India’s growing taste for gums and jellies

The Indian confectionery market was worth close to US$1.3 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow by 71% to reach US$2.2 billion in 2018.

Economic growth and development has resulted in rising disposable incomes in India, especially among the middle-class. Safwan Kotwal, analyst at Canadean, says: “In India, gum is seen as a luxury item, with branded products predominantly available in urban areas. This is especially true for gum that provides fresh and minty breath, as it portrays a professional and well-groomed image that is becoming more vital to success in the Indian workplace." Due to the soaring temperatures in India, consumers prefer gums and jellies over chocolate, especially in the summer months. Canadean finds that sugar confectionery and gum will outsell chocolate in volume terms: Gum is expected to see an increase of 64% in volume consumption by 2018, compared to a growth of only 41% in chocolate consumption.