Who Chew? Gummy Snack Trends Feed Big Business

Posted in Millennials on February 6, 2017

When it comes to snack trends that stick around, chewy candy is high on the list. Chewy candy not only satisfies the American consumer’s sweet tooth; it also helps satisfy foodservice operators’ appetite for sales. Though chocolate maintains the lead as a sales generator, chewy candy ate up nearly $3.3 billion in sales in the 52 weeks ending March 20, 2016, and saw a 6.5% increase in dollar sales from 2015.1

brandHeaderSourPatch.jpgParticularly popular among millennials (85% of candy-eating consumers aged 1824 eat gummies2), chewy candy is becoming more experimental to increase its appeal with this adventurous, innovation-hungry demographic. While many snackers remain stuck on fruit flavors, savory profiles including sour, spice and herb are making inroads into the jelly bean market and more adult-oriented brands.

How Sweet (and Sour!) It Is

Peter van Paridon, global industry director of food and beverage at Corbion Purac, foresees  growth in bold flavor fusions and iterations. “Extremely sour candy, sweet and sour combinations, salty options and exotic tastes don’t necessarily have mass market appeal right now,” Paridon said, “but are launching successfully and giving more adventurous consumers completely new experiences.” 1

Sour flavors have hit the sweet spot among fruit-flavored confections, outpacing total non-chocolate segment growth by four times.1 According to Jennifer Moling, marketing manager for Morinaga America, “sour flavors, and unwrapped bite-sized candies in smaller, more convenient and travel-friendly packages, are examples of innovations that continue to gain popularity.”1

Ready, Set, on the Go

To ride the tide of on-the-go foodservice trends, manufacturers are developing packaging that aligns with consumer demand for ease and convenience. Stand-up pouches and peg bags for chocolate and fruit-flavored candy are popular, while king-size packaging is also driving sales growth year over year.1

 

A major player in the category has introduced acai berry, pomegranate, draft beer and champagne in its quest to capitalize on millennial snack trends that favor bold flavors.  What’s more, a USDA-certified organic jelly bean line is poised for sweet sales in response to the better-for-you foodservice movement.1

Business Is Booming, Naturally

Expect organic gummies to continue to gain ground in 2017, as shoppers seek to balance on-the-go consumption with better-for-you attributes, from fat-free content to natural flavors to vitamin-rich fruit juices.

As Mitchell Bernstein, national sales director for Vidal Candies USA, explained: “Gummies are fat-free alternatives, and that’s one of the strong points of the segment. If shoppers believe that an item is a little healthier, they’ll stick with it.”3

The gummy market has seen consistent growth in new product launches, from 31% in 2010 to a projected 37% in 2016,2 some of which has been driven by the transformation of traditional confectionery gummies into a popular source of vitamin and mineral supplements.

Texture and mouthfeel have also become important. As Moling explained, based on research and global market experience, "longer-lasting chewy texture delivers not only an enjoyable snacking experience, but also deep brand loyalty.”1 While innovation is typically associated with new flavors and packaging formats, texture can be instrumental in differentiating products in a crowded category and increasing customer satisfaction.

Do you foresee sweet sales for chewy candy at your foodservice operation in 2017? Any thoughts on how to make a higher check average stick with gummies?

1 Pacyniak, Bernie, “2016 Chewy Candy Trends,” Candy Industry, May 25, 2016
2 FONA International, The Fun and Fabulous World of Gummies, Nov. 9, 2015
3 Candy & Snack Today, “From Tiny Bears to Market Giant,” NCA, Aug. 9, 2016 

Topics in this article

Related Articles

Right Bites: Restaurants Rework Menus for Snack-Happy Market

As small bites replace large meals, restaurant operations adjust menus for all-day snacking. Explore key data behind the latest trends in small plates.

Oh Dough They Didn't! Upstart Pizza Chains Cook Up New Recipes for Success

As a versatile staple, pizza continues to power sales. Lean how fast-casual restaurant chains Pie Five and 7Pie are taking pizza innovation to new levels.

Next Course: 2023 Foodservice Tech Trends

Explore why two foodservice trends--off-premise restaurant formats and artificial intelligence systems--are poised to rise to new heights in 2023.

Hot Sellers: Summer Flavor Forecast Calls for Wave of Appetite-Whetting Trends

Summer sizzles with seasonal staples and trending twists on old favorites. Explore flavor forecasts from Datassential and EatingWell for summer menu ideas.

All About Newstalgia in Desserts

Tweaking familiar dishes to include a new flavor or format could be the menu addition that will pique consumer interest and help increase sales.

No Sustain, No Gain: Foodservice Feeds Bottom Line with Sustainability and Wellness

Sustainability has become a core catalyst for foodservice success. Explore how True Food Kitchen and Mondelēz International exemplify the sustainability trend.

Smaller, Faster, Smarter: Automated Restaurant Formats Feed the Future of Foodservice

Sweetgreen, Chili's and Panera are adopting lean, automated restaurant formats. Learn how automation is transforming the restaurant industry.

Beverages and Desserts Fuel Flavor Inspiration

Inspired by classic beverage elements, operators are creating new dessert menu items — as well as drinks that feature dessert flavors.

Metaverse Measures Up, Major Restaurant Brands Dig In

Top restaurant chains are hungry to tap the promotional potential of the metaverse. Explore Jimmy John's and Pizza Hut's ambitious metaverse initiatives.

Va-Va-Vending: Technology Transforms Vending Machines into 24/7 Restaurants

No longer just a source for prepackaged snacks, vending machines are now purveyors of gourmet-quality meals. Explore two revolutionary vending machines.

Join the Let’s Chat Snacks Community

Be the first to know when we drop new articles, trends and insights, with updates delivered directly to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get an insider perspective on all things foodservice, carefully curated to help you grow your business.