South Africa Confectionery Market Size and Share

South Africa Confectionery Market (2026 - 2031)
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South Africa Confectionery Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The South Africa confectionery market is valued at USD 2.07 billion in 2026 and is expected to grow to USD 2.83 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.45% during the forecast period. The market is driven by increasing disposable incomes, a growing trend of premium gifting, and the rising availability of convenient single-serve packaging. These factors are boosting consumer demand despite challenges posed by sugar-reduction policies, which have increased the cost of reformulating products. Chocolate continues to dominate the market in terms of volume; however, snack bars are gaining popularity due to their functional benefits and appeal to health-conscious consumers, particularly those seeking gym-friendly options. Regulatory measures such as the Health Promotion Levy and new front-of-pack labeling requirements are pushing manufacturers to innovate. Companies are increasingly using natural colors, plant-based sweeteners, and heat-stable fat blends to meet these regulations and cater to evolving consumer preferences. The market is highly consolidated, with a few major players holding significant market shares, which intensifies competition and drives innovation in the sector.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, chocolate led with 52.76% of the South Africa confectionery market share in 2025, while snack bars are forecast to record a 10.54% CAGR through 2031.
  • By packaging, single-serve formats captured 66.73% of 2025 revenue, whereas multipacks are advancing at a 9.25% CAGR.
  • By price range, mass-market SKUs commanded 83.89% of volume in 2025; the premium tier is projected to expand at a 10.77% CAGR.
  • By distribution channel, supermarkets and hypermarkets held 51.48% share in 2025, yet online retail will accelerate at an 11.42% CAGR during 2026-2031.

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

Chocolate Segment in South African Confectionery Market

Chocolate remains the leading category in South Africa’s confectionery market, accounting for 52.76% of total revenue in 2025. This strong performance is driven by well-established brands like Cadbury, KitKat, and Lindt, which enjoy widespread popularity and availability across supermarkets, convenience stores, and informal retail outlets. Chocolate products are a popular choice for gifting and impulse purchases, especially during festive seasons and special occasions. Additionally, the introduction of premium options, innovative flavors, and limited-edition packaging continues to attract consumers and boost sales in this segment.

Snack bars are expected to be the fastest-growing product category in the market, with a projected CAGR of 10.54% through 2031. This growth reflects a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier and more functional snacks that offer nutritional benefits, such as protein, fiber, and energy. Snack bars that combine indulgent flavors with ingredients like chocolate and nuts are gaining popularity. These products are gaining shelf space in grocery stores and forecourt retail outlets, as they cater to the growing demand for convenient, on-the-go snacking options. As a result, snack bars are gradually replacing traditional sweets for everyday consumption.

South Africa Confectionery Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Packaging Type: Single-Serve Commands Sales, Multipacks Scale Up

In 2025, single-serve packs accounted for 66.73% of confectionery sales, underscoring their popularity for quick, on-the-go consumption. These small, affordable packs are ideal for busy consumers who prefer convenient snacking options. They are especially popular in high-traffic areas, such as taxis, campuses, and forecourts. Their strategic placement at checkout counters and availability in spaza shops make them a key driver of sales, catering to impulse purchases and everyday snacking needs.

On the other hand, multipacks are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.25% through 2031, as more households focus on saving money by reducing the cost per unit. Promotions on bulk purchases in supermarkets and free delivery offers on e-commerce platforms are making larger packs more appealing. These packs are particularly favored by families and frequent buyers, shifting some spending from impulse purchases to planned, cost-effective buying. Despite this shift, overall confectionery consumption remains steady, as consumers balance convenience with value.

By Price Range: Mass Market Dominates, Premium Upgrades Value

In 2025, mass-market confectionery accounted for 83.89% of total sales, indicating that most consumers in South Africa prefer affordable options for everyday snacking. Products priced below R20 are especially popular, as they cater to price-sensitive buyers. These low-cost items are sold in high volumes across supermarkets, spaza shops, and convenience stores, where frequent, small purchases are the norm. The widespread availability of these products, combined with promotional pricing strategies, has solidified the mass-market segment's leading position in the confectionery market.

On the other hand, the premium confectionery segment is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.77% through 2031. This growth is driven by increasing disposable incomes among urban and middle-class consumers, who are willing to spend more on high-quality products. Premium offerings, such as those with ethical sourcing, unique packaging, and compelling origin stories, are particularly appealing during festive seasons and for gifting purposes. Brands are capitalizing on this trend by introducing limited-edition products, artisanal options, and gift-oriented assortments, which allow them to achieve higher profit margins.

South Africa Confectionery Market: Market Share by Price Range
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By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets Lead, Online Outpaces All

Supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for 51.48% of confectionery distribution in 2025, underscoring their widespread presence and ability to effectively showcase leading brands. These large retail formats are the go-to choice for both planned purchases and impulse buys, such as chocolates. Attractive promotions, multipack options, and a wide variety of products drive their success. Additionally, their efficient supply chains and extensive reach make them a dominant force in South Africa’s confectionery market.

