GITNUXREPORT 2025

Candy Industry Statistics

Global candy market hits $186 billion, driven by innovation, health trends, and holidays.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 45% of candy in the U.S. is purchased during major holidays such as Halloween, Easter, and Valentine’s Day

Statistic 2

The average American consumes about 2.8 pounds of chocolate candy per year

Statistic 3

About 66% of candy sales in the US are impulse purchases, typically bought at checkout counters

Statistic 4

The top three candy flavors in the US are chocolate, fruit, and caramel

Statistic 5

The top-selling candy brand in the US in 2022 was Reese’s, with over $2 billion in sales

Statistic 6

The market share of premium and artisanal candies increased by 15% in 2022, indicating a trend toward higher-quality products

Statistic 7

Over 50% of American candy consumers prefer chocolates over other types of candies

Statistic 8

Approximately 20% of candies sold globally contain added artificial colors or flavorings, with rising consumer demand for cleaner labels

Statistic 9

The popularity of nostalgic candies from the 80s and 90s rose by 20% among consumers aged 30-45 in 2022

Statistic 10

The percentage of gluten-free candy options available increased by 12% in 2022, catering to allergy-sensitive consumers

Statistic 11

The average daily calorie intake from candy among American teenagers is about 75 calories, contributing to overall dietary habits

Statistic 12

The average household spending on candy in the US is approximately $70 annually, showing consistent consumer investment

Statistic 13

The global demand for novelty and customized candies increased by 15% in 2022, driven by social media trends

Statistic 14

The use of natural colors in candy manufacturing increased by 20% in 2022 as consumers demanded cleaner labels

Statistic 15

Up to 60% of candy consumers express a preference for non-GMO ingredients, influencing product formulations

Statistic 16

Around 70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for candies with sustainable or ethically sourced ingredients, indicating a willingness to invest in ethical products

Statistic 17

The share of export-focused companies in the global candy industry increased by 5% in 2022, emphasizing international market expansion

Statistic 18

Confectionery companies invest about 5-7% of their revenue in research and product development annually

Statistic 19

The number of new candy product launches increased by 8% in 2022, reflecting innovation trends

Statistic 20

The number of new flavor launches in candies increased by 12% in 2022, showcasing innovation

Statistic 21

The global candy market was valued at approximately $186 billion in 2022

Statistic 22

Sales of organic and natural candies in the US increased by 10% in 2022

Statistic 23

The world's largest candy producer by revenue is Mars Inc., with over $40 billion annual sales

Statistic 24

The production of chocolate candies accounts for approximately 55% of the global candy market

Statistic 25

The global sugar confectionery segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 26

In 2022, global gummy candy sales reached approximately $6 billion

Statistic 27

The keto and low-sugar candy market segment grew by over 12% in 2022

Statistic 28

The demand for vegan candies has increased by 18% globally in 2022

Statistic 29

The candy packaging market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4%

Statistic 30

Approximately 25% of candy sales are made online, showing a significant shift towards e-commerce

Statistic 31

Seasonal candies account for nearly 40% of annual candy sales in the US, with Halloween being the largest occasion

Statistic 32

Global demand for sugar substitutes in candies increased by 8% in 2022, driven by health-conscious consumers

Statistic 33

Fairtrade-certified candies accounted for 7% of global confectionery sales in 2022, reflecting growing ethical consumerism

Statistic 34

The plant-based or vegan candy sector represented approximately 12% of the global candy market in 2022

Statistic 35

The average shelf life of packaged candy varies from 6 months to 2 years, depending on ingredients and packaging methods

Statistic 36

The global licorice candy market was valued at $3 billion in 2022, with expected growth driven by European markets

Statistic 37

Seasonal and holiday candies account for about 28% of total candy market sales globally, with variations by region

Statistic 38

The gluten-free market segment in candies grew by approximately 10% in 2022, indicating rising demand

Statistic 39

In 2022, the retail value of premium chocolates globally exceeded $48 billion, driven by increasing consumer preference for luxury confections

Statistic 40

The share of candies made with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging increased by 14% in 2022, reflecting environmental concerns

Statistic 41

The raw materials cost for candy production rose by an average of 4.5% in 2022, impacting profit margins for manufacturers

Statistic 42

The online candy subscription box market grew by 25% in 2022, indicating rising popularity of direct-to-consumer models

Statistic 43

The percentage of single-origin chocolates in the market increased by 9% in 2022, highlighting premiumization trends

Statistic 44

The rise of ethnic and regional candies in international markets grew by 12% in 2022, showing diversification trends

Statistic 45

The percentage of candies with reduced sugar content increased from 10% to 22% between 2018 and 2022, driven by health trends

Statistic 46

The global gum candy market size was valued at $6 billion in 2022, with growth driven by innovation in flavors and formats

Statistic 47

The increase in health-conscious consumer segments has led to a 14% growth in sugar-free and reduced-calorie candies globally in 2022

