Gum Confectionery Market Report 2026

The gum confectionery market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $33.72 billion in 2025 to $35.54 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of convenience food consumption, rising demand for breath-freshening products, growth of confectionery retail channels, increasing consumer preference for chewing gum, availability of synthetic gum bases.

The gum confectionery market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $44.93 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for functional confectionery, rising focus on dental health products, expansion of e-commerce confectionery sales, growing use of plant-based ingredients, increasing product premiumization. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for sugar-free and functional gum, rising innovation in flavor and texture formulations, expansion of oral health and functional gum variants, increasing use of natural sweeteners, enhanced focus on sustainable packaging.

Rising urbanization is expected to drive the growth of the gum confectionery market in the coming years. Urbanization is the process by which large numbers of people concentrate permanently in smaller geographic areas, forming cities. Higher population density in urban areas provides a larger consumer base for confectionery products, including gum. The convenience and accessibility of urban centers make it easier for consumers to obtain these products, increasing overall demand. For example, in December 2024, Our World in Data, a UK-based non-profit organization, reported that by 2050, the global population is projected to reach approximately 9.8 billion, with nearly 7 billion people living in urban areas. Therefore, growing urbanization is expected to support the expansion of the gum confectionery market.

Key players in the gum confectionery market are focusing on advanced strategies, such as large-scale brand makeovers, to boost consumer engagement and reposition traditional gum products. A brand makeover involves updating visuals, messaging, and product positioning to align with evolving consumer lifestyles and preferences. For instance, in January 2024, Mars, Incorporated, a US-based confectionery company, launched a major makeover for its flagship gum brands - including Orbit, Extra, Freedent, and Yida - under the new global brand platform, Chew You Good. This initiative refreshed the gum portfolio with a bold visual identity called Chewtopia, featuring vibrant pop-art designs aimed at younger consumers and repositioning gum as an everyday personal-refreshment ritual rather than just an occasional freshener. The campaign, including “Mind Mouth” hero films, delivers a relatable and modern brand experience while unifying messaging across more than 70 global markets. Integrated with Mars’ broader gum-and-mints strategy, this makeover enhances brand relevance, strengthens consumer satisfaction, and supports additional category growth.

In October 2023, Apax Partners, a private equity firm based in the UK, acquired Bazooka Candy Brands for an undisclosed sum. With this acquisition, Apax Partners intends to stimulate growth through improved distribution and product innovation while positioning Bazooka as an independent entity. Bazooka Candy Brands is a US-based company focused on the manufacturing and marketing of renowned gum confectionery products.

Major companies operating in the gum confectionery market are Perfetti Van Melle Pvt. Ltd., Mars Incorporated, Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd., Mondelez International Inc., Cloetta AB, The Hershey Company, Ferrero International S A, Gumlink Confectionery Company A S, FERNDALE CONFECTIONERY PTY. LTD., Tootsie Roll Industries Inc., Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Grupo Arcor, Zed Candy B.V., Yildiz Holding A.S., Grenades Gum LLC, Peppersmith, The PUR Company Inc., Project 7, Simply Gum, Wrigley Company, Extra Gum, Big League Chew, Mentos, Xylichew.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the gum confectionary market in 2025. The regions covered in the gum confectionery market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the gum confectionery market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The gum confectionery market consists of sales of gum and candies. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.