales surged 28% in 2022 to $1.1 billion

Statistic 70

India's candle market expanded to INR 15 billion in 2023, with 8% CAGR projected

Statistic 71

Container candles accounted for 52% of global market volume in 2023

Statistic 72

The global candle market volume reached 12.5 billion units in 2022

Statistic 73

North American candle revenue hit $3.5 billion in 2023, up 5.2% from prior year

Statistic 74

Soy wax candle market valued at $850 million in 2023, growing at 9% CAGR

Statistic 75

UK candle sales totaled £450 million in 2022, with 6% growth forecast

Statistic 76

Global tealight candle market size was $1.2 billion in 2023

Statistic 77

Brazil's candle industry generated BRL 2.8 billion in 2022

Statistic 78

Pillar candle segment expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030 at 5.8% CAGR

Statistic 79

Middle East & Africa candle market grew 4.5% in 2023 to $450 million

Statistic 80

Votive candles global market valued at $950 million in 2022

Statistic 81

China's domestic candle consumption hit 4.2 billion units in 2023

Statistic 82

Australia candle market size reached AUD 320 million in 2023

Statistic 83

Beeswax candle market projected to grow from $450 million in 2023 to $780 million by 2030

Statistic 84

Germany candle imports rose 7% to €180 million in 2022

Statistic 85

Japan premium candle sector valued at JPY 50 billion in 2023

Statistic 86

Global paraffin wax candle market share was 55% in 2023

Statistic 87

Canada candle sales volume increased 6.1% to 450 million units in 2022

Statistic 88

France luxury candle market grew 11% to €350 million in 2023

Statistic 89

Global birthday candle market size $280 million in 2023, CAGR 5.2%

Statistic 90

South Korea scented candle imports doubled to $120 million in 2022

Statistic 91

Worldwide religious candle market valued at $1.1 billion in 2023

Statistic 92

45% of consumers use candles for home fragrance daily

Statistic 93

Soy candles chosen by 52% for natural scent throw

Statistic 94

Tealights used in 60% of religious rituals globally

Statistic 95

Pillar candles account for 35% of decorative home use

Statistic 96

Lavender scent tops charts at 22% preference worldwide

Statistic 97

70% of birthday candles are paraffin-based

Statistic 98

Votive candles burn time averages 15 hours, preferred by 40%

Statistic 99

Beeswax candles selected for air purification by 65%

Statistic 100

Container candles hold 48% market for gifting

Statistic 101

Unscented candles used 55% for power outages

Statistic 102

Vanilla scent purchased 19% of total scented sales

Statistic 103

Taper candles dominate dining table setups at 62%

Statistic 104

Coconut wax candles grow 15% YoY for tropical scents

Statistic 105

38% use candles for meditation and mindfulness

Statistic 106

Novelty shaped candles 12% of holiday sales

Statistic 107

Palm wax used in 8% of premium pillars for texture

Statistic 108

Citrus scents preferred in summer by 55%

Statistic 109

Floating candles account for 5% but 20% pool party use

Statistic 110

Gel candles chosen for embeds by 25% crafters

Statistic 111

Wooden wick candles 30% preference for crackle sound

Statistic 112

Holiday-themed candles 40% of Q4 sales volume

Statistic 113

Aromatherapy candles with essential oils 28% market share

Statistic 114

Dripless tapers used 70% in churches

Statistic 115

Massage candles for body use 10% of wellness segment

Statistic 116

LED alternative candles adopted by 15% for safety

Statistic 117

Pumpkin spice scent peaks at 18% sales in fall

Statistic 118

Unity candles used in 45% of weddings

Statistic 119

Insect-repellent candles 7% of outdoor market

Statistic 120

Custom-labeled candles 22% of e-commerce sales

Statistic 121

Black wax candles trend with 12% growth in 2023

Statistic 122

Prayer candles sales up 25% in votive holders

Statistic 123

Average burn time for 8oz jar candle is 40-50 hours

Statistic 124

Amazon FBA fulfills 40% of U.S. online candle sales

Statistic 125

Walmart captured 18% of U.S. retail candle market in 2023

Statistic 126

E-commerce grew to 35% of global candle sales in 2023

Statistic 127

Gift shops account for 22% of premium candle distribution

Statistic 128

Target stores sold 15 million candle units in 2022

Statistic 129

Etsy hosts 50,000+ independent candle sellers

Statistic 130

Wholesale to spas/hotels: 12% of B2B candle volume

Statistic 131

Direct-to-consumer brands grew 25% via DTC sites

