The sugar and gum industry continues to deliver impressive performance despite a slowdown in overall F&B product launches. Although the rate of new variant introductions is not as steep as in previous years, the sugar confectionery and gum category still records higher launch volumes than the average for the entire food and beverage sector. The appeal of gummy/jelly products and lollipops remains strongest, driven by innovative textures and ever more interactive, age-friendly packaging. This confirms that, even as the market matures, enthusiasm for high-quality sweet products remains high.
Producers Focus on Core Flavor Profiles
Producers of sugar confectionery and gum focus on developing key flavor profiles. The main profiles include fruit, caramel/toffee, mint/menthol, and dessert. Classic and experimental fruit combinations—such as strawberry-apple, mango-passion fruit, and orange-cheese—are increasingly popular. These flavor innovations offer a balanced sweet-and-sour experience.
Caramel and toffee add a decadent touch to lollipops and chewy candies, evoking dessert-like enjoyment. Mint and menthol remain go-to breath-freshening flavors in the gum segment. Meanwhile, dessert profiles like chocolate, vanilla, and cheese are integrated into gummies to attract adult consumers craving pastry flavors.
Beyond core flavors, emerging trends now introduce spicy-sweet and floral notes into confectionery. Leading brands dare to combine chili or pepper with sweetness, delivering a warm, contrasting bite. Floral aromas—such as rose, lavender, and jasmine—are also entering candy lines, creating a premium, sophisticated impression.
Consumer Preferences
Global data show that four out of ten consumers purchased candy in the past 12 months. Gen Z and Millennials drive most of this market growth.
They favor “Instagrammable” products that are easy to share on social media. Households with children under 12 record higher purchase rates.
Parents seek convenient snacks to satisfy their children’s tastes. These habits reflect increasingly detailed market segmentation. Targeted digital marketing effectively meets each demographic’s needs.
Chewing-gum habits remain strong: half of global consumers chew gum at least once a week. Meanwhile, hard candy and gummy consumption frequency is rising. This aligns with the on-the-go snacking trend that demands practical, portable packaging. This increase confirms that confectionery products are no longer just main snacks but also impulse treats supporting a mobile lifestyle.
Several factors influence confectionery and gum purchases. First, flavor preference is critical—producers must deliver variants that match local tastes and global trends. Second, product novelty—such as limited editions and brand collaborations—proves effective at driving impulse buys Third, modern lifestyles fuel demand for low-sugar or sugar-free products, aligned with growing health awareness. Fourth, safety claims and clean-label credentials add value: consumers now prioritize real ingredients, no artificial colors or flavors, and sugar transparency.
Current Flavor Trends
Fruit profiles dominate more than 50% of recent launches. Caramel/toffee, mint/menthol, and dessert complete the core flavor lineup. Strawberry and green-apple variants show the fastest growth in the fruit segment. This trend reflects a preference for well-balanced sweet-and-sour tastes. Spicy-sweet, natural fruit & vegetable (e.g., carrot or beet), and floral flavors are gaining traction. New market niches open up for bold, experimental producers.
Seasonal and limited editions drive brand creativity in unique flavor blends. Examples include chili-mango for summer, lavender-lemon for Valentine’s Day, and caramel-sea salt-rose for year-end holidays. These strategies build buzz on social media. They also encourage consumers to try new variants before they disappear.
Collaboration Opportunities with Falmont Flavors
In the face of rapidly shifting trends, partnering with Falmont Flavors offers a strategic solution for F&B companies seeking to enrich their confectionery and gum portfolios. Falmont, as an Asia-based flavor house, possesses deep market research capabilities to pinpoint both regional and global flavor trends. Through custom flavor development services, Falmont can tailor formulations—from tropical fruit and dessert profiles to spicy-sweet and floral notes—according to client needs.
Shifting tastes and global consumer habits create significant opportunities for innovation in sugar confectionery and gum. Combining classic and experimental flavors with limited-edition strategies maintains product appeal. By partnering with Falmont Flavors, F&B companies can strengthen product uniqueness and quality while meeting market expectations for flavor innovation and memorable consumption experiences