Snacks

The UK’s economy was challenged by strong inflationary pressures in 2022. Similar to other categories in snacks, chocolate confectionery manufacturers were challenged by multiple shortages in the supply chain, which led to increasing costs in…

Following two consecutive years of sales decline, gum showed the first signs of recovery from the impact of COVID-19 in 2022. With local consumers gradually returning to their pre-pandemic habits and spending greater time outside of the home, gum…

Dairy ice cream has seen some of the highest price increases within dairy products, pushing local consumers to review their purchases and limit spending on their sweet impulses. In addition to these economic challenges, current HFSS regulation is…

Savoury snacks was one of the most severely affected categories by the supply chain crisis in 2022. The rising production costs due to the energy crisis, labour shortages, and the increasing price of raw materials across the entire supply chain led…

In 2023, the UK’s economy continues to be challenged by strong inflationary pressures. Similar to other food industries, snack manufacturers are having to address multiple shortages in the supply chain, in addition to increasing costs of…

Sugar confectionery recorded mixed results in 2022, with certain types benefiting from the recovery of on-the-go purchases, while others were severely hit by the implementation of the HFSS regulation, effective since October. Mints and medicated…

Numerous developments have been witnessed in sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks, given the current economic climate and new regulations. The cost-of-living crisis has forced consumers to rethink their spending and reduce unnecessary…

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on chocolate confectionery in Belgium, particularly in terms of gifting chocolate formats. With the closure of many non-essential stores and the cancellation of social events such as weddings…

The gum category suffered a significant setback due to the COVID-19 health crisis in 2020, particularly as it heavily relies on impulse purchasing. Many consumers opted for online shopping amidst pandemic-induced lockdowns, which led to a steep…

Consumers have resumed their more active lifestyles outside the home since quarantine limitations were lifted, which has also affected their product preferences. This change has also had an impact on the ice cream category, with more people beginning…

Pleasure remains the main purchasing motivation for consumers in savoury snacks. However, the growing importance attached to health is gradually shifting demand towards healthier options. More consumers are therefore looking for natural products,…

Snacks has seen solid retail volume growth in Belgium in recent years, and this is set to continue in 2023, due to the increasing demand for convenient and healthier snacking options amongst consumers. This growth has been further fuelled by the…

Indulgence remains the main driving force for sales of sugar confectionery in Belgium. Consumers are mainly looking for a moment of pleasure for themselves, or to share with others. They are thirsty for innovations, and are often willing to try new…

Although snacking is above all a question of pleasure and taste, the health aspect is also becoming increasingly important to consumers. Healthy and functional biscuits developed well in recent years, and as in every other category, consumers have…

The high rate of inflation prevailing in 2022 and 2023 has not had a major negative impact on the chocolate confectionery category in Denmark. Local players have managed to increase their sales and value by increasing prices, while favourable…

Inflation and increasing production costs are lifting unit prices in 2023, resulting in healthy retail value growth.

During the pandemic, consumers sought comfort in chocolate due to spending more time at home and had limited access to foodservice outlets. However, in 2023, there is a slight decline in chocolate sales volume, especially noticeable in the tablets…

The health and wellness trend continues to grow in Denmark. Danish consumers are increasingly concerned about sticking to a healthy lifestyle and are looking for healthy snack options. Within the gum category, manufacturers are trying to meet the…

Gum in Finland is dominated by free-from-sugar gum offerings, specifically, gum created with the sweetener xylitol, which has been available in Finland since the 1970s when the leading brand, Jenkki, introduced the innovation to the landscape.…

During the pandemic, gum, as a product area, experienced added challenges. With reduced social interactions, increased remote work, and home schooling, mouth fresheners became less relevant to consumers. Unfortunately, even after the pandemic…