The India confectionery market was valued at INR 398.71 Billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to INR 618.10 Billion by 2034. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.99% during the forecast period of 2026-2034. The market growth is driven by factors such as rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences for indulgent treats, enhanced by expanding modern retail infrastructure and e-commerce penetration. The report presents a thorough review featuring the India confectionery market share, trends, and research of the industry.
STUDY ASSUMPTION YEARS
- Base Year: 2025
- Historical Year/Period: 2020-2025
- Forecast Year/Period: 2026-2034
INDIA CONFECTIONERY MARKET KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Current Market Size: INR 398.71 Billion in 2025
- CAGR: 4.99% (2026-2034)
- Forecast Period: 2026-2034
- Chocolate dominates product segments with a 36.5% market share in 2025, driven by preference for premium products and gifting culture.
- Adult age group leads with 45.0% share due to targeted marketing and demand for sugar-free options.
- Economy price point holds 49.6% market share reflecting price sensitivity and widespread availability.
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate distribution with 42.3% share, benefiting from organized retail growth.
- North India leads regional market with 32.8% share, supported by high population density and festive sweet consumption traditions.
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MARKET TRENDS
Premiumization and Artisanal Offerings
Premium and artisanal confectionery items are increasingly popular among Indian consumers seeking distinctive flavors and refined experiences. Artisanal chocolatiers blend traditional Indian spices like cardamom, jaggery, paan, and masala chai into premium cocoa concoctions. Startup chocolatiers have introduced high-end desi-flavored bars such as cardamom-ghee-moong lentil chocolates and chili-infused dark variants, appealing to local tastes and cultural appropriateness.
Health-Conscious Confectionery Innovation
Growing health awareness fuels demand for sugar-free, low-calorie, and functional confectionery. Manufacturers are innovating with natural sweeteners like stevia and jaggery, reducing sugar content, and adding health-beneficial ingredients. For example, in October 2024, Zydus Wellness launched Sugar Free D'lite cookies in flavors such as choco chip, yummy berries, and mocha hazelnut targeting health-conscious consumers.
Digital Transformation and E-commerce Expansion
The industry is undergoing digital transformation through e-commerce and quick commerce platforms, altering traditional distribution and purchasing habits. These digital channels enhance product accessibility in urban and semi-urban areas, particularly during peak festive seasons. Brands employ digital marketing, influencer tie-ups, customized campaigns, and social media engagement to expand their consumer base. E-commerce candy sales show strong growth in metropolitan regions.
MARKET GROWTH FACTORS
Rising Disposable Incomes and Evolving Lifestyles
The expanding middle class and increasing disposable incomes are major growth drivers. Improved financial stability raises discretionary spending on premium foods. Urban consumers are exposed to sophisticated and international confectionery brands, increasing expenditure on indulgent delights. Busy urban lifestyles have led to greater demand for convenient, ready-to-eat confectionery products that satisfy immediate indulgence needs.
Cultural Significance of Gifting and Festive Celebrations
Confectionery demand peaks during traditional festivals like Diwali, Eid, Raksha Bandhan, and weddings, which involve gifting sweets. Chocolates increasingly replace traditional mithai in gifting hampers. Approximately 70% of confectionery sales occur around festivals. Limited-edition products and festive packaging capitalize on seasonal demand, underlining cultural importance.
Expansion of Modern Retail and E-commerce Platforms
Modern retail formats such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores improve product accessibility in urban and semi-urban areas by offering broad selections and promotions. Rapid growth of e-commerce and fast commerce platforms enables direct access to untapped markets, particularly in urban areas desiring doorstep delivery and competitive prices. These platforms are especially important during high-demand holiday seasons.
MARKET SEGMENTATION
- Product Type
- Hard-boiled Sweets
- Mints
- Gums and Jellies
- Chocolate
- Caramels and Toffees
- Medicated Confectionery
- Fine Bakery Wares
- Others
Chocolate leads with 36.5% share in 2025, driven by preference for premium treats, gifting traditions, and urbanization.
- Age Group
- Children
- Adult
- Geriatric
Adult segment leads with 45.0% share, influenced by marketing strategies, health-conscious trends, and gifting culture.
- Price Point
- Economy
- Mid-range
- Luxury
Economy holds 49.6% market share reflecting affordability, price sensitivity, and penetration through kirana stores.
- Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Pharmaceutical and Drug Stores
- Online Stores
- Others
Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate with a 42.3% share, driven by organized retail expansion and promotional activities.
- Region
- North India
- West and Central India
- South India
- East India
North India leads with a 32.8% share, supported by population density, metropolitan hubs, and festive sweet consumption traditions.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
North India dominates the confectionery market with a 32.8% share in 2025. This leadership is driven by dense population centers such as Delhi NCR and a strong cultural affinity for sweets during festivals, weddings, and religious events. The region benefits from well-established retail and e-commerce platforms, efficient cold-chain infrastructure, and distribution networks that cater effectively to urban and semi-urban markets.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS & NEWS
In January 2025, South Korean company Lotte Wellfood (formerly Lotte Confectionery) announced the launch of ‘Pepero,’ a popular biscuit stick coated with chocolate, in India. Manufacturing will occur at their Haryana facility, marking Pepero's first production outside Korea. In September 2024, Annapurna Swadisht acquired Madhur Confectioners Private Limited, a maker of lollipops and flavored sweets. This acquisition enhances Annapurna Swadisht's market position and broadens its product range.
KEY PLAYERS
- Candico India Ltd
- Parle Products Pvt. Ltd
- Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd
- Lotte India Corporation Ltd
- MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd
- Flury’s Swiss Confectionery Pvt Ltd
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