Asia-Pacific candy market was valued at $23.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $37.8 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2026–2035). Demand for hard candy and gummies is gaining momentum across Asia Pacific, driven by their affordability, long shelf life, and adaptability to evolving flavour and format preferences. While hard candy continues to deliver scale and reach, gummies are expanding rapidly as consumers looking new textures, functional benefits and multi-age appeal. In India, the candy market has historically been characterised by strong price sensitivity, predictable flavour profiles and the dominance of legacy players such as Cadbury and Parle, with hard candy often serving as informal change or classroom giveaways. This long-standing dynamic shifted with the launch of Pulse by DS Group, a hard-boiled candy featuring a distinctive tangy and spiced centre that challenged category conventions and reshaped consumer expectations. The brand’s success extended well beyond novelty, materially altering competitive dynamics within India’s confectionery segment.
Browse the full report description of “Asia-Pacific Candy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Hard-Boiled Candies, Pastilles, Gums, Jellies & Chews, Toffees, Lollipop, Twist & Stick candy, and Others), By Flavor (Caramel, Chocolate, Mint, Coffee, Fruits and Other) By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, and Online Channel), Forecast Period 2026-2035” of https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/asia-pacific-candy-market
By FY 2023–24, DS Group’s confectionery business surpassed $120 million in annual turnover. In FY 2024–25, Pulse alone generated over $90 million at consumer prices, translating into approximately 7.5 billion units sold in a single year, making it the most widely distributed hard-boiled candy in the country. Over the past three fiscal years, the brand recorded a robust CAGR of 15%, significantly outperforming the hard-boiled candy segment’s growth of 9%. This sustained performance underscores Pulse’s strong resonance across both urban and rural markets. The portfolio has since expanded to include flavours such as Guava, Orange, Pineapple and Litchi, along with extensions like Pulse Shots, supported by digital-first marketing, influencer collaborations and targeted outreach to Gen Z consumers.
In Japan, leading confectionery manufacturers continue to maintain a balanced focus on both hard candy and gummies as part of their portfolio strategies. For major market players such as Kanro inc, hard candy remains a core category, accounting for 51.9% of total sales, while gummies contribute 45.8%, supported by established brands such as Pure Gummy. As of June 2024, Kanro held a 12.5% share of Japan’s candy market, with sales in 2023 exceeding $194 million. The company has articulated a target of reaching $323 million in sales by 2030, reflecting expectations of sustained demand across its core categories. Gummies are being developed to address consumption across age groups, while hard candy continues to provide stable, high-volume sales. This category mix illustrates how manufacturers are aligning established formats with shifting consumer consumption patterns.
Leading Companies and Product Innovation in the Asia-Pacific Candy Market
The major companies operating in the Asia-Pacific candy market include Mars, Inc, Mondelez International, Inc., Nestlé S.A., Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V., Lotte Confectionery Co., Ltd., among others. Market participants are increasingly expanding beyond traditional formats by introducing new candy textures, flavours and formats, while leveraging strong regional tastes and established brands to drive portfolio diversification and category growth.
Market Coverage
Key questions addressed by the report.
Asia-Pacific Candy Market Report Segment
By Type
By Flavor
By Distribution Channel
Asia-Pacific Candy Market Report Segment by Region
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