Cocoa-free sugar confectionery market in Australia and New Zealand, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for cocoa-free sugar confectionery in Australia and New Zealand grew significantly from 28 462 t to 47 065 t. This expansion was supported by Barry Callebaut's factory enlargement in Melbourne, which increased local production capacity, and the launch of new low-sugar product lines like Cocomels, aligning with rising consumer interest in healthier options. The market reached its peak volume in 2020.

Following the peak, market volume contracted to 22 809 t in 2021 but rebounded to 35 917 t in 2022. This recovery was driven by the entry of new sugar-free product ranges from major confectionery companies, including Hershey's peanut butter cups and chocolate bars, alongside clearer labeling regulations that helped consumers identify sugar-free choices more easily. In 2023, volume eased to 32 995 t, though market innovation continued with Ferrero introducing a new strawberry-flavored Tic-Tac and other flavor experiments, maintaining consumer engagement.

Production cocoa-free sugar confectionery in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery, 2018-2021

World map of production of cocoa-free sugar confectionery, 2018-2021

Cocoa-free sugar confectionery production in Australia and New Zealand has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, production reached 1 075 tonnes, showing a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2020. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 051 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 1.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

The value of cocoa-free sugar confectionery production in Australia and New Zealand has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, production was valued at 19 289 thousand US dollars, marking a 5.7% improvement over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 4.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 310 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 17.0%. The most substantial increase happened in 2020 with a 19.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Australia and New Zealand showed significant fluctuations during the period. The lowest point was in 2020 at 7 506 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 60.8%. Exports then peaked in 2021 at 35 273 tonnes, representing a dramatic 369.9% increase from the previous year. The gap between these years was 4.7-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Australia and New Zealand, though none dominated the market. The United States accounted for 16.0% of exports in kind, Canada for 2.1%, and the United Kingdom for 1.7%. Together, these three countries represented 19.8% of total exports, with numerous smaller partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of cocoa-free sugar confectionery exports from Australia and New Zealand has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 135.8 million US dollars, showing a strong increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.7%, averaging an annual rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 102.3 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 20.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 17.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the export structure in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. The United States accounted for 15.5% of exports in value terms, China for 5.9%, and Hong Kong for 2.0%. Together, these three partners represented 23.4% of total export flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 76.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports cocoa-free sugar confectionery to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

Imports of cocoa-free sugar confectionery into Australia and New Zealand have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 57 007 tonnes, corresponding to a moderate advance of 6.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 21.5%, averaging an annual rate of 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and Thailand were among the largest suppliers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery to Australia and New Zealand. China accounted for 29.0% of imports in kind, Germany for 6.7%, and Thailand for 5.1%. However, even combined, they represented just 40.8% of total imports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, cocoa-free sugar confectionery imports into Australia and New Zealand increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 327.2 million US dollars, showing a sudden increase of 29.4% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 20.1%, averaging an annual rate of 6.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 252.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and the United States played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery to Australia and New Zealand in value terms. China accounted for 29.4% of imports in value terms, Germany for 6.8%, and the United States for 6.0%. Their combined share reached only 42.1% of total imports, reflecting a diversified sourcing structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021