Confectionery Packaging Machine Market Assessment, By Product [Semi-Automatic, Fully Automatic], By Packaging Stage [Primary, Secondary] By Packaging [Vertical, Horizontal], By Application [Candies, Gum, Chocolate, Snack Bar, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F
Global confectionery packaging machine market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 10.51 billion in 2023 to USD 15.49 billion in 2031. The market thrives at a healthy growth rate due to increased consumption of confectionery items and the advent of automated systems in the packaging line.
Higher penetration of automation along with the increased consumption of ready-to-eat food items like candies, chocolate, and mints is creating a demand for automated packaging systems. New flavors, shapes, and sizes have pushed manufacturers to expand their manufacturing line and invest in the packaging line as well. Therefore, the confectionery packaging machines are expected to evolve during the forecast period. The advent of automation in manufacturing and packaging facilities is also transforming the market landscape while enabling research and development. Furthermore, the leading trends in the market comprise sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, reclosable packaging, and flexible and high-speed packaging. With the boom of the internet, e-commerce platforms have taken the place of the major distributors and expanded confectionery consumption.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, automation technologies were becoming widely adopted due to the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry and labor shortages. The confectionery industry is always changing, which has increased competitiveness and made innovation difficult for market participants. Therefore, to obtain a competitive advantage over other market competitors, organizations in the confectionery packaging machine market should raise their focus on automation trends and Industry 4.0. software solutions that combine extensive data collection and machine performance monitoring are being made public to keep machines operating at peak efficiency. These software programs can collect and archive data on alarm logs, downtime, and machine runtimes.
Confectionery packaging is in high demand due to the rise in demand for chocolate and sugar confections. Therefore, the machine vendors focus on increasing the packaging speed.
For instance, in January 2024, Theegarten-Pactec GmbH & Co. Kg showcased packaging options for the snack and candy sectors. The Dresden-based firm is an FPH5 flow-wrapping machine that can pack sugar-coated chewing gum at a pace of 4,000 products/minute. The rapid speed is the highlight of the product. The novel method of product separation allows for 4,000 goods to be packaged every minute.
Rising E-Commerce Along with Automated Technology to Fuel Market Growth
The penetration of the internet, changing consumer behavior, and higher online sales have led to an expansion of e-commerce websites. These platforms have enabled a new retail pipeline for the confectionery owners and widespread quick commerce platforms. Therefore, there is a requirement for a streamlined packaging solution with higher productivity. The integrated solutions are delivered through the addition of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Enterprises that process confections are looking for enterprising business partners who can begin with them to create and develop processing, vertical packaging, and robotic handling systems among other measures. Aspects of Industry 4.0 showcase that the production of confectioneries has changed in different enterprises as they adopt systems that will enable them to increase flexibility in terms of industrial production by accelerating the rate at which goods come out or having more sustainable means powered on earth for human beings.
For instance, in May 2023, Cama Group introduced a robotized chocolate packaging line in Interpack 2023. The company has invested in R&D, which has led to the creation of high-technology packaging solutions that are setting the pace across multiple industries. The machine's complete Industry 4.0 architecture, lightning-fast RFID-managed part changes, and extensive augmented reality (AR) capabilities for operation, maintenance, training, and spares were also emphasized by Cama professionals.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions to Trend in the Global Market
The growing awareness around climate change, the usage of plastic, and the advent of repackaging are projected to shape the market. Confectionery companies are now utilizing biodegradable confectionery packing devices and can deal with compostable packing resources, including bio-derived plastics, repackageable wrappers as well as cellulose-based wrappers made from plants. For instance, Walki Packaging Paper Co. Ltd. and Rovema GmbH collaborated to create an easy-to-open food bag. Since the pouch is made entirely of polyethylene, recycling it is simple.Since chocolate-covered almonds and jelly gummies are often high in fat and require exceptional barrier qualities, mono PE was the material of choice.
These are used to minimize the environmental consequences of packaging waste. In addition, candy packing machines help optimize the required quantity of packing materials, hence minimizing the leftovers using exact measurement scaling and cutting methods.
Rising Demand for Chocolate and Expansion of Quick Commerce to Fuel Segmental Growth
Based on the application, chocolate holds a major market share. The factors attributing to the segmental growth include the new flavor of chocolates in the market. Advanced marketing tactics, quick commerce delivery discounts, and a wide range of chocolates with sustainable packaging are gaining traction in the market. Consumers increasingly concentrate on health and wellbeing, craving premium and healthier chocolate options. For instance, the segment has been driven by dark chocolate, which is perceived as having nutritional advantages in terms of value. The chocolate confectionery market is teeming with diverse products ranging from various flavors, textures, and luxurious ones that captivate people’s interest, propelling market expansion. The rising craze for chocolate also led the vendors to launch chocolate-specific wrapping and packaging machines.
For instance, in October 2022, SACMI Group developed a new generation of wrapping machines with the High Temperature Blown (HTB), the latest solution by Carle & Montanari Group, with higher experience in processing and packaging of chocolate and other confectionery products. When using the HTB, temperature, pressure, and duration in the sealing region work together to create a continuous, adaptive flow that fits the requirements of the product to be wrapped as well as the wrapping material.
Asia-Pacific Dominates Confectionery Packaging Machine Market
Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share in the global confectionery packaging machine market. Rapid economic growth and the expansion of the confectionery industry are some of the major factors propelling market growth. In countries such as China, India, and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region, altered consumer preferences, gifting tendencies, and rising wealth levels have greatly bolstered the growth of the confectionery industry. Rapid urbanization and an expanding population in the Asia-Pacific countries have contributed to the growth of easy-to-carry and inexpensive confectionery brands. Furthermore, the booming e-commerce sector in the region is fueled by increased disposable income, successful marketing campaigns, and rising consumption of confectionery products. These factors create numerous opportunities for the confectionery packaging machine market in the region.
Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)
Technological advancements and sustainable packaging solutions are projected to shape the future of the global confectionery packaging machine market.
High-end research and development advancing horizontal and vertical filling and wrapping machines will likely fuel the market expansion.
Industrial automation, along with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning, is anticipated to fuel the market's growth.
During the forecast period, new machines with higher packaging speeds and streamlined operations are expected to replace semi-automatic machines.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Key participants in the global confectionery packaging machine market include ACMA Ltd., Pipenbrock Group, Syntegon Technology GmbH, etc. Companies focus on efficiency, packaging speed, and precision. Vendors also work on integrated systems like automated machines, and IoT systems. Alongside, strategic partnerships, collaboration, acquisitions, and product launches are also used as the major elements of the market’s strategic landscape.
In May 2023, Somic ZF released itsnew 473 machine line at Interpack 2023. With this new machine series, the company has developed a one-stop shop for all future-oriented packaging concepts, whether it be tray packing, tray cover, or wraparound. Based on tried-and-true function groups that have been standardized, the new modular Somic 434 machine model provides optimal performance in a small footprint.
In May 2023, Syntegon Technology GmbH launched a new vertical form, fill, seal (VFFS) machine for a range of food applications, including confectionery products. The SVX Agile can supposedly be modified with modules for corner sealed bags, three-sided seal bags, doy-style, and doy-style zip bags, in addition to being compatible with basic tubular bag styles.