This report focuses on the UK market for sugar confectionery, mints and gum, which were last examined separately in 2007 (sugar confectionery and chewing gum & mints). The period since then has seen mixed fortunes for the market overall, with some sectors benefiting from innovation (ie chewing gum), while the wider market has seen a more sluggish performance.

Sales of sugar confectionery and gum are increasingly being influenced by the healthier lifestyles that are slowly being adopted by British adults and children (for more information, see Mintel’s report Obesity – UK, March 2009). Consequently consumption of many sugar and gum lines is stable at best, and at worst is seeing a decline in retail sales. While interest in premium and, more recently, higher-quality (ie natural) products have helped boost sales, the sector is faced with a series of challenges that will require radical thinking if they are to be overcome.

Some manufacturers have risen to this challenge and have done much to rejuvenate particular market segments. However many other areas are ripe for change, with Mintel’s research illustrating considerable opportunities for sugar confectionery and gum long-term.

Key themes

What place does confectionery have amongst consumers especially following the advertising bans and school restrictions on its consumption?

Can manufacturers exploit the importance of occasions in eating sweets as well as the attitudes that consumers hold towards them?

How can the confectionery market still have a place in a market strongly influenced by health concerns, following increasing obesity rates?

What is the real competition for confectionery in terms of snacking?

Is there more room for retro brands or should companies move forward instead?

Is ‘natural’ the way forward in this market, or are existing developments such as sugar-free the way forward?