Sour sweets increasingly popular

In 2012, the confectionery market in the UK grew by 1.8%, according to Market Report Plus.

Although chocolate confectionery accounts for more than two-thirds of the total confectionery market by value, sugar confectionery grew at a faster pace than the major sector for the second consecutive year. Gums and jellies, especially sour variants, are increasingly popular. Moreover, an influx in sharing formats and themed products have further boosted sales in the sector. Fruit sweets are the largest subsector in the sugar confectionery sector and experienced the highest growth of all subcategories in the total market.

Consumers in the UK have a blatant preference for mint-flavoured gum over fruit variants. Manufacturers are keen to revive sales in the subsector with marketing campaigns highlighting the health credentials of chewing gum, as well as new product development. The mints subsector is the only one in the confectionery market to have declined in value in 2012. Consumer interest in the goods is limited and gum is increasingly taking over its market share. The other sugar confectionery subsector accounts for around one-fifth of the value of the sugar confectionery sector. Products include toffees and medicated sweets, in addition to novelties.

New takes on existing confectionery, the rise in smaller formats and interactive marketing campaigns are responsible for value and volume sales growth in the confectionery market in the UK. Although growth slowed in 2012 due to the economic crisis, confectionery remains popular in the UK. Nevertheless, manufacturers are operating in difficult market conditions and certain brands are faring better than others.