Sugar Confectionery - US - June 2007

Abstract

This report provides analysis and insights on the non-chocolate candy market, helping industry players make more informed decisions in support of candy sales. Sales of sugar confectionery products in convenience stores and FDM channels excluding Wal-Mart declined 10% in constant terms since 2001, suggesting a need for challenges to traditional thinking.

Topics addressed in this report include:

• Obstacles to non-chocolate candy consumption, including demographic trends, health issues (weight, diabetes, dental health) and competition from other categories
• The impact of private labels
• Who is buying non-chocolate candy and who is eating it
• The role of sugar-free candy in the marketplace
• Sales trends (in terms of dollars and volume) and which segments and suppliers are the best and worst performers
• Planned candy purchases versus impulse purchases
• Types of candy promotions that kids and teens enjoy

To create this report, Mintel has drawn from its exclusive consumer research, secondary sources, and Mintel Inspire, a database of long-term global trends. Piecing together these resources answers important questions in the sugar confectionery market:

• Why will flavor innovations in non-chocolate candy be more important than ever over the next five years? To whom will they most appeal?
• Should retailers focus on displays in the candy aisle, around the store or at checkout?
• Why should category players be interested in the dental hygiene habits of children five and under?
• What can candy makers and marketers learn from "comfort foods" and popular snacks?
• What messaging might entice dieters to trade snacks for non-chocolate candy?

Mintel' s research suggests that breaking away from candy conventions could penetrate untapped markets and create new usage occasions. This report is peppered with ideas to achieve these goals, such as new holidays, interesting party themes, and "breakfast candy."

Sugar confectionery is defined as non-chocolate candy sweetened with sugar, artificial sweeteners, fruit juice or honey. Diet candy with chocolate-flavored coating is included. Chocolate, gum, mints and breath fresheners are excluded from the scope of this report.

This report contains US IRI InfoScan data.