Confectionery Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Plastic, Paper, Glass, Aluminum), By Packaging Type (Rigid, Flexible), By Confectionery Type (Chocolates, Gums, Candy, Sugar Confectionery, Fruits and Nuts) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global confectionery packaging market size was valued at USD 10.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 14.9 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Confectionery Packaging Market growth is driven by rising demand for food and beverages, particularly sweets.

Confectionery packaging refers to specialized solutions explicitly created for confectionery products like chocolates, candies, gums, and other sweet treats. Packaging is essential for maintaining confectionery items' quality, freshness, and appeal while serving as a branding, marketing, and consumer engagement tool. The rising demand for chocolates, candies, bakery products, and other sweet food items in emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil is driving market growth. Furthermore, constant product development in this industry has expanded the scope of confectionery packaging worldwide.

Packaging protects food from physical, environmental, and chemical damage. Over the last few years, packaging has expanded beyond protection. Improving the product's aesthetics and attracting consumers' attention has become essential. As a result, manufacturers in this industry are now taking a consumer-centric approach to product development.

Key highlights

• Plastic generates the highest revenue share by material.
• Flexible packaging dominates the market by packaging type.
• Chocolates led the market by confectionary type.

Market Dynamics

Global confectionery packaging market drivers

Innovation in packaging design

Packaging design has a significant impact on consumer purchasing decisions. It influences consumer behavior via motivation, perception, learning, emotion, and memory. Confectionery companies frequently introduce packaging designs with distinctive shapes and structures to differentiate their products and capture consumers' attention. For example, Toblerone's iconic triangular chocolate bar packaging is noticeable on store shelves and has become synonymous with the brand's identity. Some confectionery brands use interactive elements in their packaging to engage customers and improve the overall experience. For example, KitKat introduced "Snap & Share" packaging, which allows customers to easily break off a piece of chocolate and share it with others.

Additionally, eye-catching colors and vibrant graphics are frequently used in confectionery packaging to elicit emotions and pique consumer interest. M&M's colorful candy-coated chocolates are packaged with playful characters and bright colors that appeal to children and adults.

Furthermore, the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) reported that 72% of consumers believe packaging design influences their purchasing decisions. Confectionery brands invest in innovative packaging designs to set themselves apart from competitors, strengthen brand identity, and foster consumer loyalty. As a result, market trends such as premiumization, customization, and sustainability reflect the confectionery industry's demand for packaging innovations. To meet changing consumer preferences and market demands, brands invest in premium packaging materials, personalized packaging designs, and environmentally friendly solutions.

Global confectionery packaging market restraints

Environmental concerns and sustainability challenges

The confectionery industry is under increasing scrutiny due to its role in plastic pollution, packaging waste, and environmental degradation. Consumers, advocacy groups, and regulatory bodies are calling for more environmentally friendly packaging solutions to address these concerns.

According to a McKinsey & Company report, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced yearly, with packaging accounting for a sizable portion of plastic waste. Plastic pollution seriously threatens marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, prompting calls for less plastic use and higher recycling rates. The world produces 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year. Approximately one-third of all plastic packaging on the global market leaks from collection systems, polluting the environment. Plastic production, use, and disposal generate approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Furthermore, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that only 14% of plastic packaging worldwide is collected for recycling, emphasizing the critical need for improved waste management infrastructure and circular economy approaches. Confectionery packaging contributes to this plastic waste stream, highlighting the importance of industry-wide sustainable packaging initiatives. As a result, confectionery companies face pressure to use eco-friendly packaging materials, reduce packaging waste, and reduce their environmental impact. However, transitioning to sustainable packaging solutions requires overcoming various challenges and constraints.

Global confectionery packaging market opportunity

Growth in the e-commerce sector

Expanding e-commerce creates significant opportunities for confectionery brands to invest in specialized packaging solutions for online retail channels. E-commerce packaging designs prioritize product protection, ease of handling, and sustainable materials to improve consumers' online shopping experiences.