Statistic 132

CVS pharmacy chain: 8% of drugstore candle sales

Statistic 133

Farmers markets contribute 5% to artisanal sales

Statistic 134

Bath & Body Works dominates with 31% scented candle share

Statistic 135

International trade shows generate 15% new wholesale orders

Statistic 136

Subscription boxes include candles in 20% deliveries

Statistic 137

Dollar stores like Dollar General: 10% budget segment

Statistic 138

Pop-up shops boost holiday sales by 40%

Statistic 139

Home Depot garden section: 7% outdoor candles

Statistic 140

Corporate gifting platforms: 6% B2B volume

Statistic 141

TJ Maxx off-price retail: 9% discounted candles

Statistic 142

Wedding planners source 4% via specialty catalogs

Statistic 143

Alibaba B2B for exports: $800 million candle deals

Statistic 144

Sephora beauty stores: 3% luxury fragrance candles

Statistic 145

Costco bulk packs: 11% family-sized sales

Statistic 146

Facebook Marketplace peer-to-peer: 2% secondary market

Statistic 147

Hotel amenity programs distribute 50 million units/year

Statistic 148

Whole Foods organic section: 5% natural candles

Statistic 149

QVC TV shopping: $120 million candle sales 2022

Statistic 150

Church supply catalogs: 8% religious candles

Statistic 151

35% reduction in CO2 emissions targeted for soy vs paraffin candles

Statistic 152

92% of consumers prefer recyclable packaging for candles

Statistic 153

Biodegradable wicks adopted by 45% manufacturers in EU

Statistic 154

Zero-waste candle brands grew 28% in sales 2023

Statistic 155

Palm wax sustainability certified RSPO for 60% supply

Statistic 156

Plastic-free jars used in 30% premium products

Statistic 157

Vegan candle market expanded 18% CAGR since 2020

Statistic 158

Water-soluble labels on 25% of new candle lines

Statistic 159

Carbon footprint of beeswax candles 40% lower than paraffin

Statistic 160

Refillable candle systems launched by 15% brands

Statistic 161

FSC-certified wood wicks in 20% crackle candles

Statistic 162

70% soy wax from non-GMO beans in U.S.

Statistic 163

Compostable tealight cups piloted by 10% firms

Statistic 164

Fragrance-free options up 22% for allergy sufferers

Statistic 165

Recycled glass jars in 35% artisan production

Statistic 166

Hemp wax emerging with 5% market penetration 2023

Statistic 167

Lead-free wicks mandatory since 2003, 100% compliance

Statistic 168

Ocean-bound plastic avoided via bamboo packaging 12%

Statistic 169

Energy-efficient curing ovens reduce 25% factory power

Statistic 170

Plant-based dyes replace synthetics in 18% colored candles

Statistic 171

Circular economy: 8% wax reclaimed from consumers

Statistic 172

Low-smoke formulas in 65% new scented launches

Statistic 173

Fair trade soy sourcing for 22% ethical brands

Statistic 174

Microplastic-free waxes certified for 40% EU sales

Statistic 175

Solar-powered farms supply 15% coconut wax

Statistic 176

Phthalate-free fragrances standard in 88% U.S. products

Statistic 177

Upcycled food-grade wax used in 7% artisanal lines

1/177

Sources

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Picture this: a world aglow with a $4.92 billion candle industry that not only illuminates our spaces but also, as new statistics reveal, sheds fascinating light on our evolving lifestyles, from wellness rituals to global trade.

Key Takeaways

The global candle market size was valued at USD 4.92 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030
In 2023, the U.S. candle market generated revenue of approximately $3.2 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.8% annually through 2028
Europe's candle industry reached €2.1 billion in sales in 2022, driven by premium scented products
68% of U.S. adults purchased candles in 2023, up from 62% in 2020
Millennials represent 42% of candle buyers globally in 2023
Women account for 72% of scented candle purchases in North America
45% of consumers use candles for home fragrance daily
Soy candles chosen by 52% for natural scent throw
Tealights used in 60% of religious rituals globally
U.S. candle manufacturing output reached 1.2 billion pounds in 2022
China produces 60% of global candle wax supply
Paraffin wax consumption in candle production: 2.8 million tons annually
Amazon FBA fulfills 40% of U.S. online candle sales
Walmart captured 18% of U.S. retail candle market in 2023
E-commerce grew to 35% of global candle sales in 2023

The global candle industry is large and growing steadily worldwide.

