Candles: per capita consumption in the European Union 2014-2023

In 2023, citizens in the European Union used an average of 1.7 kilograms of candles per head, representing a decrease compared to the previous year. Per capita consumption of candles included both those produced within and outside the EU. The same year, the domestic production volume of candles in the EU stood at approximately 703 thousand tons. 

Consumers love scented candles

Candles, particularly scented candles, are favored items by EU consumers and fulfill more functions than mere decoration. In France, an estimated 4.5 million people used scented candles as air fresheners as of 2021. In the country, scented products are very popular, with around 628 thousand people in France using 13 or more packs of scented products in 2020.

Candle trade

Since 2014, increasing volumes of candles were imported into EU countries, reaching the highest figure in 2022. On the other hand, in that same year, EU exports of candles decreased, with around 114 thousand tons of candles leaving the EU for its various trading partners.