Industry Overview 

Indian candy market was valued at $680million in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately $1,135million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2025–2035). The candy market in India has been growing at a steady pace, fueled by evolving consumer preferences, higher disposable incomes, and the rising popularity of confectionery across all age groups. Candy has long been thought of as something for kids, but it has slowly become popular with teens, young adults, and even older people. A notable trend is the growing demand among young adults for premium, innovative, and healthier options, including sugar-free and organic varieties. As incomes rise, people are also able to try new and high-end products, which further accelerates the market growth.

Another big factor shaping this market is the sheer variety on offer. From traditional hard-boiled candies to modern, health-conscious products, brands are finding ways to appeal to very different taste preferences. Moreover, the growth of modern retail channels such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms has made candy products more accessible than ever. E-commerce platforms, in particular, have widened choice and allowed consumers to compare prices and discover both domestic and international brands.

Market Dynamics

Rising Consumer Preference for Sour Candies

Sour candies are witnessing strong demand in India, driven by consumers’ increasing preference for bold and tangy flavors. This shift is visible across a wide age spectrum, with both children and adults actively seeking out these distinct taste experiences. The surge in demand reflects a wider shift toward unique, intense flavors that stand out from traditional sweet offerings. Additionally, the growing trend of nostalgic and experiential eating has further boosted market demand. 

People are increasingly drawn to candies that not only taste different but also deliver a fun and memorable experience. This has encouraged brands to push boundaries with inventive combinations like spicy-sour or sweet-sour blends, and to experiment with different textures such as gummies, powders, and liquid-filled candies. Candymakers regularly experiment with new shapes, flavors, and textures to keep consumers engaged.

• In September 2024, ITC Candyman introduced Candyman Sourzzz, a new sour candy with bold and tangy jelly. The product promises a memorable, tangy experience with a sweet and sour blend, expecting it to quickly become a favorite choice. 

Growing Demand for Functional and Health-Focused Candies

In India, functional candies are gaining traction, blending traditional confectionery with health benefits. People are moving toward snacks with less fat, lower sugar, and fewer artificial ingredients, which is pushing confectionery brands to diversify their offerings.

Companies are now launching sugar-free, organic, and low-calorie options to meet this demand. Some are also adding vitamins, minerals, or digestive elements to position their products as healthier choices. At the same time, new flavors, textures, and formats are being introduced to keep the category exciting.

• In 2024, DS Group launched Pulse Golmol Imli Goli in the Indian confectionery market. The Pulse Golmol Imli Goli is a high-quality digestive candy infused with tamarind, known for its digestive properties.  It combines the goodness of natural digestion benefits with a burst of chatpatapan (spiciness), appealing to those who value flavor and wellness in their snacks.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the type, the market is segmented into hard-boiled candies, pastilles, gums, jellies & chews, toffees, lollipops, twist & stick candy, and others.

• Based on the flavor, the market is segmented into caramel, chocolate, mint, coffee, fruit, and others.

• Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets & hypermarkets, conventional stores, and the online channel.

Potato Chips Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share

Chocolate-based confectionery is perceived as a premium, indulgent treat. Chocolate candies have become a staple in the Indian candy market, driven by factors like evolving taste preferences, increasing exposure to international brands, and growing acceptance of chocolate as a mainstream snack rather than an occasional indulgence. Young consumers are fuelling the growth of this segment, with chocolate candies being popular among children and young adults due to their rich flavors and variety. Chocolate candies are also becoming a preferred gifting option during festivals and special occasions, leading to seasonal surges in demand. As consumer preferences shift towards premium indulgence, the chocolate candy segment is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, becoming a dominant category in the Indian candy market. Add instance

Chocolate-Flavored Candies Maintain Strong Market Presence

Within the Indian candy market, chocolate-flavored candies hold a prominent position. Unlike traditional chocolates, these candies combine the familiarity of confectionery formats with the rich taste of cocoa, making them accessible to a wider consumer base. Their popularity has been driven by younger consumers, who are drawn to the variety of flavors and the affordability compared to premium chocolate products. 

Manufacturers of chocolate-flavored candies are well-established in the Indian industry and are constantly coming up with new ideas to expand their product lines. For Instance, Perfetti Van Melle India's Alpenliebe Eclairs are widely available in the Indian market. The brand is well-known throughout the nation for its butter, milk, chocolate, and caramel-based eclairs. In June 2025, Perfetti Van Melle India introduced Alpenliebe Eclairs Pop, a lollipop with liquid chocolate filling. It targets teens and young adults as a convenient snack, combining a caramel exterior with a chocolate core.

Conventional Stores: A Key Segment in Market Growth

In India, candy stores have been focusing their investments on spaces within shopping centers. Recently, however, there has been noticeable growth in sales from convenience stores, retail outlets, kiosks, and standalone store-in-store (SIS) units across various locations. Convenience stores, in particular, are emerging as a key channel for confectionery products, including candies. These outlets continue to dominate distribution because they make products easily accessible, keep prices competitive, and frequently run promotions that attract repeat buyers. They have an advantage over contemporary trade and internet channels due to their robust presence in both urban and semi-urban areas.

Recognizing the reach of such stores, international brands like Sweet-Factory are choosing them as a gateway to the Indian market. The UK-based pick-and-mix candy company Sweet-Factory joined with Franchise India to expand into the Indian market in 2024. The brand is introducing kiosks and stores in high-traffic locations, offering a mix of products such as jellies, marshmallows, chocolate-coated nuts, and fudge. 

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the Indian candy market include DS Group, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd., ITC Ltd., and Perfetti Vanmelle India Pvt. Ltd, Nestle India Ltd, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, ITC Candyman introduces Candyman Tadka Lollipop, a new product in the lollipop segment. It offers a mix of sweet and tangy flavors with green mango and tamarind variants and a masala-filled center. 

• In August 2024, South Korean confectionery company Lotte Wellfood merged its Indian subsidiaries Lotte India and Havmor Ice Cream to form One India, aiming for Rs 6,000 crore annual sales in 6 years. 

• In August 2024, Annapurna Swadisht Limited plans to acquire 100% of Madhur Confectioners Private Limited by December 31, 2024, with an investment of up to Rs. 180 Crores. This move will make MCPL a wholly owned subsidiary, allowing Annapurna to leverage its distribution network for expanding MCPL's operations and capacity.

• In May 2024, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd signed an agreement with Ferrero India Pvt. Ltd to distribute and resell select sweet-packaged food products. The deal involves procuring products from Ferrero and distributing them through specific channels in India for two years.

• In April 2024, Mars Wrigley introduced BOOMER Jelly on Top, combining jelly with classic gum for a new experience. BOOMER Jelly on Top is available nationwide, providing a delightful gum experience with its unique blend of flavors and textures.

• In September 2023, Chupa Chups introduced Sour Tubes in India, a tubular jelly with chewy fondant filling and sweet-sour flavoring. Available in strawberry and watermelon, sold in packs of 3 for Rs 10 and shareable packs of 8 for Rs 50. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2024 and forecast to 2035.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the Indian candy market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.