Aerated Confectionery Market

Aerated Confectionery Market Size And Trends

The global aerated confectionery market was valued at USD 17.13 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 26.77 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.09% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global aerated confectionery market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by the rising demand for unique textures and sensory experiences in candies, chocolates, and other confectioneries.

Moreover, growing health consciousness amongst individuals worldwide and an increasing consumer preference for premium confectionery products are further estimated to augment the market growth.

Market Overview

Aerated confectionery refers to sweets that contain air bubbles incorporated during the manufacturing process, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Common examples include marshmallows, nougats, and whipped chocolates. The aeration process is achieved through mechanical whipping, chemical leavening agents, or the introduction of gases like carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

The air bubbles reduce the density of the confectionery, giving it a softer, melt-in-the-mouth quality. This technique enhances the sensory experience, as the air bubbles improve texture and increase volume without significantly altering the overall flavor profile of the sweet. Aerated confectionery is popular for its unique texture and lightness.

Market Drivers

Growing Health Consciousness Among Consumers

As health awareness increases globally, consumers are looking for confectionery options that provide indulgence without the guilt of excessive calorie consumption. Aerated confectionery offers an appealing alternative, as the incorporation of air bubbles reduces the overall density and caloric content of the product without compromising flavor.

For instance, aerated chocolate contains fewer calories per gram compared to traditional solid chocolate, making it a popular option among calorie-conscious consumers. Likewise, manufacturers are introducing low-sugar and sugar-free variants of aerated confectionery to cater to the growing demand for healthier options.

Moreover, the growing awareness of the impact of high sugar consumption on health, as reported by the World Health Organization, has encouraged many consumers to opt for lighter, aerated alternatives, thereby driving global market growth. 

Market Restraint

Volatile Prices of Raw Materials

One of the key challenges facing the aerated confectionery market is the volatility in the prices of raw materials such as sugar, cocoa, and dairy. The cost of these ingredients is subject to fluctuations due to factors like changing weather patterns, supply chain disruptions, and global trade policies. For instance, cocoa prices have been highly unpredictable in recent years, with significant price hikes driven by political instability in major cocoa-producing regions in West Africa.

Additionally, sugar prices have been affected by trade policies, government subsidies, and crop yields. These fluctuations in raw material costs directly impact the production costs of aerated confectionery, putting pressure on manufacturers to maintain profitability without significantly increasing retail prices. As a result, the volatility of raw material prices remains a significant restraint on the market's growth. 

Market Opportunities:

New Product Launches by Key Players

The launch of innovative products is driving growth in the aerated confectionery market. For example, Mars, Inc. introduced Starburst Airs in 2023, a next-generation aerated gummy candy. These gummies feature an inflated, bouncy texture and are available in both original and sour tropical flavors.

The original pack includes strawberry, lemon, orange, and cherry flavors, while the sour tropical pack offers kiwi strawberry, pineapple, passion fruit, and mango. Each serving contains 100-110 calories and 20 grams of sugar.

This product launch exemplifies the growing trend among major players to innovate with aerated products, creating new opportunities for market growth by addressing consumer interest in both novelty and variety.

Market Scope

Based on Product Type

The global aerated confectionery market is divided into aerated chocolates, marshmallows, nougat, and others.The aerated chocolate segment held a significant share of the aerated confectionery market due to its widespread consumer appeal and premium positioning. The inclusion of air bubbles in chocolate creates a unique texture, offering a lighter and creamier mouthfeel, which enhances consumer satisfaction. Popular brands like Nestlé's Aero and Cadbury's Bubbly have gained traction, particularly in Europe and North America. As demand for innovative, premium chocolate products rises globally, this segment is expected to see steady growth, driven by consumer preference for novel indulgent experiences.

Based on the Distribution Channel

The global aerated confectionery market is segmented into offline and online channels.The online channel segment is experiencing rapid growth in the aerated confectionery market, driven by the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales. Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping for convenience and access to a wider variety of products. According to a report by Statista, global e-commerce sales in the food and beverage sector grew by 24% in 2022. This trend is expected to continue, with confectionery brands expanding their digital presence through e-commerce platforms, offering exclusive deals, and enhancing customer engagement online.

North America

North America holds a significant share of the global aerated confectionery market, driven by the growing consumer demand for premium and innovative products. The U.S. and Canada are the primary contributors, with consumers showing a strong preference for aerated chocolates and marshmallows. The trend toward healthier confectionery choices has fueled the popularity of aerated products, as they offer lower calorie content without compromising taste. For instance, Hershey's Air Delight, a well-known aerated chocolate product in the U.S., exemplifies this demand for indulgent yet lighter options.

Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales has boosted the accessibility of aerated confectioneries. A report by Statista showed that online confectionery sales in the U.S. grew by 18% in 2022, highlighting the shift toward digital retail. North American consumers are also increasingly favoring organic and low-sugar variants, aligning with the region's health-conscious trends. The robust retail infrastructure and innovations in product formulation position North America as a key player in the global aerated confectionery market's growth trajectory.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to witness the fastest growth in the aerated confectionery market, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are seeing increasing demand for premium and innovative confectionery products. The region's confectionery imports grew by 8.4% between 2020 and 2022, according to the International Trade Centre, highlighting the growing appetite for indulgent treats.

Furthermore, the expansion of e-commerce platforms and modern retail infrastructure has made aerated confectioneries more accessible to consumers in both urban and rural areas. For instance, in India, online sales of confectionery products surged by 35% in 2022 due to the increasing use of digital platforms for grocery shopping. Additionally, manufacturers are introducing region-specific flavors and formulations that cater to local tastes, which is further fueling market growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Top Market Players in the Aerated Confectionery Industry 

1. Dandy Cotton Candy
2. Ferrero Group
3. Mondelez International
4. Mars
5. Hershey
6. Lindt
7. Ezaki Glico
8. Haribo
9. Perfetti Van Melle Spa
10. Pladis
11. August Storck
12. United Confectionary Manufacturers
13. Bourbon
14. Valeo Foods Group
15. Chocolat Frey AB
16. Cacau Show
17. Roshen
18. Others.

• September 2024: Nestlé Confectionery introduced its Christmas 2024 collection, featuring new offerings from Smarties, Aero, Milkybar, and several returning seasonal favorites.