Consumer Demographics

68% of U.S. adults purchased candles in 2023, up from 62% in 2020
Millennials represent 42% of candle buyers globally in 2023
Women account for 72% of scented candle purchases in North America
55% of Gen Z consumers prefer eco-friendly candles, per 2023 survey
Urban dwellers buy 1.8 times more candles than rural residents in Europe
Households with children under 12 purchase 25% fewer candles
High-income earners ($100k+) spend 3x more on luxury candles
47% of baby boomers buy unscented candles for functionality
Hispanic consumers in U.S. represent 18% of candle market, growing fastest
62% of candle buyers are aged 25-44 in Asia-Pacific
Pet owners purchase 30% more aromatherapy candles
Single-person households buy candles 2.5x more frequently
39% of LGBTQ+ consumers prefer artisanal candles
College-educated buyers favor soy candles at 58% rate
Remote workers increased candle purchases by 35% since 2020
Vegetarians/vegans choose plant-based waxes 75% of time
51% of parents aged 35-50 buy candles for self-care
African American consumers 22% more likely to buy scented
Retirees over 65 account for 28% of tealight sales
Fitness enthusiasts buy wellness candles 40% above average
Gamers represent 15% of novelty candle buyers
Homeowners purchase 4x more pillar candles than renters
67% of yoga practitioners use candles weekly
Low-income households (<$50k) buy budget candles 55% of time
73% female, 27% male candle buyers in UK 2023
Students aged 18-24 buy 20% of novelty candles
Married couples spend 15% more on couple-scented candles
82% of scented candle buyers are female in India
Scented candles preferred by 78% of consumers for relaxation

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

While candles are lighting up homes and lives across generations—from the self-care rituals of stressed parents and remote workers to the eco-conscious choices of Gen Z and the functional purchases of boomers—it’s clear the global flame is being fanned not just by tradition but by a burning desire for personalization, identity, and a moment of peaceful, scented solace.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

U.S. candle manufacturing output reached 1.2 billion pounds in 2022
China produces 60% of global candle wax supply
Paraffin wax consumption in candle production: 2.8 million tons annually
Soy wax production capacity in U.S. at 450 million lbs/year
75% of candles use cotton wicks
Global wax recycling rate for candles at 12% in 2023
U.S. has 450 candle manufacturers, down 5% since 2018
Fragrance oil usage averages 8-12% by weight in scented candles
Automated pouring lines produce 500 candles/hour in large factories
Beeswax harvesting yields 1 lb per 20 lbs honeycomb
40% of candle molds are aluminum, 30% silicone
Dye consumption for colored candles: 50,000 tons/year globally
U.S. imports 25% of candles from China, value $450 million
Wick trimming machines process 10,000 units/day
Palm oil for wax: 150,000 tons used in candles annually
Labeling machines apply 2,000 labels/minute in high-volume plants
Cure time for soy candles averages 1-2 weeks post-pour
65% of manufacturers use ERP software for inventory
Glass jar supply chain disruption affected 20% production in 2022
Hand-poured candles represent 15% of artisanal production
Fragrance blending requires 100+ tests per new scent
EU candle factories comply with 95% REACH chemical regs
Robotic arms package 1,200 boxes/hour
Coconut wax sourced from 50,000 tons copra annually
Defect rate in mass production under 2% with quality control
Overseas shipping containers for candles: 500,000/year from Asia
Essential oil distillation for candles uses 10,000 tons/year
U.S. wick suppliers deliver 90 million feet annually
Pour temperature optimal at 135-145°F for paraffin
30% of factories use solar power for energy
Custom mold lead time 4-6 weeks for new designs
Waste wax recycling saves 15% material costs

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Interpretation

America’s quiet love affair with flickering light is a surprisingly massive, globalized, and intricate dance, where our 1.2 billion pounds of annual candle output hinges on China’s wax dominance and a complex web of everything from high-speed automation and meticulous scent blending to stubbornly low recycling rates and fragile supply chains for jars and palm oil.

Market Size & Growth

The global candle market size was valued at USD 4.92 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030
In 2023, the U.S. candle market generated revenue of approximately $3.2 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.8% annually through 2028
Europe's candle industry reached €2.1 billion in sales in 2022, driven by premium scented products
The scented candle segment dominated the global market with a 65% share in 2023, valued at over $3.2 billion
Asia-Pacific candle market is forecasted to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.2% from 2023-2030 due to rising disposable incomes
Global candle exports totaled $1.45 billion in 2022, led by China with 45% market share
The luxury candle market grew by 12% YoY in 2023, reaching $1.8 billion globally
U.S. online candle sales surged 28% in 2022 to $1.1 billion
India's candle market expanded to INR 15 billion in 2023, with 8% CAGR projected
Container candles accounted for 52% of global market volume in 2023
The global candle market volume reached 12.5 billion units in 2022
North American candle revenue hit $3.5 billion in 2023, up 5.2% from prior year
Soy wax candle market valued at $850 million in 2023, growing at 9% CAGR
UK candle sales totaled £450 million in 2022, with 6% growth forecast
Global tealight candle market size was $1.2 billion in 2023
Brazil's candle industry generated BRL 2.8 billion in 2022
Pillar candle segment expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030 at 5.8% CAGR
Middle East & Africa candle market grew 4.5% in 2023 to $450 million
Votive candles global market valued at $950 million in 2022
China's domestic candle consumption hit 4.2 billion units in 2023
Australia candle market size reached AUD 320 million in 2023
Beeswax candle market projected to grow from $450 million in 2023 to $780 million by 2030
Germany candle imports rose 7% to €180 million in 2022
Japan premium candle sector valued at JPY 50 billion in 2023
Global paraffin wax candle market share was 55% in 2023
Canada candle sales volume increased 6.1% to 450 million units in 2022
France luxury candle market grew 11% to €350 million in 2023
Global birthday candle market size $280 million in 2023, CAGR 5.2%
South Korea scented candle imports doubled to $120 million in 2022
Worldwide religious candle market valued at $1.1 billion in 2023

