Cocoa-free sugar confectionery market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for cocoa-free sugar confectionery in Western Asia expanded from 307.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 369.1 thousand tons in 2023, demonstrating overall growth despite periodic fluctuations. This upward trend was initially fueled by rising consumer demand for cleaner labels and products free from GMOs, pesticides, and artificial preservatives, which prompted brands to reformulate their offerings. The launch of innovative new products, such as the first vegan cocoa-free chocolate bar Galaxy Vegan in 2019, along with plant-based versions of popular bars, introduced new segments and stimulated market volume.

Market volume experienced a slight contraction in 2020 and 2021, dipping to 329.3 thousand tons, as broader pandemic-related disruptions affected consumption patterns. However, the underlying shift towards health-consciousness continued, with manufacturers focusing on low-fat, sugar-free, and healthier sweet options to cater to evolving preferences. The market rebounded strongly in 2022, reaching 368.5 thousand tons, partly because the confectionery sector adapted post-pandemic, with growth in non-chocolate candy segments offsetting declines in others like gum.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 369.1 thousand tons, supported by sustained demand for specialized, healthy, and sugar-free confectionery. Major companies like Ferrero and Lindt expanded their portfolios with new vegan and functional candy varieties, such as Lindt Lindor vegan truffles, which catered to the growing niche for premium and health-oriented sweets. This period solidified a long-term consumer pivot towards perceived healthier indulgences within the sugar confectionery space.

Production cocoa-free sugar confectionery in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa-free sugar confectionery, 2017-2020

Western Asia's production of cocoa-free sugar confectionery grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 286.9 K t, marking a controlled year-over-year increase of 10.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 246.7 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cocoa-free sugar confectionery production in Western Asia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 995.9 M $ US, representing a 14.1% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.4%, with a CAGR of 5.8%. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 790.9 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, cocoa-free sugar confectionery exports from Western Asia declined. In 2020, export volume reached 220.9 K t, showing a slight drop of 1.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.3%, with a CAGR of 4.0%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 224.2 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the export destinations for cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Western Asia were diverse. The United States accounted for 16.8% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 4.9%, and South Africa for 3.1%. Together, these three partners represented just 24.8% of total flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Western Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 767 M $ US, up by 2.2% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 17%, with a CAGR of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the value-based export structure of cocoa-free sugar confectionery from Western Asia showed limited concentration. The United States held 14.3% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom 4.6%, and Iran 3.8%. Combined, these three countries captured only 22.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports cocoa-free sugar confectionery to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, cocoa-free sugar confectionery imports into Western Asia declined. In 2020, the region imported 281.5 K t, representing an 11.1% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 10.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 316.6 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, Iran, Russia, and China played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery to Western Asia. Iran accounted for 14.6% of imports in kind, Russia for 6.7%, and China for 6.4%. Their combined share reached only 27.6% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Western Asia's imports of cocoa-free sugar confectionery declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 992 M $ US, marking a 7.3% fall compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 3.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 073 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Iran, and China were significant but not dominant suppliers of cocoa-free sugar confectionery to Western Asia in value terms. Russia accounted for 9.6% of imports in value terms, Iran for 8.6%, and China for 6.3%. Together, their joint share reached only 24.5% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020