Licorice Candy Market Research Report By Candy Type (Soft Licorice, Hard Licorice, Jelly Licorice), By Flavor (Natural Licorice, Fruit Flavored Licorice, Salted Licorice), By Packaging (Bulk Packaging, Individually Wrapped, Gift Tins), By Sugar Content (Sugar-Free Licorice, Reduced-Sugar Licorice, Full-Sugar Licorice) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2032.

Global Licorice Candy Market Overview

Licorice Candy Market Size was estimated at 1.77 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Licorice Candy Industry is expected to grow from 1.84(USD Billion) in 2023 to 2.5 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Licorice Candy Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 3.49% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Key Licorice Candy Market Trends Highlighted

The Licorice Candy Market is experiencing several significant trends

Key market drivers

The increasing popularity of natural and organic ingredients, emerging markets offering growth opportunities, and advancements in flavor and product innovation are driving market growth.
Opportunities to be explored or captured

Introducing sugar-free and low-calorie options to cater to health-conscious consumers, expansion into emerging markets with high growth potential, and developing innovative flavors and packaging strategies represent significant opportunities.

Trends in recent times
The rise of e-commerce platforms for candy sales, the growing popularity of subscription boxes for licorice enthusiasts, and the emergence of artisanal licorice brands offering premium and unique products are notable trends shaping the market.

Licorice Candy Market Drivers

Growing Popularity of Licorice Candy as a Healthier Snack Option

In the modern era, the tendency to the selection of healthier snacks is increasing. More and more consumers prefer to buy low-caloric, low-fat, and low-sugar snacks substituted by necessary nutrients. Watching the described tendencies over the past few years, it is clear that licorice candy is the perfect choice in this direction. Licorice candy is a low-calorie, fat-free, and sugar-free snack that is a good source of fiber. The interest to this type of sweet is growing rapidly and is going to grow over the next few years.

Rising Demand for Licorice Candy in Emerging Markets

One of the significant opportunities, which is already being witnessed by the licorice candy market, is the emerging markets. In these markets, the proportion of the middle class is increasing, and their disposable income is surging. These factors are leading to the increased demand for premium candies, including licorice candy. Moreover, in emerging markets, the inclination toward the Western culture is also encouraging the demand for licorice candies.

Innovation in Licorice Candy Products

The licorice candy market is constantly changing. It is seen via the production of unusual types of new licorice candies. The development is due to an increased desire for innovations in the sphere. Moreover, the campaigners are in search of new approaches to packaging, advertising, etc., that would appreciably extend the public for whom such products are intended.

Licorice Candy Market Segment Insights

Licorice Candy Market Candy Type Insights

The Candy Type segment of the Licorice Candy Market consists of Soft Licorice, Hard Licorice, and Jelly Licorice. Soft Licorice is the most popular type among licorice candy consumers, representing 45% of the market share. Its chewy texture, which is the result of a combination of wheat flour, corn syrup, and water, is the main factor behind its popularity. This type of candy is available in a wide range of flavors, such as mild, sweet, or strong, allowing manufacturers to cater to a broad customer base. Soft Licorice is often used for bulk candies, bags, and ropes, which can be distributed in all kinds of retail and wholesale stores.

Overall, Hard Licorice makes up about 30% of the market share. This type of candy is usually characterized by a hard and brittle texture that distinguishes it from Soft Licorice. As opposed to the Soft variant, this second type appeals to a niche customer base that is in search of a more forceful taste. For this reason, Hard Licorice is typically sold in the form of black licorice sticks, buttons, and wheels, which contribute to an intense and extremely defined flavor. Finally, Jelly Licorice accounts for a total of 25% of the market share. Its main characteristics include a soft, chewy, and gummy texture and a translucent and bright appearance.

This type of candy comes in a variety of fruity and sweet flavors and has been designed to appeal to adults and children alike. Generally, they are usually distributed in bulk bags or wrapped individually.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Licorice Candy Market Flavor Insights

The licorice candy market is segmented by flavor into natural licorice, fruit flavored licorice, and salted licorice. Natural licorice is the most popular flavor, accounting for over 50% of the market share. Fruit flavored licorice is the second most popular flavor, with a market share of around 30%. Salted licorice is the least popular flavor, with a market share of around 20%. The natural licorice segment is expected to continue to dominate the market over the forecast period, with a CAGR of 3.5%. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing demand for natural and organic products.

The fruit flavored licorice segment is also expected to witness healthy growth over the forecast period, with a CAGR of 3.2%. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing popularity of fruit-flavored candies among children and adults. The salted licorice segment is expected to witness a moderate growth over the forecast period, with a CAGR of 2.8%. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing popularity of salty snacks among consumers.

Licorice Candy Market Packaging Insights

Packaging is a crucial aspect of the Licorice Candy Market, shaping consumer preferences and influencing purchasing decisions. Bulk Packaging, Individually Wrapped, and Gift Tins are the three primary packaging formats, each catering to specific market segments. Bulk Packaging is widely used in the confectionery industry, offering cost-effective storage and distribution for large quantities of licorice candy. It accounts for a significant portion of the Licorice Candy Market revenue, particularly in bulk purchases by manufacturers and distributors.

Individually Wrapped licorice candy is prevalent in retail channels, providing convenient and hygienic packaging for individual consumption. Its popularity among consumers is attributed to the ease of portability, freshness preservation, and portion control. Gift Tins, adorned with attractive designs and festive themes, capture a niche segment of the Licorice Candy Market. They are often sought after during holidays and special occasions, adding a touch of luxury and gifting appeal to the product. Despite their premium pricing, Gift Tins contribute to the overall market growth by targeting discerning consumers willing to pay for a unique and memorable experience.