On the other hand, online retail is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.42% through 2031, making it the fastest-growing distribution channel. The rise of mobile apps, digital promotions, and fast delivery services has made buying confectionery online more convenient. Consumers are increasingly adding chocolates and snack bars to their quick online grocery orders. This shift is helping e-commerce platforms capture a larger share of everyday confectionery spending, as digital platforms cater to the growing demand for convenience.

Geography Analysis

Gauteng and the Western Cape are the leading regions driving South Africa’s confectionery market, due to their dense urban populations, higher income levels, and advanced retail and delivery infrastructure. In Gauteng, consumers frequently shop and use quick-commerce apps, which has increased the demand for both everyday snacks and premium chocolates. The Western Cape benefits from its strong tourism industry and vibrant food culture, as visitors often purchase locally made or artisanal confectionery as gifts or souvenirs. These factors make these regions crucial for confectionery brands seeking to expand their market share.

KwaZulu-Natal also plays a significant role in the confectionery market, particularly in its coastal cities and tourist hotspots, where impulse buying is prevalent. The province has efficient product inflows and distribution networks, which allow a wide variety of imported and novelty confectionery products to reach retail shelves. This accessibility makes KwaZulu-Natal a key region for confectionery sales. Together with Gauteng and the Western Cape, these three regions account for the majority of national sales and attract significant investments, innovations, and retail activities from confectionery brands.

On the other hand, rural and less-developed provinces face significant challenges in accessing confectionery products due to poor logistics, high distribution costs, and limited cold-chain infrastructure. These issues particularly impact the availability of chocolates and premium items, which require careful handling and temperature control. Although manufacturers and distributors are gradually expanding their reach into general trade and township retail, these areas still lag behind urban regions. This creates a noticeable gap in access and affordability, resulting in a two-tiered confectionery market across South Africa.

Competitive Landscape

The South Africa confectionery market is dominated by a few large multinational and domestic companies, making it highly consolidated. Major players, including Mondelēz, Nestlé, Mars, Ferrero, and Tiger Brands, control a significant portion of the market through their robust distribution networks, effective branding strategies, and extensive retail presence. Their dominance in supermarkets, convenience stores, and general trade creates significant challenges for smaller brands to secure shelf space or achieve nationwide reach. This consolidation limits competition but ensures widespread availability of products from these leading companies.

These key players compete by leveraging their brand strength, cultural relevance, and diverse product portfolios. Tiger Brands uses its strong local presence and merchandising capabilities to maintain its leadership in sales volume. Mondelēz focuses on culturally tailored marketing to retain customer loyalty for its Cadbury brand, even as private labels grow in popularity. Global companies like Mars and Ferrero expand their market share through acquisitions, new product launches, and offering a variety of products across categories such as chocolates, gums, and snack bars. This approach helps them stay competitive and meet diverse consumer preferences.

Despite the dominance of large companies, there are still opportunities for growth and innovation in the market. Areas like heat-resistant chocolate, rural distribution networks, and digital gifting remain underdeveloped, offering potential for investment. Smaller artisanal and premium brands are gaining visibility through social media and niche retail outlets, though they often lack the scale to expand nationally. These brands could become acquisition targets for larger companies. Additionally, the rise of online and rapid-delivery channels is shifting competition toward faster service, stronger digital presence, and the ability to convert impulse purchases into premium sales.

South Africa Confectionery Industry Leaders

  1. Tiger Brands Ltd

  2. Mondelēz International Inc.

  3. Nestlé SA

  4. Ferrero International SA

  5. Mars Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
South Africa Confectionery Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: Danone introduced its new UltraMel Delight dessert to the South African market. The product had undergone extensive consumer testing, consistently receiving high ratings across various attributes, including taste, texture, and overall satisfaction.
  • February 2025: Nestlé SA launched its new KitKat Tablets across South Africa, Canada, and Europe. This product expansion marked a strategic move by the company to cater to evolving consumer preferences in these regions.
  • May 2024: In2food launched Smul, a new product line featuring a variety of nutritious snacks and plant-based options. The range included protein bars, whole grain granolas, and rice cakes, all designed to cater to the growing demand for convenient and healthy eating solutions.
  • April 2024: Fulfil Chocolate Protein Bars were introduced to the South African market. Known for their high protein content and indulgent chocolate flavor, these bars cater to health-conscious individuals seeking convenient snack options.

