UK Chocolate Market Size
Icons | Lable | Value |
---|---|---|
Study Period | 2018 - 2030 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 11.84 Billion | |
Market Size (2030) | USD 16.20 Billion | |
Largest Share by Distribution Channel | Convenience Store | |
CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 5.37 % | |
Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel | Online Retail Store | |
Market Concentration | Medium | |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order. |
UK Chocolate Market Analysis
The UK Chocolate Market size is estimated at 11.84 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 16.20 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.37% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
11.84 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
16.20 Billion
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
5.10 %
CAGR (2018-2023)
5.37 %
CAGR (2024-2030)
Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant
75.54 %
value share, Milk and White Chocolate, 2023
The innovative flavor offerings possible in White chocolate, followed by the preference for varied taste profiles in the country, are anticipated to drive segmental growth.
Largest Segment by Distribution Channel
39.82 %
value share, Convenience Store, 2023
The feasible locations of convenience stores allow consumers to shop within minimal distances with wider chocolate product availability, making it a major market segment.
Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant
6.05 %
Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030
Rising awareness among consumers toward the nutritional content and stress-relieving ability of dark chocolate is anticipated to drive the demand in the country.
Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel
6.31 %
Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030
The increased adoption of e-commerce platforms among consumers and the growing presence of online retailers are anticipated to drive the segment in the forecast period.
Leading Market Player
20.98 %
market share, Mondelēz International Inc., 2022
An extensive range of product offerings and the company's main focus on taste and nutritional profiles based on consumer preferences support Mondelēz in the market studied.
Broader reach and easy access to multiple brands drove chocolate sales in the United Kingdom, with Supermarket/hypermarkets and convenience stores making almost 80% of market share in 2023
- Supermarkets/hypermarkets have always maintained a strong lead in confectionery sales in the region. Chocolate is a largely sold confection through supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a market volume share of 50.89% in 2022. Strategic product positioning on dedicated shelves for the confectionery category influences impulse purchase behavior among potential consumers. Casino Supermarkets, Aldi, Super U, and Lidl are some of the leading grocery store operators in the region. A nationwide network of these operators allows easy access to local and mainstream confectionery brands. As of 2023, Lidl operates more than 1500 stores in the United Kingdom. Sainsbury operates around 2,869 supermarkets across the country.
- Convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channel for chocolate purchases after supermarkets and hypermarkets. The volume of sales of chocolates through convenience stores is estimated to register 38.96% volume share in 2024. Broader reach and easy access to private-label brands drive consumer preference for traditional grocery stores over other retail channels. Dark chocolate sales are estimated to grow at the highest CAGR through convenience stores, reaching a sales value of USD 161.98 million in 2030.
- The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for chocolates, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.13% in value during the forecast period. The increasing number of internet users influences the evolving role of online channels in grocery purchases. In 2021, 88% of UK consumers aged 16 to 74 bought online goods or services for personal use.
UK Chocolate Market Trends
Strong demand during various festive seasons and especially occasions like Christmas, easter, and others, along with the introduction of innovative flavors, drive the market growth
- The United Kingdom has a significant affinity for chocolate and has a long tradition of chocolate consumption. In 2022, globally, the country ranked 7th largest consumer of chocolate and 4th in Europe.
- Consumer Preference for different flavor profiles associated with innovative flavors in chocolate products is a major factor driving the market in the country. As of 2022, one in six people in the United Kingdom consumed chocolate every day, while only 5% of consumers in the country do not eat chocolate.
- Pricing is one of the crucial factors influencing the consumer’s chocolate buying behavior in the United Kingdom. Chocolates are available at various prices in the Country. In 2022, the retail price of average chocolate stood at USD 4, and higher-end chocolate ranged at more than 74.9.
- Consumers in the country prefer various types of chocolate bars, including milk chocolate and dark chocolate, due to the health benefits associated with it. In 2022, 67% of consumers in the United Kingdom opted for milk chocolate, 22% of consumers consumed dark chocolate, and just 11% preferred white chocolate.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Strong demand for nutritionally fortified chocolates propels the sales growth of the segment
UK Chocolate Industry Overview
The UK Chocolate Market is moderately consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 51.93%. The major players in this market are Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Ferrero International SA, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International Inc. and Nestlé SA (sorted alphabetically).
UK Chocolate Market Leaders
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Ferrero International SA
Mars Incorporated
Mondelēz International Inc.