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

Despite humanity's leaps in technology, our collective soul remains stubbornly old-fashioned, proven by a $5 billion global candle industry that's still glowing stronger every year, fueled less by necessity than by our insatiable need for scent, serenity, and a touch of luxury we can literally watch burn away.

Product Types & Usage

45% of consumers use candles for home fragrance daily
Soy candles chosen by 52% for natural scent throw
Tealights used in 60% of religious rituals globally
Pillar candles account for 35% of decorative home use
Lavender scent tops charts at 22% preference worldwide
70% of birthday candles are paraffin-based
Votive candles burn time averages 15 hours, preferred by 40%
Beeswax candles selected for air purification by 65%
Container candles hold 48% market for gifting
Unscented candles used 55% for power outages
Vanilla scent purchased 19% of total scented sales
Taper candles dominate dining table setups at 62%
Coconut wax candles grow 15% YoY for tropical scents
38% use candles for meditation and mindfulness
Novelty shaped candles 12% of holiday sales
Palm wax used in 8% of premium pillars for texture
Citrus scents preferred in summer by 55%
Floating candles account for 5% but 20% pool party use
Gel candles chosen for embeds by 25% crafters
Wooden wick candles 30% preference for crackle sound
Holiday-themed candles 40% of Q4 sales volume
Aromatherapy candles with essential oils 28% market share
Dripless tapers used 70% in churches
Massage candles for body use 10% of wellness segment
LED alternative candles adopted by 15% for safety
Pumpkin spice scent peaks at 18% sales in fall
Unity candles used in 45% of weddings
Insect-repellent candles 7% of outdoor market
Custom-labeled candles 22% of e-commerce sales
Black wax candles trend with 12% growth in 2023
Prayer candles sales up 25% in votive holders
Average burn time for 8oz jar candle is 40-50 hours

Product Types & Usage Interpretation

We breathe lavender-scented lies while pretending our daily soy candle is a soulful act of air purification, yet we secretly cling to paraffin birthday wishes and stockpile unscented pillars for the inevitable apocalypse, all while wondering if that crackling wooden wick is judging our life choices.

Sales Channels Interpretation

Even as Amazon and Walmart flex their e-commerce muscle with nearly half the online market between them, the humble candle continues to prove it can light up virtually any channel, from Costco’s bulk packs and Bath & Body Works’ scented dominance to Etsy’s cottage industry and QVC’s glow-per-minute sales pitches.

Sustainability & Trends

35% reduction in CO2 emissions targeted for soy vs paraffin candles
92% of consumers prefer recyclable packaging for candles
Biodegradable wicks adopted by 45% manufacturers in EU
Zero-waste candle brands grew 28% in sales 2023
Palm wax sustainability certified RSPO for 60% supply
Plastic-free jars used in 30% premium products
Vegan candle market expanded 18% CAGR since 2020
Water-soluble labels on 25% of new candle lines
Carbon footprint of beeswax candles 40% lower than paraffin
Refillable candle systems launched by 15% brands
FSC-certified wood wicks in 20% crackle candles
70% soy wax from non-GMO beans in U.S.
Compostable tealight cups piloted by 10% firms
Fragrance-free options up 22% for allergy sufferers
Recycled glass jars in 35% artisan production
Hemp wax emerging with 5% market penetration 2023
Lead-free wicks mandatory since 2003, 100% compliance
Ocean-bound plastic avoided via bamboo packaging 12%
Energy-efficient curing ovens reduce 25% factory power
Plant-based dyes replace synthetics in 18% colored candles
Circular economy: 8% wax reclaimed from consumers
Low-smoke formulas in 65% new scented launches
Fair trade soy sourcing for 22% ethical brands
Microplastic-free waxes certified for 40% EU sales
Solar-powered farms supply 15% coconut wax
Phthalate-free fragrances standard in 88% U.S. products
Upcycled food-grade wax used in 7% artisanal lines

Sustainability & Trends Interpretation

The candle industry, once a mere flicker of environmental consciousness, is now ablaze with a serious commitment to sustainability, targeting everything from plant-based waxes to recyclable packaging to prove you can enjoy ambiance without leaving a heavy carbon footprint.

Sources & References

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