Confectionery Ingredients Market Report 2026

The confectionery ingredients market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $87.3 billion in 2025 to $93.09 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of confectionery consumption, expansion of bakery and sweets production, availability of diversified ingredient sources, advancements in food processing technologies, increasing demand for indulgent food products.

The confectionery ingredients market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $121.15 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising focus on sugar reduction solutions, growing demand for premium confectionery, expansion of plant-based ingredient usage, increasing innovation in flavor and texture systems, higher adoption of functional confectionery ingredients. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of natural and clean-label ingredients, rising demand for cocoa and chocolate derivatives, growing adoption of functional sweeteners, expansion of specialty flavoring ingredients, enhanced focus on texture and mouthfeel optimization.

The growing global sugar consumption is expected to drive the expansion of the confectionery ingredients market in the coming years. Sugar consumption refers to the total amount of sugar used in foods, beverages, and sweet products, including confectionery items such as chocolates, candies, and baked goods. Global sugar use is increasing due to population growth, rising demand for processed foods, and strong consumer preference for sweet-tasting products across regions. Confectionery ingredients rely heavily on sugar as a primary component, making the rise in sugar consumption directly supportive of market growth. For example, in November 2023, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, a U.S.-based government agency, global sugar consumption reached 0.1764 billion metric tons in the 2023/24 season, up from 0.1742 billion metric tons in 2022/23, reflecting consistent year-over-year growth. Therefore, the increasing global sugar consumption is boosting the growth of the confectionery ingredients market.

Leading companies in the confectionery ingredients market are introducing new whey protein products such as Nutrilac ProteinBoost to gain a competitive advantage. These proteins can be used in various applications across the dairy and sports nutrition sectors, including yogurt, desserts, and dairy beverages. For instance, in April 2023, Arla Foods Ingredients, a Denmark-based dairy products manufacturer, launched Nutrilac ProteinBoost, a whey protein line developed using patented microparticulation technology. Designed to meet rising consumer demand for high-quality protein, the product focuses on nutritional excellence. Nutrilac ProteinBoost aligns with trends in health, wellness, and high-protein snacking, offering complete proteins with essential amino acids, appealing taste, and desirable texture. The ingredient enhances protein levels while maintaining control over texture, taste, and stability, making it suitable for a variety of high-protein dairy products.

In January 2023, Ferrero Group, an Italy-based manufacturer of confectionery and snack foods, acquired Wells Enterprises for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Ferrero's position in the North American market and expand its product portfolio in the ice cream category. Wells Enterprises is a U.S.-based company specializing in ice cream and frozen desserts.

Major companies operating in the confectionery ingredients market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Group PLC, Tate & Lyle PLC, Olam International Limited, Barry Callebaut AG, Ingredion Incorporated, Koninklijke DSM NV, AAK AB, Arla Foods amba, FrieslandCampina, Tereos Group, Corbion NV, Puratos Group, Symrise AG, Givaudan SA, International Flavors and Fragrances Inc, Döhler Group, Roquette Frères, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Kalsec Inc.

Europe was the largest region in the confectionery ingredients market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the confectionery ingredients market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the confectionery ingredients market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The confectionery ingredients market consists of sales of malt, flour, citrates, starch and derivatives. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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