Forecast of the confectionery market revenue in China 2019-2029, by segment

In 2023, China ranked third among the world’s leading confectionery markets, with a revenue of approximately 104 billion U.S. dollars. By 2029, China's confectionery industry is predicted to generate nearly 110 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. Preserved pastry goods & cakes will remain the largest market segment, with around 49 billion dollars in revenue. 

Confectionery consumption in China

Compared to their western peers, the Chinese crave fewer sweets. In 2029, the Chinese were estimated to consume an average of 9.7 kilograms of confectionery per capita, significantly less than the global average. Nevertheless, China’s confectionery market has grown rapidly, resulting from urbanization, increased wealth, and the thriving processed food industry.

Chocolate market in China

Chocolate has been considered a rare and premium confectionery in China for decades. It was not until the 1990s that most Chinese had the opportunity to taste cocoa-based sweets. Compared to many mature markets, the chocolate market in China is still in a growing phase. As of 2022, China’s per capita chocolate consumption was only 0.2 kilograms, while the average Swiss person consumed 11.6 kilograms of chocolate.