South Africa Confectionery Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.95 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 2.66 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 6.44% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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South Africa Confectionery Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The South Africa Confectionery Market size is estimated at 1.95 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.66 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.44% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The confectionery market in South Africa is experiencing significant transformation driven by digitalization and changing consumer behaviors. With 43.48 million internet users representing a 72% penetration rate in 2023, digital channels are reshaping how consumers purchase confectionery products. The rise of social media, reaching 25.80 million users or 42.9% of the population, has revolutionized product discovery and marketing strategies. The increasing adoption of digital payment solutions is evident, with 76% of consumers familiar with online banking and digital transactions in 2022, facilitating seamless online purchases.
The retail landscape for confectionery products continues to evolve, with both traditional and modern channels adapting to changing consumer preferences. The market is characterized by a robust retail infrastructure comprising 4,018 supermarkets across the country, led by major chains like Shoprite and Pick n Pay. The convenience store segment has witnessed significant expansion, with retail partnerships at forecourts growing by 69% over five years to reach 745 stores in 2022. This expansion reflects the growing consumer demand for accessible purchase points and immediate consumption options.
Health consciousness and dietary preferences are reshaping product innovations in the confectionery industry. A notable 66% of South African consumers have expressed interest in plant-based products, prompting manufacturers to expand their offerings. This trend is exemplified by Lindt's introduction of vegan chocolate variants in 2023, catering to the growing plant-based consumer segment. The market is also witnessing increased demand for functional confectionery products, particularly among the fitness-conscious population, with approximately 3 million gym and fitness club members recorded in 2022.
Local manufacturing capabilities are strengthening, marking a significant shift in the confectionery market dynamics. The establishment of South Africa's first local chewing gum manufacturing facility by Richester Foods represents a milestone in reducing import dependency. This development not only enhances domestic production capabilities but also enables better customization of products to local preferences. The facility's modern infrastructure, capable of producing approximately 600 sachets per minute, demonstrates the market's potential for local manufacturing excellence and innovation in meeting consumer demands.
South Africa Confectionery Market Trends and Insights
The emerging trend of gifting chocolate on birthdays, anniversaries, and other life events is propelling the confectionery market to grow
- South Africa remains the prominent confectionery-consuming country in Africa. Sugar confections are largely consumed in the country, followed by chocolates. The emerging trend of gifting chocolate on birthdays, anniversaries, and other life events drives the consumption of milk chocolates and dark chocolates.
- Creative advertisement campaigns and packaging are the most prominent factors influencing the impulse buying of confectionery in the region. Consumers continuously scrutinize labels and contents to make healthy choices about their sugar confectionery intake.
- Confectionery sales registered a growth of 11.44% from 2021 to 2023. The sales growth is linked to the evolving snacking preferences in South Africa.; In 2023, the chocolate segment accounted for 51.42% of the overall confectionery consumption in South Africa;
- The rising consumer inclination toward low-sugar or low-calorie snack food is estimated to create lucrative opportunities for healthy variants of confectionery during the forecast period.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The use of naturally produced color with unique color emulsion technology is expected to propel the market
Segment Analysis: Confections
Chocolate Segment in South African Confectionery Market
The chocolate segment maintains its dominant position in South Africa's confectionery market, commanding approximately 52% market share in 2024. This leadership position is primarily driven by the rising consumption of chocolates, especially among the youth population in the region. The segment's growth is further bolstered by the increasing popularity of premium confectionery variants, including vegan chocolates, sugar-free chocolates, and artisanal confectionery chocolates. Major manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolios with innovative offerings to capture a broader customer base. The segment has also witnessed significant growth in dark chocolate consumption, particularly among health-conscious consumers who appreciate its nutritional benefits and antioxidant properties.
Snack Bar Segment in South African Confectionery Market
The snack bar segment is experiencing remarkable growth in South Africa's confectionery market, projected to grow at approximately 11% during 2024-2029. This impressive growth trajectory is primarily driven by the increasing demand among the expanding working population for wholesome and nutritious snacks that serve as convenient meal replacements. The segment's growth is further fueled by rising health consciousness and busy lifestyles, with consumers actively seeking nutritious alternatives to traditional snacks. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by introducing innovative confectionery products loaded with superfoods like chia, whole grain fibers, and quinoa, offering nutrition in a convenient format. The protein bar category, in particular, is gaining significant traction due to the growing fitness culture and increasing gym memberships across the country.
