| Product Code: ETC232524 | Publication Date: Jul 2023 | Updated Date: Nov 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Ravi Bhandari | No. of Pages: 75 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 20 |
India`s hard candies import market continues to thrive, with China, Bangladesh, Turkey, Thailand, and Belgium emerging as key exporters in 2024. Despite the presence of multiple suppliers, the market remains moderately concentrated, as indicated by the low Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). The impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.91% from 2020 to 2024 underscores the increasing demand for hard candies in India. Moreover, the growth rate of 11.01% in 2024 highlights the sustained momentum in import shipments, signaling promising opportunities for both domestic and international candy manufacturers.

The India hard candies market is a significant segment of the country`s confectionery industry. Hard candies are popular sweets known for their long shelf life, wide range of flavors, and portability. The market is driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable income, and the popularity of confectionery products as treats and gifts. Hard candies are widely consumed by people of all age groups, making them a staple in the India snacking culture. The market is characterized by a variety of domestic and international brands offering a diverse selection of hard candy flavors and packaging options to cater to consumer demands.
The India hard candies market is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the growing consumer preference for convenient and portable sweet treats is boosting the demand for hard candies. Their longer shelf life and easy availability in various flavors and sizes make them popular among consumers of all age groups. Secondly, the trend of gifting confectionery products during festivals and special occasions contributes to the market`s growth. Additionally, the presence of a wide variety of hard candy brands and flavors in the market, coupled with aggressive marketing strategies, fuels the product`s popularity. Moreover, the affordability of hard candies makes them a preferred choice for budget-conscious consumers, further driving the market`s expansion.
The India hard candies market faces several challenges. Firstly, increasing health-consciousness among consumers has led to a shift towards healthier snack alternatives, affecting the demand for traditional sugary candies. Additionally, fluctuating prices of raw materials, such as sugar and flavors, impact the production cost of hard candies. The market also faces competition from a wide range of confectionery products, including chocolates and gums. Meeting consumer demands for natural and organic ingredients while ensuring product affordability poses another challenge for manufacturers.
During the pandemic, the India hard candies market experienced a mixed impact. With lockdowns and restrictions, impulse purchases and on-the-go consumption reduced, affecting sales through traditional channels. However, there was an upswing in online sales as consumers sought comfort foods and nostalgic treats during stressful times.
The India hard candies market is served by various confectionery companies that offer a wide range of hard candy products. Some prominent players in this sector include Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., Perfetti Van Melle India Pvt. Ltd., ITC Limited (Food Division), and Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. These companies are well-known for their diverse hard candy flavors, attractive packaging, and strong distribution networks. Their focus on product innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction has helped them establish a significant presence in the hard candies market in India.
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 India Hard Candies Market Overview |
3.1 India Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 India Hard Candies Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 India Hard Candies Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
4 India Hard Candies Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.2.1 Increasing disposable income levels in India leading to higher spending on confectionery products. |
4.2.2 Growing consumer preference for convenient and portable snack options like hard candies. |
4.2.3 Expansion of distribution channels and availability of hard candies in rural areas. |
4.2.4 Rising demand for sugar-free and natural ingredient-based hard candies. |
4.2.5 Innovation in flavors, packaging, and marketing strategies by manufacturers driving consumer interest. |
4.3 Market Restraints |
4.3.1 Health concerns related to high sugar content in hard candies impacting consumer choices. |
4.3.2 Competition from other confectionery products like chocolates, gums, and mints. |
4.3.3 Fluctuating raw material prices affecting production costs. |
4.3.4 Regulatory restrictions on ingredients and packaging materials. |
4.3.5 Economic uncertainties and inflation impacting consumer purchasing power. |
5 India Hard Candies Market Trends |
6 India Hard Candies Market, By Types |
6.1 India Hard Candies Market, By Type |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, By Pop Rocks, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, By Lollipop, 2021-2031F |
6.1.5 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, By Traditional, 2021-2031F |
6.2 India Hard Candies Market, By Application |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, By Supermarket, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 India Hard Candies Market Revenues & Volume, By Retail Store, 2021-2031F |
7 India Hard Candies Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 India Hard Candies Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 India Hard Candies Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 India Hard Candies Market Key Performance Indicators |
8.1 Consumer engagement metrics such as social media interactions, website traffic, and brand mentions. |
8.2 New product development rate and successful launch of innovative hard candy variants. |
8.3 Customer retention rate and repeat purchase frequency. |
8.4 Market penetration in tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. |
8.5 Consumer surveys and feedback on taste preferences, packaging appeal, and pricing perception. |
9 India Hard Candies Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 India Hard Candies Market Opportunity Assessment, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
9.2 India Hard Candies Market Opportunity Assessment, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
10 India Hard Candies Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 India Hard Candies Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
10.2 India Hard Candies Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |