February 12, 2015
India’s economic growth and increase in disposable incomes within the county’s burgeoning middle class are driving surprisingly impressive growth in the country’s consumption of gums, jellies, and chocolate. India’s confectionery market is expected to see growth of 71%, reaching a value of US$2.2 billion by 2018 – up from a value of US1.3 billion in 2013 according to researcher, Canadean.
Because of the country’s climate, consumers tend to opt for gums and jellies over chocolate, especially in the summer months. Gum especially is seen as a luxury item, particularly mint flavored gums that freshen breath, giving the consumer a professional, well-groomed image. Gum is expected to see a 64% increase in consumption by 2018 compared to chocolate that is forecast to see consumption increase by 41%. However, in terms of value, chocolate remains in the lead with an expected value surpassing the US$1 billion mark by 2018. And although gum is more popular among adult consumers, like in most markets, children under nine years of age prefect chocolate, sweets and toffee, accounting for one quarter of sugar, confections, and chocolate consumption in 2013.
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