Nestlé SA
Other important companies include Artisan du Chocolat Ltd, Barry Callebaut AG, Charbonnel et Walker, Hotel Chocolat Group Plc, Land Chocolate Ltd, Montezuma's Chocolates Ltd, Moo Free Ltd, Premier Chocolate Ltd, Whitakers Chocolates Ltd, Yıldız Holding AS.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
UK Chocolate Market News
- March 2023: Whitakers Chocolates unveiled its investment in enhancing its printing process and flow wrapping capabilities as it expands its chocolate production focused on private label ranges. The company’s launch product is a 90-gram flow wrap square pack of dark chocolate Fondant Creams.
- October 2022: Barry Callebaut introduced the second generation of chocolate. By design, the second generation of chocolate puts ‘cocoa first, sugar last.’ Dark chocolate is only made from cocoa and sugar; milk chocolate contains dairy as well.
- February 2022: Nestlé unveiled new chocolates and sweets, including KitKat Biscoff Giant Egg and Aero Melts. Nestlé unveiled an array of new goodies for chocolate and sweet lovers that will land on UK shelves.
Free with this Report
We provide a comprehensive and exhaustive set of data pointers for global, regional, and country-level metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the confectionery industry. With the help of 45+ free charts, clients can access in-depth market analysis based on price trend analysis of confectionery ingredients and per capita consumption of confections, through granular-level segmental information supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on confections, confectionery variants, sugar content, insights into consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, an overview of key market players, etc., are available in the form of comprehensive reports as well as excel-based data worksheets.
UK Chocolate Market Report - Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
REPORT OFFERS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Study Assumptions & Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Research Methodology
2. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
2.1. Regulatory Framework
2.2. Consumer Buying Behavior
2.3. Ingredient Analysis
2.4. Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
3. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
3.1. Confectionery Variant
3.1.1. Dark Chocolate
3.1.2. Milk and White Chocolate
3.2. Distribution Channel
3.2.1. Convenience Store
3.2.2. Online Retail Store
3.2.3. Supermarket/Hypermarket
3.2.4. Others
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
4.1. Key Strategic Moves
4.2. Market Share Analysis
4.3. Company Landscape
4.4. Company Profiles
4.4.1. Artisan du Chocolat Ltd
4.4.2. Barry Callebaut AG
4.4.3. Charbonnel et Walker
4.4.4. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
4.4.5. Ferrero International SA
4.4.6. Hotel Chocolat Group Plc
4.4.7. Land Chocolate Ltd
4.4.8. Mars Incorporated
4.4.9. Mondelēz International Inc.
4.4.10. Montezuma's Chocolates Ltd
4.4.11. Moo Free Ltd
4.4.12. Nestlé SA
4.4.13. Premier Chocolate Ltd
4.4.14. Whitakers Chocolates Ltd
4.4.15. Yıldız Holding AS
5. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
6. APPENDIX
6.1. Global Overview
6.1.1. Overview
6.1.2. Porter’s Five Forces Framework
6.1.3. Global Value Chain Analysis
6.1.4. Market Dynamics (DROs)
6.2. Sources & References
6.3. List of Tables & Figures
6.4. Primary Insights
6.5. Data Pack
6.6. Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 6:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 7:
- VOLUME OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VALUE SHARE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 26:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 29:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 30:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, UNITED KINGDOM, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 31:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, UNITED KINGDOM, 2022
UK Chocolate Industry Segmentation
Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
- Supermarkets/hypermarkets have always maintained a strong lead in confectionery sales in the region. Chocolate is a largely sold confection through supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a market volume share of 50.89% in 2022. Strategic product positioning on dedicated shelves for the confectionery category influences impulse purchase behavior among potential consumers. Casino Supermarkets, Aldi, Super U, and Lidl are some of the leading grocery store operators in the region. A nationwide network of these operators allows easy access to local and mainstream confectionery brands. As of 2023, Lidl operates more than 1500 stores in the United Kingdom. Sainsbury operates around 2,869 supermarkets across the country.
- Convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channel for chocolate purchases after supermarkets and hypermarkets. The volume of sales of chocolates through convenience stores is estimated to register 38.96% volume share in 2024. Broader reach and easy access to private-label brands drive consumer preference for traditional grocery stores over other retail channels. Dark chocolate sales are estimated to grow at the highest CAGR through convenience stores, reaching a sales value of USD 161.98 million in 2030.
- The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for chocolates, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.13% in value during the forecast period. The increasing number of internet users influences the evolving role of online channels in grocery purchases. In 2021, 88% of UK consumers aged 16 to 74 bought online goods or services for personal use.
Confectionery Variant | |
Dark Chocolate | |
Milk and White Chocolate |
Distribution Channel | |
Convenience Store | |
Online Retail Store | |
Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
Others |
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. |
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