What's coming up for the Sweets Market this holiday season?
At a glance
In the same store, you can find the same type of chocolate being sold at prices ranging from $1 to $10. This phenomenon reflects the broader pricing spectrum in the chocolate, candy, and jelly markets, where prices vary widely based mainly on packaging options, as large gift boxes with multiple pieces fetch higher prices than smaller boxes and individual pieces. However, consumer preference also plays an important role in pricing. A chocolate bar may cost as little as $0.71, while other chocolates can reach up to $36.49. Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to choose between affordable options and luxury offerings.
In the U.S., the Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter in a Crunchy Shell Halloween Candy Box was a popular choice in October 2024, near Halloween, as it is an affordable product that offers taste and variety at a price of $1.25. In contrast, the Ferrero Collection Chocolate Gift Box gained notable attention in Australia. Ranking 10th in the Australian retail market, the Ferrero Collection's popularity suggests that many consumers in Australia prefer premium products over lower-priced options.
It’s difficult to accurately predict demand in the sweets market due to the wide range of price points. Demand for $1 candies may be high, or there may be a preference for premium products. Nevertheless, certain factors influence market pricing.
Packaging serves as an indicator of sweets market trends in each country. Gift boxes proved especially popular in Asian markets, with Japan and China showing distinct purchasing patterns. In Japan, gift boxes containing 12, 6, or 5 pieces are in high demand, while Chinese consumers prefer gift boxes with larger assortments, such as 48 or 30 pieces. Additionally, sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important worldwide. In the South Asian snack market, sustainable options have become a key trend known as 'Snacktivism.'
In addition, recent purchasing trends in the sweets market show a rise in healthy sweet products. For example, in the South Asian snack market, low-sugar and sugar-free snacks are gaining popularity in response to health concerns. In Italy, Alpenliebe Original Hard Candy, known for its sugar-free, gluten-free, and pleasant flavor, ranks high on the monthly Top 20 products list, highlighting the growing demand for healthier candy options.
Recently, the price of cocoa has been rising, and it is expected that chocolate prices will follow suit. During the holiday season, when sweets like chocolate, candy, and jelly are in high demand, it will be interesting to see how the rising cost of cocoa will affect the overall market. While companies are exploring alternatives like lab-grown cocoa and cocoa-free technologies to mitigate supply challenges, these innovations are unlikely to replace traditional cocoa in the near term.
For more insights, visit Tridge’s Retail Intelligence Mini Report: Chocolate / Jelly / Candy Market Trend, including the data that Noteworthy & New Products, and Top Products & Trends by Country!
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