Table of Contents for South Africa Confectionery Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Industry Trend Analysis
    • 4.2.1 Per Capita Consumption
    • 4.2.2 Price Trend Analysis
    • 4.2.3 Regulatory Framework
    • 4.2.4 Value Chain and Distribution Channel
    • 4.2.5 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • 4.3 Market Drivers
    • 4.3.1 Consumer shift towards convenient on-the-go consumption snacks
    • 4.3.2 Growth in domestic tourism is stimulating demand for locally produced confectionery
    • 4.3.3 Celebrity and influencer endorsements shaping brand perception
    • 4.3.4 Rising interest in organic and sustainably sourced products
    • 4.3.5 Innovation in flavour profiles, product formats, and heat-resistant formulations
    • 4.3.6 Growing interest in premium gifting during festive seasons
  • 4.4 Market Restraints
    • 4.4.1 Rising health concerns around sugar intake and obesity
    • 4.4.2 Logistical challenges in rural and remote areas
    • 4.4.3 High competition from snack substitutes
    • 4.4.4 Strict labelling and sugar-tax regulations
  • 4.5 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.5.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.5.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Chocolate
    • 5.1.1.1 Dark Chocolate
    • 5.1.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate
    • 5.1.2 Sugar Confectionery
    • 5.1.2.1 Hard Candy
    • 5.1.2.2 Mints
    • 5.1.2.3 Pastilles, Gummies, and Jellies
    • 5.1.2.4 Toffees and Nougats
    • 5.1.2.5 Lollipops
    • 5.1.2.6 Other
    • 5.1.3 Snack Bar
    • 5.1.3.1 Cereal Bar
    • 5.1.3.2 Energy Bar
    • 5.1.3.3 Protein Bar
    • 5.1.3.4 Fruit and Nut Bar
    • 5.1.4 Gums
    • 5.1.4.1 Chewing Gum
    • 5.1.4.1.1 Sugar Chewing Gum
    • 5.1.4.1.2 Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
    • 5.1.4.2 Bubble Gum
  • 5.2 By Packaging Type
    • 5.2.1 Single-Serve
    • 5.2.2 Multipacks
  • 5.3 By Price Range
    • 5.3.1 Mass
    • 5.3.2 Premium
  • 5.4 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.4.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • 5.4.2 Online Retail Stores
    • 5.4.3 Convenience Stores
    • 5.4.4 Other Channels

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Positioning Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Tiger Brands Ltd
    • 6.4.2 Mondelēz International Inc.
    • 6.4.3 Nestlé SA
    • 6.4.4 Mars Inc.
    • 6.4.5 Ferrero International SA
    • 6.4.6 Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
    • 6.4.7 Yıldız Holding
    • 6.4.8 HARIBO GmbH
    • 6.4.9 Winston & Julia
    • 6.4.10 August Storck KG
    • 6.4.11 The Hershey's Company
    • 6.4.12 Kellonova
    • 6.4.13 General Mills Inc.
    • 6.4.14 PepsiCo Inc.
    • 6.4.15 Cartoon Candy
    • 6.4.16 Beyers Chocolates
    • 6.4.17 Afrikoa Bean-to-Bar
    • 6.4.18 Wedgewood Nougat
    • 6.4.19 Honest Chocolate
    • 6.4.20 Nu Brands (SA) Pty Ltd

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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South Africa Confectionery Market Report Scope

The South African confectionery market encompasses the sale and consumption of chocolate, sugar confectionery, and snack sweets across both retail and on-the-go channels within South Africa. The South African confectionery market is segmented by product type, packaging type, price range, and distribution channel. Based on product type, the market is segmented into chocolate, sugar confectionery, snack bars, and gums. Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into single-serve and multipacks. Based on the price range, the market is classified into mass and premium segments. Based on distribution channel, the market is classified into supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retail stores, convenience stores, and other channels. The market forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) and volume (Tons). 

By Product Type
Chocolate Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
Sugar Confectionery Hard Candy
Mints
Pastilles, Gummies, and Jellies
Toffees and Nougats
Lollipops
Other
Snack Bar Cereal Bar
Energy Bar
Protein Bar
Fruit and Nut Bar
Gums Chewing Gum Sugar Chewing Gum
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Bubble Gum
By Packaging Type
Single-Serve
Multipacks
By Price Range
Mass
Premium
By Distribution Channel
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Online Retail Stores
Convenience Stores
Other Channels
By Product Type Chocolate Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
Sugar Confectionery Hard Candy
Mints
Pastilles, Gummies, and Jellies
Toffees and Nougats
Lollipops
Other
Snack Bar Cereal Bar
Energy Bar
Protein Bar
Fruit and Nut Bar
Gums Chewing Gum Sugar Chewing Gum
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Bubble Gum
By Packaging Type Single-Serve
Multipacks
By Price Range Mass
Premium
By Distribution Channel Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Online Retail Stores
Convenience Stores
Other Channels
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Market Definition

  • Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
  • Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
  • Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
  • Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
Keyword Definition
Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk.
White Chocolate White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent.
Milk Chocolate Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product.
Hard Candy A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing.
Toffees A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter.
Nougats A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit.
Cereal bar A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup.
Protein bar Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats.
Fruit & Nut bar These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings.
NCA The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats.
CGMP Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies.
Unstandardized foods Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner.
GI The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time
Skimmed milk powder Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying.
Flavanols Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages.
WPC Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein.
LDL Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol
HDL High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol
BHT butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative.
Carrageenan Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks.
Free form Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar.
Cocoa butter It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery.
Pastellies A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk.
Draggees Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell
CHOPRABISCO Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry.
European Directive 2000/13 A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products
Kakao-Verordnung The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany.
FASFC Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain
Pectin A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture.
Invert sugars A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose.
Emulsifier A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together.
Anthocyanins A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery.
Functional Foods Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Kosher certificate This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law
Chicory root extract A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate
RDD Recommended daily dose
Gummies A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit.
Nutraceuticals Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits.
Energy bars Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go.
BFSO Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.​
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.​
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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