Remaining Segments in Confections Market
The sugar confectionery and gums segments continue to play vital roles in shaping South Africa's confectionery market landscape. The sugar confectionery segment maintains its position as the second-largest category, offering a diverse range of confectionery products including hard candies, pastilles, gummies, and jellies. This segment's growth is particularly driven by innovative flavor profiles and increasing demand for functional confectionery products. The gums segment, while smaller in market share, remains significant with its expanding portfolio of sugar-free variants and functional benefits, particularly appealing to health-conscious consumers and those seeking oral hygiene benefits. Both segments are witnessing continuous innovation in terms of ingredients, flavors, and functional benefits to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel
Supermarket/Hypermarket Segment in South Africa Confectionery Market
The supermarket/hypermarket channel dominates the South African confectionery market, commanding approximately 49% market share by value in 2024. This significant market position is attributed to these retailers' extensive product variety and their ability to stock a wide range of confectionery products to meet consumers' diverse preferences for on-the-go snacks. Major retail chains like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, and Woolworths, with their extensive networks of 1,983, 1,574, 2,000, and 872 stores respectively across South Africa, provide convenient access to both local and imported confectionery products. These large-format stores offer confectionery products under various labels, including clean-label and free-form products, enabling consumers to easily select products based on their preferences. Their larger infrastructure allows them to accommodate diverse confectionery products with different packaging sizes and brands, while their ability to offer competitive pricing and regular promotions further strengthens their market position.
Online Retail Store Segment in South Africa Confectionery Market
The online retail channel is experiencing remarkable growth in South Africa's confectionery market, projected to achieve the highest growth rate during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing internet connectivity and rising smartphone usage, with South Africa boasting 43.48 million internet users and an internet penetration rate of 72%. The channel's expansion is further supported by the growing social media presence, with 25.80 million users representing 42.9% of the total population, facilitating digital marketing strategies and expanding online grocery delivery networks. The convenience and ease of delivery have made online channels increasingly popular, with approximately 77% of consumers preferring online channels over in-store shopping. The growth is also supported by the increasing adoption of online banking and cashless transactions, with about 76% of consumers being familiar with digital payment methods, making online shopping more accessible and secure.
Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel
The convenience store and other retail formats continue to play vital roles in South Africa's confectionery market. Convenience stores serve as crucial points of sale, particularly in high-traffic areas and along major highways, offering easy access to confectionery products for on-the-go consumers. The 'Others' category encompasses various retail formats including vending machines, specialist stores, drug stores, warehouse clubs, direct selling, and forecourt retailers. These channels are particularly important in serving specific market niches, with specialty retail stores focusing on premium and artisanal confectionery products, while vending machines and forecourt retailers cater to impulse purchases and convenience-seeking consumers. The diverse nature of these channels ensures comprehensive market coverage and meets varying consumer preferences and shopping patterns across different locations and demographics.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in South Africa Confectionery Market
The confectionery market in South Africa is characterized by continuous product innovation and strategic expansion initiatives by major players. Companies are focusing on developing new flavors, healthier variants, and premium offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences, particularly in chocolate and sugar confectionery segments. Operational agility is demonstrated through investments in advanced manufacturing capabilities and sustainable sourcing practices, especially for key ingredients like cocoa and sugar. Strategic moves include partnerships with local distributors to enhance market share in confectionery and collaboration with retail chains for better shelf presence. Companies are also expanding their product portfolios through acquisitions and launching region-specific products that cater to local tastes and preferences. Digital transformation initiatives and e-commerce partnerships are becoming increasingly important for market expansion and consumer reach.
Market Dominated by Global-Local Player Mix
The South African confectionery market exhibits a balanced mix of global leading confectionery companies and established local players, creating a competitive yet consolidated marketplace. Global conglomerates leverage their international expertise and robust supply chains, while local specialists capitalize on their understanding of regional preferences and established distribution networks. The market structure is characterized by strong brand loyalty and significant barriers to entry, particularly in terms of manufacturing capabilities and distribution infrastructure. The presence of diversified food and beverage conglomerates alongside specialized confectionery manufacturers creates a dynamic competitive environment.
Merger and acquisition activities in the market are primarily driven by global players seeking to strengthen their local presence and expand their product portfolios. Local companies are increasingly becoming attractive acquisition targets due to their established distribution networks and strong regional brand recognition. The market also witnesses strategic partnerships between international and local players to combine global expertise with local market knowledge. These collaborations often focus on product development, manufacturing efficiency, and distribution optimization, contributing to market consolidation while maintaining competitive diversity.
Innovation and Distribution Key to Growth
Success in the South African confectionery industry increasingly depends on companies' ability to innovate while maintaining operational efficiency. Market leaders must focus on product differentiation through unique flavors, healthier alternatives, and premium offerings while optimizing their production costs and supply chain efficiency. Building strong relationships with retailers and investing in direct-to-consumer channels are becoming crucial for maintaining market share. Companies need to balance premium positioning with affordability while investing in sustainable practices and transparent sourcing to meet evolving consumer expectations.
