United States Confectionary Market Assessment, By Confectionery Type [Baker’s Confectionery-Cookies, Cakes, Pastries, Others; Sugar Confectionery-Chocolate/Nougat, Candies, Gums, Mints, Ice-Cream, Others], By Flavour [Dark Chocolate, White/Milk Chocolate, Caramels, Fruit and Nuts, Others], By Nutrition [Energy Bars, Conventional Bars], By Distribution Channel [Online; Offline-Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Bakeries, Brand Store/ Kiosks, Others], By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2018-2032F

United States Confectionery Market witnessed a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2025-2032 and was valued at USD 36.82 billion in 2024. Drivers influencing the growth of confectionery market in the United States include higher usage of chocolates and candies for gifting purpose, consumption of candies at home as a treat and consumer preference of trying newer varieties of confectionery items. Consumers in the Unites States are more prone to confectionery products especially candies. As per USDA, more than 68% of the candies are consumed at home by the people in the United States.

The United States is the largest importer of confectionery products with 1500KT imports in 2021. Chocolate confectionery accounted of nearly 50% of the total confectionery sales in the country in 2022. For a long period of time, the confectionary sector remained immune to changing health preferences of customers. Consumers have been demanding for healthier and more organic products for a while now, but their focus has largely been on the essential "mealtime" foods like meat, dairy, prepared foods, and bakery, to mention a few. Sales of low-calorie and sugar-free confectionery products have increased owing to increasing health awareness and obesity incidence in the United States.

Affordability of Wide Range of Products in New Flavours

Consumers are always willing to try new products, which offers them variety of options. Candy companies focus on making their products more appealing for kids by offering variety of products in terms of flavour and packaging. As a result, vendors in this industry must invest extensively in research & development to generate new goods with innovative designs, flavours, and packaging.

Successful Acquisitions Support Market Expansion

Successful acquisitions by major confectionary companies are driving the growth of the United States confectionary market by enhancing product portfolios and expanding market reach. Leading players like The Hershey Company, Mondelez International, Inc., and Ferrero SPA are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions to integrate innovative brands and diversify their offerings. This strategy not only strengthens their competitive position but also aids them in tapping into emerging consumer trends, such as the demand for premium and healthier confectionary options. Additionally, these acquisitions facilitate economies of scale, enabling companies to optimize production and distribution processes, ultimately leading to increased sales and market share.

For instance, in November 2024, The Hershey Company announced the acquisition of Sour Strips (Actual Candy LLC). This acquisition will expand Hershey's sweets portfolio and allow them to reach new consumers. Sour Strips, known for its shockingly sour flavors and strong social media presence, appeals to younger populace. This acquisition allows Hershey to diversify beyond chocolate and tap into the growing sour candy trend, enhancing its market share and innovation in the confectionery category.

Preference for Healthier Confectionery

In response to consumer’s demand for healthier snacks, huge corporations have made a significant strategic decision that prioritises convenience, flavour, and healthier snacking. The demand for organic chocolate is increasing because it doesn't contain any added ingredients that can negatively impact the health of the consumer. As customers are prioritizing their health and wellness, they prefer natural, gluten and sugar free chocolates. Majority of confectionery companies are offering new chocolate flavours in inventive packaging that allows consumers to enjoy a tiny amount while saving the rest for later. This shift has prompted manufacturers to innovate, offering confectioneries that cater to these preferences without compromising on taste. For instance, in December 2024, Oterra, a leader in natural colors for the food and beverage sector, expanded its operations in the U.S. by establishing a state-of-the-art innovation, collaboration, and production hub in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. This facility combines innovation and application labs with new manufacturing and logistics capabilities to meet the growing demand for natural colors and coloring foodstuffs in the country. The expansion underscores Oterra's commitment to supporting the confectionery industry in developing products that align with consumer preferences for natural and healthier ingredients.

Government Scheme for United States Confectionary

The NCA (National Confectioners Association) is a trade association that promotes chocolate, gums, candy, mints and the companies that manufactures them. As the largest association for the confectionery business in the United States, NCA works to ensure that the public knows and appreciates the special role that chocolates and candies plays in leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Impact of COVID-19 on United States Confectionary Market

The market for confectionery has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout 2020, the confectionery industry has been affected by the strict regulations and lockdown, which had a drastic impact on the supply chain of raw materials (agro-based product, food products, and advanced food products), trade and logistic support, demand-supply volatility, uncertain customer needs, and the workforce at the industrial level. One of the main factors that affected the confectionery industry during the lockdown was the reduction in sales because of fewer presents and purchases made by consumers across the nation. The confectionary market recovered after the lockdown due to the reopening of manufacturing facilities, and supply chain of companies started improving.

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Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on United States Confectionary Market

The Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the market globally, especially in Eastern Europe, the United States, Eastern & Central Asia. Major confectionery producers such as Mars, Mondelz, and Nestlé announced that they had temporarily halted manufacturing.

United States Confectionary Market Assessment, Opportunities, and Forecast: Report Scope

“United States Confectionary Market Overview, 2018-2032F,” a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, provides an analytical and statistical guide of the size, share, growth trends, opportunities, and forecasts (2025-2032) for the United States Confectionary market. Additionally, the research scope profiles the top players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business model, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year for analysis	2024
Historical Period	2018-2023
Forecast Period	2025-2032
Market Size in 2024	USD 36.82 Billion
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.3% from 2025-2032
Revenue Forecast in 2032	USD 55.66 Billion
Units	Revenue in USD and Volume in Units
Segments Covered	By Confectionery Type By Flavour By Nutrition By Distribution Channel
Regions Covered	Northeast Southwest West Southeast Midwest
Key Companies Profiled	Mars, Incorporated, Mondelez International, Inc., The Hershey Company, Ferrero SPA, Nestle USA, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Lindt and Sprungli USA, Inc., The Kraft Heinz Co., Simply Good Foods Co., Kellogg Co.
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfil your precise research needs.
Delivery Format	PDF and excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In this report, United States Confectionary Market has been segmented into following categories:

1. By Confectionery Type
   • Baker’s Confectionery
     • Cookies
     • Cakes
     • Pastries
     • Others
   • Sugar Confectionery
     • Chocolate/Nougat
     • Candies
     • Gums
     • Mints
     • Ice-Cream
     • Others

2. By Flavour
   • Dark chocolate
   • White/Milk chocolate
   • Caramels
   • Fruit and Nuts
   • Others
3. By Nutrition
   • Energy Bars
   • Conventional Bars
4. By Distribution Channel
   • Online
   • Offline
     • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
     • Convenience Stores
     • Pharmacies/Drug Stores
     • Bakeries
     • Brand Store/ Kiosks
     • Others

5. By Region
   • Northeast
   • Southwest
   • West
   • Southeast
   • Midwest

Key Player Landscape and Outlook

Due to the dominant position of a few major companies in the market, the market is extremely concentrated. By expanding its distribution networks, implementing cost-saving strategies, and releasing a wide range of products in the market, the players are making significant profits.

Key Players Operating in United States Confectionary Market

• Mars, Incorporated
• Mondelez International, Inc.
• The Hershey Company
• Ferrero SPA
• Nestle USA, Inc.
• General Mills, Inc.
• Lindt and Sprungli USA, Inc.
• The Kraft Heinz Co.
• Simply Good Foods Co.
• Kellogg Co.

 

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