Candy Manufacturing

Candy Manufacturing

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

The candy manufacturing industry includes three major segments: companies that make chocolate from beans, companies that use purchased chocolate to make candies, and companies that make nonchocolate candy. Major companies include Hershey's, Mars, and Mondelez International (all based in the US); as well as Barry Callebaut and Lindt (both based in Switzerland); Ferrero Group (Italy); and Meiji Holdings (Japan).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Candy manufacturers are developing new product lines and revamping their marketing strategies to capitalize on the growing popularity of healthier snacks and gourmet confections. Small and independent candy makers that sparked the early growth of those segments are now fending off competition from major manufacturers that have been making acquisitions and reformulating recipes in an effort to gain market share.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products of candy manufacturers include chocolate candy (about 35% of industry revenue), followed by nonchocolate-type bar goods (20%). Other products include refined granulated sugar (more than 10%) and chewing gum and bubble gum (about 5%).