Statistic 48

In 2022, the market share of candies with functional benefits (like added vitamins) grew by 8%, indicating health trend adaptations

Statistic 49

The global artisanal candy market accounted for approximately 10% of the total confectionery industry in 2022, with strong growth in boutique and handcrafted products

Statistic 50

The global chocolate-covered candy segment saw a growth rate of 7% in 2022, driven by premium product offerings

Statistic 51

The largest growth in candy sales in 2022 was observed in sugar-free and diabetic-friendly candies, with a 9% increase

Statistic 52

The average weight of a typical candy package is approximately 150 grams, used for retail standardization

Statistic 53

North America accounted for over 35% of the global candy market share in 2022

Statistic 54

The United States is the largest consumer of candy, with Americans consuming about 22 pounds per person annually

Statistic 55

In Europe, the confectionery market is valued at over €45 billion, with Germany, France, and the UK as key markets

Statistic 56

The U.S. candy industry employs over 60,000 people directly and many more indirectly across manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors

Statistic 57

The average price of a standard candy bar in the US rose by 3.1% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Statistic 58

In Asia, the confectionery market was valued at over $25 billion in 2022, with China and India as key markets

Statistic 59

The U.S. candy export volume increased by 4% in 2022, primarily to Canada, Mexico, and China

Statistic 60

Nearly 85% of candy companies in the US generate more than half their revenue from seasonal sales, primarily Halloween, Easter, and Christmas

Statistic 61

The majority of global candy production occurs in China, accounting for approximately 35% of total output in 2022

Statistic 62

The retail shelf space allocated to candies in North American supermarkets increased by 3% in 2022, reflecting consumer demand

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Key Highlights

The global candy market was valued at approximately $186 billion in 2022
North America accounted for over 35% of the global candy market share in 2022
The United States is the largest consumer of candy, with Americans consuming about 22 pounds per person annually
Sales of organic and natural candies in the US increased by 10% in 2022
Approximately 45% of candy in the U.S. is purchased during major holidays such as Halloween, Easter, and Valentine’s Day
The world's largest candy producer by revenue is Mars Inc., with over $40 billion annual sales
Confectionery companies invest about 5-7% of their revenue in research and product development annually
The production of chocolate candies accounts for approximately 55% of the global candy market
The average American consumes about 2.8 pounds of chocolate candy per year
The global sugar confectionery segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030
In 2022, global gummy candy sales reached approximately $6 billion
The keto and low-sugar candy market segment grew by over 12% in 2022
In Europe, the confectionery market is valued at over €45 billion, with Germany, France, and the UK as key markets

The candy industry is booming worldwide, with a $186 billion market in 2022 fueled by innovative flavors, health-conscious trends, and a surge in premium and eco-friendly products, reflecting evolving consumer preferences across the globe.

Consumer Preferences and Buying Behaviors

Approximately 45% of candy in the U.S. is purchased during major holidays such as Halloween, Easter, and Valentine’s Day
The average American consumes about 2.8 pounds of chocolate candy per year
About 66% of candy sales in the US are impulse purchases, typically bought at checkout counters
The top three candy flavors in the US are chocolate, fruit, and caramel
The top-selling candy brand in the US in 2022 was Reese’s, with over $2 billion in sales
The market share of premium and artisanal candies increased by 15% in 2022, indicating a trend toward higher-quality products
Over 50% of American candy consumers prefer chocolates over other types of candies
Approximately 20% of candies sold globally contain added artificial colors or flavorings, with rising consumer demand for cleaner labels
The popularity of nostalgic candies from the 80s and 90s rose by 20% among consumers aged 30-45 in 2022
The percentage of gluten-free candy options available increased by 12% in 2022, catering to allergy-sensitive consumers
The average daily calorie intake from candy among American teenagers is about 75 calories, contributing to overall dietary habits
The average household spending on candy in the US is approximately $70 annually, showing consistent consumer investment
The global demand for novelty and customized candies increased by 15% in 2022, driven by social media trends
The use of natural colors in candy manufacturing increased by 20% in 2022 as consumers demanded cleaner labels
Up to 60% of candy consumers express a preference for non-GMO ingredients, influencing product formulations
Around 70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for candies with sustainable or ethically sourced ingredients, indicating a willingness to invest in ethical products

Consumer Preferences and Buying Behaviors Interpretation

While nearly half of the U.S. candy market is confined to holiday hype and impulse buys at checkout counters, a clear shift towards higher-quality, natural, and ethically sourced confections reveals that consumers are increasingly willing to indulge thoughtfully—proving that even in sweetness, people want substance.

Global Trends

The share of export-focused companies in the global candy industry increased by 5% in 2022, emphasizing international market expansion

Global Trends Interpretation

This 5% uptick in export-oriented candy companies signals that the industry isn't just sweetening local markets but also battering down international borders in pursuit of global flavor dominance.

