How big is the India Candy Market | Size, Share & Opportunities 2025

What is the growth rate of the India Candy Market?

The market is witnessing consistent growth due to rising impulse buying, festive and gifting culture, increasing penetration of organized retail, and strong demand from both rural and urban segments.

Key Growth Drivers of the India Candy Market

• The necessity of quality and low-cost, individually packed confectioneries
• Rise in urbanization and also disposable income
• Holiday and seasonal eating by different age groups
• Reaching more distribution to Kirana stores and modern trade
• Introduction of new tastes, softness and sugar free varieties of candies

India Candy Market Trends

The India candy market is evolving with a strong tilt toward premiumization, functional ingredients, and flavour innovation. When traditional sugar-based confectionary are still favourites, the brands are now launching fusion flavours, soft chews, centre-filled candy, and sugar-free versions. Nostalgic and region flavours to millennium and Gen Z consumers are also gaining popularity. Market reach and appeal are being expanded through packaging innovations, smaller SKUs, and visibility in the newer retail formats.

Emerging Developments in the India Candy Market

Key developments include increased investments in rural distribution, use of AI in consumer preference mapping, and focus on sustainable, biodegradable packaging. Health and wellness are being carved by Indian and global brands with ranges of candies that are vitamin-enriched and herbal and low-calorie. The partnerships in the e-commerce and Q-commerce are also transforming last-mile tactics and the product customization approach. The startups of niche artisanal and organic candies are on the rise in metro cities.

List of Leading Companies in the India Candy Market

Below is a comprehensive list of the leading market players driving growth in this sector:

1. Perfetti Van Melle India Pvt. Ltd.

Perfetti is a leading confectionery brand in India with products like Alpen Liebe, Mentos, and Centre Fresh dominating across formats and age groups.

2. Parle Products Pvt. Ltd.

Parle offers a wide range of hard-boiled candies and toffees including Melody and Mango Bite, with a strong distribution network nationwide.

3. ITC Ltd. (Candyman)

ITC's Candyman brand caters to a broad candy consumer base with innovative flavours and a focus on hygienically packaged products.

4. DS Group (Pass Pass Pulse)

DS Group's Pulse candy became a trendsetter in India’s tangy candy space, capturing major market share through unique taste and branding.

5. Mars International India Pvt. Ltd.

Mars offers global candy brands like Skittles and M&M’s in India, with growing popularity among urban youth and premium retail outlets.

6. Nestle India Ltd.

Nestle's confectionery line includes well-known brands like KitKat and Milky bar, widely consumed across different demographics and occasions.

7. Ravalgaon Sugar Farm Ltd.

Ravalgaon is one of India's oldest candy manufacturers known for traditional sweets and toffees in rural and semi-urban markets.

8. Lotte India Corporation Ltd.

Lotte's popular Choco pie and Coffy Bite candies enjoy high penetration in Indian markets, appealing to both children and adults.

9. Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.

Patanjali has entered the candy segment with herbal and ayurvedic candies, offering health-based alternatives to conventional sweets.

10. Pulse Candy (DS Group)

Pulse Candy revolutionized the candy market with its tangy, filled centre and continues to be a category leader in the spicy-sweet niche.

How big is the India Candy Market : FAQ's