Amazon launched the "Frustration-Free Packaging" initiative to encourage brands to use easy-to-open, recyclable, and environmentally friendly packaging for products sold through its platform. Confectionery brands can use this initiative to create e-commerce packaging solutions that reduce packaging waste, lower shipping costs, and improve customer satisfaction with online purchases. To maintain product integrity during shipping, brands can use recyclable cardboard boxes, minimalist packaging designs, and protective inserts.

Moreover, E-commerce sales are expected to continue to rise in 2024, with some predicting a global market worth USD 6.33 trillion. This growth is expected to be driven by increased consumers and businesses purchasing goods and services through digital channels. McKinsey & Company research shows that e-commerce packaging accounts for a significant portion of global packaging waste, emphasizing the importance of sustainable packaging solutions in online retail. Brands prioritizing eco-friendly packaging materials and optimized packaging designs can reduce environmental impact while meeting consumer demands for sustainable e-commerce packaging.

Regional Analysis

The global confectionery packaging market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Europe dominates the global market

Europe is the most significant global confectionery packaging market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period. The region is seeing an increase in sustainable packaging initiatives, encouraging manufacturers to use eco-friendly practices and materials. The demand for on-the-go products and convenient packaging solutions drives regional growth. Germany is expected to hold most of the Western European confectionery packaging market share. Germany is the leading producer of chocolate as a consumer product, and the Germans are the world's largest chocolate consumers, with a per capita consumption of 11 kg in 2022. According to the Association of Chocolate, Biscuit, and Confectionery Industries of Europe (CAOBISCO), chocolate and sugar confectionery are popular in Germany. This indicates a positive growth in the German confectionery packaging market.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period. The chocolate industry's leading manufacturers are expanding their operations in Asia-Pacific, making it the second most dominant region globally. The regional market for confectionery products is growing due to changing consumer preferences. The region's food market is growing due to rising population, urbanization, and increased awareness of foodborne illnesses, waste, and spoilage.

Furthermore, rising purchasing power, combined with rapid urbanization in South Asian countries, is expected to drive industry growth in the region. On the other hand, the leading chocolate manufacturers are expanding their operations in this region. An artist's impression of Barry Callebaut's recently announced chocolate and compound manufacturing facility in Neemrana, India. The new chocolate factory, scheduled to open in 2024, will feature cutting-edge assembly lines to meet the diverse needs of its customers. This will increase the Company's production capabilities and allow it to serve this region better.

North America is expected to experience significant growth over the forecast period. Chocolate is the most popular gift during major festivals, such as Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Easter. Packaging is becoming increasingly important in the region, particularly for gifts. The consumption of confectionery products in the United States is increasing, boosting sales of confectionery packaging. The US confectionery industry achieved record sales of USD 48 billion in 2023. According to the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) most recent State of Treating report, the US confectionery industry will generate USD 48 billion in sales by 2023. This suggests that rising sales of confectionery products are driving demand for confectionery packaging in the United States.

Latin America's retail market is expected to grow moderately during the forecast period, driven by increased consumer demand for innovative packaging solutions. During the forecast period, Brazil is expected to account for half of Latin America's confectionery packaging market. The increasing export of confectionery products in Brazil opens up new market opportunities for packaging.

Segmental Analysis

The global confectionery packaging market is segmented based on material, packaging, and candy.

The market is further segmented by material into Plastic (Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)), Paper, Glass, and Aluminum.

The plastic segment dominates the confectionery packaging market segment. Plastic is a versatile and widely used material in confectionery packaging because of its flexibility, durability, and low cost. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are three common types of plastic used in packaging. Plastic packaging provides excellent barrier properties against moisture and oxygen, extending the shelf life of confectionery products.

However, plastic packaging raises concerns about environmental sustainability and pollution, increasing demand for recyclable and biodegradable plastic alternatives in the confectionery industry. Manufacturers prefer plastic materials for their moisture-resistant and lightweight properties. The material shields confectionery from harmful elements like dust, UV rays, and more. Furthermore, it can withstand fluctuations in pressure and temperature, which impact segment growth.