Innovation and Market Development

Confectionery companies invest about 5-7% of their revenue in research and product development annually
The number of new candy product launches increased by 8% in 2022, reflecting innovation trends
The number of new flavor launches in candies increased by 12% in 2022, showcasing innovation

Innovation and Market Development Interpretation

With confectionery companies dedicating up to 7% of revenue to R&D and witnessing an 8% rise in new product launches—especially a sweet 12% bump in innovative flavors—2022 clearly marks a sugar-coated surge in creative confectionery, blending serious innovation with tasty results.

Market Valuation and Global Trends

The global candy market was valued at approximately $186 billion in 2022
Sales of organic and natural candies in the US increased by 10% in 2022
The world's largest candy producer by revenue is Mars Inc., with over $40 billion annual sales
The production of chocolate candies accounts for approximately 55% of the global candy market
The global sugar confectionery segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030
In 2022, global gummy candy sales reached approximately $6 billion
The keto and low-sugar candy market segment grew by over 12% in 2022
The demand for vegan candies has increased by 18% globally in 2022
The candy packaging market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4%
Approximately 25% of candy sales are made online, showing a significant shift towards e-commerce
Seasonal candies account for nearly 40% of annual candy sales in the US, with Halloween being the largest occasion
Global demand for sugar substitutes in candies increased by 8% in 2022, driven by health-conscious consumers
Fairtrade-certified candies accounted for 7% of global confectionery sales in 2022, reflecting growing ethical consumerism
The plant-based or vegan candy sector represented approximately 12% of the global candy market in 2022
The average shelf life of packaged candy varies from 6 months to 2 years, depending on ingredients and packaging methods
The global licorice candy market was valued at $3 billion in 2022, with expected growth driven by European markets
Seasonal and holiday candies account for about 28% of total candy market sales globally, with variations by region
The gluten-free market segment in candies grew by approximately 10% in 2022, indicating rising demand
In 2022, the retail value of premium chocolates globally exceeded $48 billion, driven by increasing consumer preference for luxury confections
The share of candies made with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging increased by 14% in 2022, reflecting environmental concerns
The raw materials cost for candy production rose by an average of 4.5% in 2022, impacting profit margins for manufacturers
The online candy subscription box market grew by 25% in 2022, indicating rising popularity of direct-to-consumer models
The percentage of single-origin chocolates in the market increased by 9% in 2022, highlighting premiumization trends
The rise of ethnic and regional candies in international markets grew by 12% in 2022, showing diversification trends
The percentage of candies with reduced sugar content increased from 10% to 22% between 2018 and 2022, driven by health trends
The global gum candy market size was valued at $6 billion in 2022, with growth driven by innovation in flavors and formats
The increase in health-conscious consumer segments has led to a 14% growth in sugar-free and reduced-calorie candies globally in 2022
In 2022, the market share of candies with functional benefits (like added vitamins) grew by 8%, indicating health trend adaptations
The global artisanal candy market accounted for approximately 10% of the total confectionery industry in 2022, with strong growth in boutique and handcrafted products
The global chocolate-covered candy segment saw a growth rate of 7% in 2022, driven by premium product offerings

Market Valuation and Global Trends Interpretation

Despite a $186 billion valuation and shifting consumer preferences toward organic, vegan, and low-sugar options, the candy industry’s sweet spot continues to be an indulgent blend of seasonal favorites, premium chocolates, and innovative packaging, all while navigating rising raw material costs and a booming e-commerce landscape.

Product Segmentation and Market Segments

The largest growth in candy sales in 2022 was observed in sugar-free and diabetic-friendly candies, with a 9% increase
The average weight of a typical candy package is approximately 150 grams, used for retail standardization

Product Segmentation and Market Segments Interpretation

Amid growing health-conscious trends, the candy industry’s sweet spot shifted in 2022 toward sugar-free and diabetic-friendly options, proving that even in indulgence, consumers seek smarter choices—without losing their sugary charm.

Regional and Country-Specific Insights

North America accounted for over 35% of the global candy market share in 2022
The United States is the largest consumer of candy, with Americans consuming about 22 pounds per person annually
In Europe, the confectionery market is valued at over €45 billion, with Germany, France, and the UK as key markets
The U.S. candy industry employs over 60,000 people directly and many more indirectly across manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors
The average price of a standard candy bar in the US rose by 3.1% in 2022 compared to the previous year
In Asia, the confectionery market was valued at over $25 billion in 2022, with China and India as key markets
The U.S. candy export volume increased by 4% in 2022, primarily to Canada, Mexico, and China
Nearly 85% of candy companies in the US generate more than half their revenue from seasonal sales, primarily Halloween, Easter, and Christmas
The majority of global candy production occurs in China, accounting for approximately 35% of total output in 2022
The retail shelf space allocated to candies in North American supermarkets increased by 3% in 2022, reflecting consumer demand

Regional and Country-Specific Insights Interpretation

Amidst a sweet global growth pattern, the U.S. prominently leads both in consumption and employment, while China dominates production; yet, as candy prices and seasonal sales climb, the industry's recipe for success remains a blend of strategic exports and capturing the seasonal heart of consumers.