Licorice Candy Market Sugar Content Insights

The sugar content segment plays a vital role in shaping the licorice candy market. In 2023, the full-sugar licorice segment held the largest market share, accounting for nearly 60% of the revenue. However, the increasing health consciousness among consumers is driving the demand for sugar-free and reduced-sugar licorice variants. The sugar-free licorice segment is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, with a CAGR of 4.5%. Key market players are introducing innovative sugar-free licorice products to cater to the growing demand for healthier confectionery options.

The reduced-sugar licorice segment is also expected to gain traction, as consumers seek a balance between taste and health. Overall, the segmentation of the licorice candy market based on sugar content provides valuable insights into consumer preferences and the evolving dynamics of the industry.

Licorice Candy Market Regional Insights

The regional segmentation of the Licorice Candy Market offers valuable insights into the market's geographic distribution and growth potential. North America is anticipated to remain a dominant player in the market, accounting for a significant share of the Licorice Candy Market revenue. The region's strong demand for licorice candy, driven by a large consumer base and established distribution channels, contributes to its leading position. Europe follows closely, with a sizable market share. The presence of well-established licorice candy manufacturers and a growing consumer preference for natural and organic products supports the market's growth in the region.

APAC is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, fueled by rising disposable incomes and increasing urbanization. South America and MEA are emerging markets with substantial growth potential, offering opportunities for market expansion.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Licorice Candy Market Key Players And Competitive Insights

The Licorice Candy Market is characterized by a landscape filled with diverse and dynamic players focusing on product innovation and consumer preferences. The competition within the Licorice Candy Market industry is driven by various factors, such as flavor varieties, packaging designs, and health-conscious formulations. Major players in the Licorice Candy Market are continually seeking to capture a larger share by enhancing their product lines while also responding to the changing tastes of consumers worldwide. The competitive strategies employed by leading Licorice Candy Market players include diversification of flavors, expansion into emerging markets, and strategic partnerships to advance market visibility. This competitive landscape has led to a wealth of opportunities for both new entrants and established companies to engage with consumers through various channels, including online platforms and retail networks. Furthermore, the focus on sustainability and organic ingredients is reshaping the Licorice Candy Market development, indicating a growing trend where consumer demands are guiding product offerings and marketing strategies. Overall, the Licorice Candy Market Competitive Landscape reflects a complex ecosystem of companies striving for innovation while adhering to evolving consumer expectations.

One notable player in the Licorice Candy Market is Haribo, a company renowned for its iconic gummy candies that include segments dedicated to licorice flavors. Haribo maintains a significant presence with its variety of licorice products, appealing to a broad consumer base ranging from traditionalists who appreciate classic flavors to younger audiences who are more open to unconventional taste combinations. The company's strategic focus on quality and consistency has established a loyal customer following, and its continued investment in marketing and product diversification has expanded its reach. Haribo also emphasizes sustainability in its operations, integrating eco-friendly practices in sourcing and production to attract environmentally conscious consumers in the Licorice Candy Market industry. The brand's ability to blend tradition with modern trends exemplifies a successful approach to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market space.

A direct competitor to Haribo in the Licorice Candy Market is Rizzo Candy Company. This company specializes in a wide range of licorice products, including traditional and gourmet variations that cater to niche markets. Rizzo Candy Company's commitment to authentic textures and flavors sets it apart in the vibrant confectionery landscape. The company places a strong emphasis on quality ingredients and artisanal production methods, appealing to consumers who value craftsmanship in their sweets. Rizzo Candy Company has effectively utilized regional branding to resonate with local markets while also exploring opportunities for cross-border sales and expansion. Their focus on customer engagement through community events and social media campaigns further strengthens their position within the Licorice Candy Market, allowing them to cultivate a strong, loyal customer base. As the market continues to develop, Rizzo Candy Company’s strategic initiatives and brand identity play a crucial role in shaping its competitive edge against major players in the licorice segment.

Key Companies in the Licorice Candy Market Include

• Cavendish Harvey


• Vidal


• Mike and Ike


• Ferrara Candy Company


• Cloetta Fazer


• Perfetti Van Melle


• Trolli


• Albanese Candy


• Haribo


• Farley's


• WH Group


• Katjes


• Hari


• Lotte


• Maynards

Licorice Candy Market Industry Developments

Recent developments in the Licorice Candy Market have highlighted a steady growth trajectory, with market valuation expected to reach approximately USD 1.84 billion in 2024. This growth is underpinned by a rising demand for unique flavors and natural confectionery options, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking products with fewer artificial ingredients. Notably, there has been an increasing interest in gourmet licorice products, emphasizing premium quality and artisanal production methods. Additionally, e-commerce has emerged as a significant sales channel, enabling wider distribution and accessibility of licorice candies. Innovations in packaging and branding are also noted, targeting younger demographics with contemporary designs and marketing strategies. Furthermore, sustainability trends are influencing sourcing practices, with manufacturers exploring ethical sourcing of licorice root, contributing to a more environmentally conscious production process. As the market anticipates a positive CAGR of 3.49% leading up to 2032, ongoing investments in product development and marketing strategies will likely shape the competitive landscape in the coming years.

Licorice Candy Market Segmentation Insights

Licorice Candy Market Candy Type Outlook

• Soft Licorice


• Hard Licorice


• Jelly Licorice

• Natural Licorice


• Fruit Flavored Licorice


• Salted Licorice

Licorice Candy Market Packaging Outlook

• Bulk Packaging


• Individually Wrapped


• Gift Tins

Licorice Candy Market Sugar Content Outlook

• Sugar-Free Licorice


• Reduced-Sugar Licorice


• Full-Sugar Licorice

• North America


• Europe


• South America


• Asia Pacific


• Middle East and Africa