The paper has the second-largest share in the material segment due to its flexibility in wraps and rigidity in boxes and cartons. Manufacturers prefer paper because it is impervious to oxygen, bacteria, and light, driving the segment's growth. Paper packaging is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, as it is biodegradable, recyclable, and sourced from renewable resources. Confectionery products are commonly packaged in paper, including boxes, bags, wrappers, and cartons. It protects products sufficiently while allowing for the printing of branding, product information, and decorative designs. Paper packaging is popular among environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint. However, paper packaging may have lower moisture and grease resistance than plastic packaging, necessitating additional coatings or laminates for specific confectionery applications.

Based on packaging type, the market is fragmented into Rigid (Boxes and Cartons, Trays, Containers, Jars) and flexible (Wraps, Sachets, Films, Bags and Pouches).

The flexible segment dominates the market. Flexible packaging is materials that can easily conform to the product's shape and adapt to various packaging formats. Flexible packaging in the confectionery industry includes pouches, bags, wraps, films, and sachets made of plastic, paper, foil, or biodegradable polymers. Flexible packaging is versatile, lightweight, and cost-effective, making it ideal for various confectionery products such as candies, chocolates, gums, and snack bars. Flexible packaging can be customized using different printing techniques, including digital printing, flexography, and gravure printing, to create eye-catching designs and branding elements.

Furthermore, flexible packaging often uses less material and energy for production, transportation, and disposal than rigid packaging, contributing to environmental sustainability. Flexible packaging is famous for confectionery products due to its hygiene, convenience, and user-friendliness. Flexible packaging adapts to the size and shape of confectionery items, providing a protective barrier against external factors like light, moisture, and air. It also allows for easy transport and storage.

The rigid segment has the second-largest share of the packaging type segment. Rigid packaging materials retain their shape and structure even when empty. Common types of rigid packaging used in the confectionery industry include boxes, cartons, trays, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or glass containers. Rigid packaging provides excellent protection and presentation for confectionery products, making it ideal for gift wrapping, premium items, and retail displays. Rigid packaging can be personalized with branding, graphics, and unique finishes to increase product visibility and consumer appeal.

However, rigid packaging may be less adaptable and costlier than flexible packaging options. Rigid packaging offers excellent protection for a variety of confectionery products. The product is convenient to transport and store, driving segment growth.

The market can be further bifurcated by confectionary type into chocolates, gums, candy, sugar confectionery, and fruits and nuts.

The chocolate segment dominates the market. Chocolates are among the most popular and widely consumed confectionery products worldwide. They are made from cocoa beans, sugar, and milk (milk chocolate) or cocoa butter (dark chocolate). Chocolates are available in various forms, including bars, truffles, bonbons, pralines, and filled chocolates. The Cream Forest packaging by Haraay Design Studio combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. The elegant typeface gives the packaging an expensive appearance, making it stand out in a sea of competition.

Similarly, UK-based COCO Chocolatier has collaborated with local artists to sell gourmet chocolate in modern art-inspired packaging. Global demand for premium and dark chocolate packaging drives the segment's growth. The rise in smart device usage, internet penetration, and online chocolate platforms is driving demand and growth in the segment.

The candy segment accounts for the market's second-largest share. Candy, also known as sweets or confectionery, refers to various sugar-based treats, such as hard candies, soft candies, gummies, jellies, lollipops, and mints. Candies are made with sugar, corn syrup, flavorings, colorings, and occasionally gelatin, fruit juices, or nuts. Candy confectionary packaging is in high demand due to its attractive packaging and appealing products, driving the segment's growth.

Recent Developments

• April 2024- Amcor Flexibles North America announced its most significant dairy production capacity expansion.
• February 2024- Smurfit Kappa developed bespoke TopClip systems for mid-sized breweries.
• April 2024- SEE and Ossid Form a strategic partnership to offer a new sustainable tray overwrapping total solution.
• April 2024- Cadbury Australia, owned by Mondelez International, revamped the packaging for its Easter series in response to consumer demand for sustainable packaging as part of the Company's long-term efforts to reduce plastic use and waste.