For emerging players and market contenders, success lies in identifying and serving niche market segments while building strong distribution networks. Companies must focus on developing unique value propositions, whether through innovative products, competitive pricing, or superior customer service. The ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements, particularly regarding sugar content and packaging sustainability, will be crucial. Investment in digital capabilities and e-commerce platforms, combined with strategic partnerships with established players, can provide pathways for growth. Understanding and addressing potential substitution risks from healthy snacking alternatives while maintaining product quality and safety standards will be essential for long-term success.
South Africa Confectionery Industry Leaders
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Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
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Mars Incorporated
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Mondelēz International Inc.
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Premier Foods Pty
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Tiger Brands
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- July 2023: Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG launched a vegan chocolate range in South Africa. The products are available in two vegan flavors – Lindt Vegan Smooth Chocolate (made with oats and almonds to deliver a smooth, creamy texture) and Lindt Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate (made with roasted hazelnuts and premium vegan chocolate for a nutty flavor).
- May 2023: Under its brand, Mondelēz International Inc. launched three new special edition flavors that deliver indulgence with much-loved flavor combinations. The 150 g slabs include Dairy Milk Fudge Cookie Crumble, Fudge Mint Crisp, and Dream Coconut & Hazelnut Bliss.
- April 2023: Under the ONE brand, The Hershey Company launched the Peanut Butter & Jelly Flavored Protein Bar. The ONE Limited Edition Peanut Butter & Jelly flavored bars are packed with 20 g of protein, 1 g of sugar, and the familiar taste of peanut butter and strawberry jelly flavors.
South Africa Confectionery Market Report Scope
Chocolate, Gums, Snack Bar, Sugar Confectionery are covered as segments by Confections. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.| Chocolate | By Confectionery Variant | Dark Chocolate | ||
| Milk and White Chocolate | ||||
| Gums | By Confectionery Variant | Bubble Gum | ||
| Chewing Gum | By Sugar Content | Sugar Chewing Gum | ||
| Sugar-free Chewing Gum | ||||
| Snack Bar | By Confectionery Variant | Cereal Bar | ||
| Fruit & Nut Bar | ||||
| Protein Bar | ||||
| Sugar Confectionery | By Confectionery Variant | Hard Candy | ||
| Lollipops | ||||
| Mints | ||||
| Pastilles, Gummies, and Jellies | ||||
| Toffees and Nougats | ||||
| Others | ||||
| Convenience Store |
| Online Retail Store |
| Supermarket/Hypermarket |
| Others |
| Confections | Chocolate | By Confectionery Variant | Dark Chocolate | ||
| Milk and White Chocolate | |||||
| Gums | By Confectionery Variant | Bubble Gum | |||
| Chewing Gum | By Sugar Content | Sugar Chewing Gum | |||
| Sugar-free Chewing Gum | |||||
| Snack Bar | By Confectionery Variant | Cereal Bar | |||
| Fruit & Nut Bar | |||||
| Protein Bar | |||||
| Sugar Confectionery | By Confectionery Variant | Hard Candy | |||
| Lollipops | |||||
| Mints | |||||
| Pastilles, Gummies, and Jellies | |||||
| Toffees and Nougats | |||||
| Others | |||||
| Distribution Channel | Convenience Store | ||||
| Online Retail Store | |||||
| Supermarket/Hypermarket | |||||
| Others | |||||
Market Definition
- Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
- Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
- Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
- Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. |
| White Chocolate | White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent. |
| Milk Chocolate | Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product. |
| Hard Candy | A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing. |
| Toffees | A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter. |
| Nougats | A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit. |
| Cereal bar | A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup. |
| Protein bar | Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats. |
| Fruit & Nut bar | These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings. |
| NCA | The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats. |
| CGMP | Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies. |
| Unstandardized foods | Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner. |
| GI | The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time |
| Skimmed milk powder | Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying. |
| Flavanols | Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages. |
| WPC | Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein. |
| LDL | Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol |
| HDL | High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol |
| BHT | butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. |
| Carrageenan | Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. |
| Free form | Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar. |
| Cocoa butter | It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery. |
| Pastellies | A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk. |
| Draggees | Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell |
| CHOPRABISCO | Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry. |
| European Directive 2000/13 | A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products |
| Kakao-Verordnung | The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany. |
| FASFC | Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain |
| Pectin | A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture. |
| Invert sugars | A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose. |
| Emulsifier | A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together. |
| Anthocyanins | A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery. |
| Functional Foods | Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. |
| Kosher certificate | This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law |
| Chicory root extract | A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate |
| RDD | Recommended daily dose |
| Gummies | A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit. |
| Nutraceuticals | Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits. |
| Energy bars | Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go. |
| BFSO | Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
