The production of confectioneries, including sweets and candies, has been a prominent industry worldwide and continues to experience remarkable growth. In Nigeria, a country known for its vibrant food and snack market, the demand for confectioneries has seen an upward trajectory. The Nigerian confectionery market has attracted local producers and international brands, positioning the country as a potential hub for confectionery production in Africa.
Confectioneries refer to food products that are typically made with sugar, flavorings, colorants, and other ingredients to create sweet treats. Sweets and candies are popular forms of confectionery, enjoyed by people of all ages, but especially children. These products come in various shapes, colors, textures, and flavors, often including hard-boiled sweets, chocolates, gummies, caramels, and mints, among others.
The history of confectionery can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The earliest forms of candies were derived from natural ingredients such as honey, fruits, and nuts. In the 16th century, sugar became more widely available, making it possible to produce refined sweets on a larger scale. Over time, confectionery production techniques evolved, and by the 19th century, candies began to be mass-produced, making them more affordable and accessible.
In Nigeria, the tradition of enjoying sweets and candies is deeply embedded in the culture. With the introduction of Western-style confectionery products in the colonial period, the local production of sweets and candies began to grow. As urbanization and globalization took root, the market for confectionery expanded, particularly in Nigerian cities, where the demand for various candy and sweet products soared.
The confectionery market is vast and diverse, offering a wide variety of products. The major types of confectionery (sweets and candies) include:
Hard-Boiled Sweets: These are typically sugar-based candies that are boiled and harden into solid forms. Examples include lollipops and mint candies.
Mints: Mints are flavored sweets that provide a cooling or refreshing sensation. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewing mints and breath-freshening mints.
Gums & Jellies: Gummy candies, such as gummy bears, and jelly-based candies are chewy and come in a wide range of flavors, shapes, and colors.
Chocolate: Chocolate confectionery is one of the most popular and diverse types of sweets, available in different forms, including bars, pralines, and truffles.
Caramels & Toffees: These are chewy candies made from sugar, butter, and milk, offering a smooth and creamy texture.
Medicated Confectionery: These are sweets that have medicinal properties, such as throat lozenges, which contain ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus.
Fine Bakery Wares: This category includes products like cookies, biscuits, and other baked goods that are often classified as confectionery items.
The global confectionery market was valued at $206.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $213.74 billion in 2024 to $278.36 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period.
The rising demand for convenience snacks, changing consumer preferences, and the increasing popularity of indulgent treats are some of the key factors driving the growth of the global confectionery market. This expansion is expected to influence the Nigerian confectionery market as more global brands enter the local market, driving competition and innovation.
Segmentation of the Global Confectionery Market:
By Product Type: Hard-boiled sweets, mints, gums & jellies, chocolate, caramels & toffees, medicated confectionery, and fine bakery wares.
By Age Group: Confectionery products cater to different age groups, including children, adults, and geriatrics.
By Price Point: Confectioneries are sold across various price points, including economy, mid-range, and luxury options.
By Distribution Channel: These products are distributed via supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, food services, e-commerce platforms, and more.
The Nigerian confectionery market mirrors global trends, with an increasing demand for candies, chocolates, and sweets. The market is estimated to experience steady growth, bolstered by Nigeria’s expanding population, rapid urbanization, and growing middle class, all of which fuel the demand for affordable yet indulgent snacks. According to market projections, the Nigerian confectionery industry is expected to grow at a significant pace in the coming years, offering lucrative opportunities for producers and investors.
The production of confectionery in Nigeria began with the local manufacturing of simple sweets and candies, often using locally sourced ingredients like sugar, honey, and fruits. In the 1970s and 1980s, Western confectionery brands entered the Nigerian market, prompting the growth of local production facilities. Over the years, local manufacturers have steadily increased their capacity to meet rising demand, and some companies have even expanded to international markets.
Today, Nigeria boasts several local confectionery manufacturers, many of whom produce a wide variety of products such as chocolate bars, candy, biscuits, and chewing gum. The success of Nigerian-made confectionery brands reflects the growing demand for locally produced sweets and candies in both domestic and international markets.
The raw materials required for confectionery production include sugar, cocoa, dairy products, starch, glucose syrup, flavorings, colorants, and packaging materials. Nigeria, being one of the largest cocoa producers in the world, has access to a significant supply of cocoa, making it an ideal location for chocolate and cocoa-based confectionery production. Other locally sourced ingredients, such as sugar and palm oil, are readily available, which lowers the cost of production.
However, some ingredients, like flavorings, colorants, and certain specialized sugars, may need to be imported, driving up costs for local producers. Despite these challenges, the availability of key raw materials in Nigeria gives local confectionery manufacturers a competitive edge.
The Nigerian confectionery industry has grown significantly over the years, driven by factors such as urbanization, changing lifestyles, and a growing young population that is increasingly interested in snacks and sweets. Leading local producers, such as Cadbury Nigeria and Nestlé Nigeria, dominate the market. These companies have been able to introduce a wide range of confectionery products that appeal to local tastes while competing with global brands such as Mars and Hershey’s.
Several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also actively involved in the confectionery industry, producing a variety of sweets and candies. With a more localized approach to flavor and packaging, these SMEs have the potential to carve out a niche in the Nigerian market.
The demand for confectionery in Nigeria is steadily rising, especially among younger consumers. Confectionery products are consumed as snacks, gifts, or indulgent treats, and this demand is spurred by factors such as the increasing disposable income of Nigeria’s growing middle class, urbanization, and the desire for indulgent snacks. Additionally, confectioneries are often consumed during festivities, contributing to seasonal demand surges.
As the country continues to experience rapid urbanization and a shift in dietary habits, the demand for packaged snacks, including sweets and candies, is expected to increase.
While the Nigerian confectionery market offers numerous opportunities, there are also challenges that need to be addressed by producers:
High Production Costs: Importing raw materials such as flavorings and additives, coupled with rising energy costs, can drive up the cost of production for local confectionery producers.
Infrastructure Issues: Poor transportation infrastructure and inadequate storage facilities may hinder the efficiency of distribution networks, limiting market reach and increasing operational costs.
Regulatory Challenges: Compliance with food safety standards and regulations can be complex, especially for small-scale producers who lack the resources to meet these requirements.
Competition: The Nigerian market is increasingly becoming competitive, with both local and international brands vying for market share.
Despite these challenges, the Nigerian confectionery industry is expected to thrive. The growing middle class, the increasing demand for convenience foods, and the rich availability of raw materials such as cocoa offer significant growth prospects. By addressing infrastructure issues, embracing innovative packaging, and enhancing product diversification, Nigerian confectionery manufacturers can seize the opportunities in this growing market.
The confectionery production business in Nigeria holds immense potential for growth. With rising consumer demand for sweet treats, local manufacturers and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to tap into a market that is becoming increasingly diverse and competitive.
By investing in high-quality production processes, embracing innovation, and responding to market demands, businesses in the confectionery industry can position themselves for long-term success in one of Africa’s most promising markets.
If you require a bankable feasibility report on confectionery (sweets, candies) production in Nigeria, please contact us using any of the means below.
Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi
Founder & Market Research Analyst
Foraminifera Market Research Limited
foraminiferaltd@gmail.com or +2348033782777 (call and whatsapp)
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