Sugar confectionery dominates overall confectionery packaging volumes in Vietnam, with such products remaining highly popular amongst Vietnamese consumers of all ages. These products are often seen as an affordable treat, and are enjoyed on various occasions, including holidays and celebrations. Flexible plastic accounted for the highest share of packaging volumes in sugar confectionery in 2023, and this pack type continued to see growth in this year due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness

In 2023, flexible plastic not only continued to dominate confectionery packaging unit volumes, but also gained more pack type share. Flexible plastic often includes multiple layers that provide an effective barrier against moisture, air and light. This helps preserve the freshness and quality of confectionery, which is particularly important in a hot and humid climate like the United Arab Emirates. The barrier properties of this pack type can significantly extend the shelf life of chocolate prod

Folding cartons are the main pack type in boxed assortments as they offer a high degree of design flexibility, allowing brands to create visually appealing and customised packaging for their boxed assortments. In addition, the flat pack nature of folding cartons enables efficient storage and transportation, while still providing a sturdy and protective container for the assortment. Moreover, the rigid structure of folding cartons helps protect the individual products within the boxed assortment

Flexible plastic accounted for the largest share of packaging unit volumes in confectionery in Sweden in 2023, followed by folding cartons. Flexible packaging dominates countlines and tablets, the largest chocolate confectionery categories, in unit volume terms. Flexible plastic is a low-cost and convenient pack type for individually-wrapped products such as countlines. It is compact and lightweight, and thus provides portability of confectionery for on-the-go consumption. Folding cartons is the

Ferrero Group has introduced a new, thinner wrapping for its Kinder Bueno range, reducing the plastic layer by 23%, while still maintaining product freshness and protection. This innovation follows collaboration with upstream suppliers to develop thinner, more flexible materials with a lower environmental impact. Ferrero’s initiative aligns with its commitment to sustainability, with the company aiming to make all of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. This transition is e

Flexible plastic was the leading pack type in confectionery packaging, for both chocolate confectionery and sugar confectionery in Singapore in 2023, due to its practicality and adaptability. Flexible plastic packaging offers excellent product protection, preserving the freshness and flavour of confectionery by acting as a barrier against external factors such as moisture and air. Its lightweight nature reduces transportation costs and environmental impact, aligning with sustainability goals. Fu

Flexible plastic continues to be the dominant pack type used in overall confectionery packaging. Flexible plastic is by far the most widely used pack type across chocolate confectionery, gum and sugar confectionery – and this applies to both imported and local brands. In addition to being used heavily as primary packaging by a wide range of brands, from economy to premium, flexible plastic is also common as a secondary packaging material, especially among local brands that individually wrap each

Flexible plastic remained the leading pack type in confectionery in Romania in 2023, with this packaging format continuing to see positive growth in this year. Confectionery products are often sensitive to moisture, air and light, and flexible plastic packaging can provide a barrier against these elements, helping to maintain the freshness, flavour and texture of the products. As confectionery products are often consumed on the go, flexible plastic packaging also offers portability and convenien

Total confectionery packaging volumes saw a slight decline in Italy in 2023, although while gum and chocolate confectionery packaging volumes declined, sugar confectionery saw growth. Nevertheless, not all chocolate confectionery categories saw declines in packaging volumes in 2023. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, tablets experienced a surge in popularity due to the indulgence trend, which drove packaging volumes, but the number of units subsequently declined in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, packaging

Total confectionery packaging volumes in Thailand continued to rise in 2023, approaching the pre-pandemic level of unit volumes. In 2023, flexible plastic remained the dominant pack type for confectionery packaging, and continued to see a rising share of overall packaging volumes. Flexible plastic is popular as it is convenient, lightweight and cost-effective. Moreover, flexible plastic packaging offers an excellent barrier against moisture and oxygen, ensuring that the chocolate remains fresh a

Flexible plastic is the dominant pack type used for chocolate pouches and bags due to its practicality and convenience, with this expected to remain the case over the forecast period. Containers made from flexible plastic in this category are lightweight, durable and provide excellent protection against moisture and contaminants, preserving the chocolate's quality and extending its shelf life. Brands like Junglegold cater to this trend by offering products such as Bali 80% Cacao Extra Dark Choco

Total confectionery packaging volumes continued to fall in the Netherlands in 2023, with declines for chocolate confectionery and gum, and a rise for sugar confectionery. Although rises in consumer prices resulted in an increase in value sales of chocolate confectionery in 2023, the rise in the cost of living influenced the purchasing habits of consumers, who opted to purchase more expensive products such as boxed assortments less frequently. This led to declines in the packaging volumes of lead

Total confectionery packaging volumes in Switzerland saw a marginal decline in 2023. Countlines, which is one of the largest categories in chocolate confectionery in terms of packaging volumes, saw a similar slight decline in 2023. Flexible plastic is the overwhelmingly dominant pack type used for countlines in Switzerland, due to its superior adaptability, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness. This type of packaging provides an excellent barrier against moisture, light, and air, ensuring

Flexible plastic and folding cartons are the main packaging choices for boxed assortments. Flexible plastic offers an excellent barrier against moisture and air, ensuring the chocolates remain fresh and retain their flavour for an extended period. Flexible plastic is highly customisable, allowing manufacturers to create eye-catching, transparent packaging that showcases the chocolates' enticing colours and shapes. It is also cost-effective and light. Folding cartons provide sturdy and elegant ex

Flexible plastic continues to be the preferred packaging material for confectionery products in Brazil, utilised extensively by the leading players in this category. This material's versatility is crucial in accommodating various portion sizes, making it ideal for a wide range of candies and treats. The cost-effectiveness of flexible plastic allows manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing, while offering appealing packaging.

Total confectionery packaging volumes in Turkey continued to see a slow and stable rise in 2023. Chocolate confectionery continued to account for by far the most significant packaging volumes. Within chocolate confectionery, folding cartons witnessed significant growth in packaging volumes and in its overall share in 2023. Over the past few years, the integration of smart packaging technologies, such as QR codes and interactive packaging, has been on the rise. Integration of this technology enha

Total confectionery packaging volumes in Saudi Arabia continued to rise in 2023, although were still unable to return to anywhere near the pre-pandemic level. In Saudi Arabia, growth in packaging volumes for chocolate confectionery improved strongly in 2023 despite inflationary constraints. Brands released smaller pack sizes without lowering the price in an effort to absorb rising manufacturing costs; this allowed them to keep their prices affordable without cutting into their profit margins. Th

Total confectionery packaging volumes increased in South Korea in 2023, seeing a gradual recovery after sales declined during the pandemic. Flexible packaging remained the dominant pack type in chocolate confectionery in 2023, as this offers versatility and adaptability, allowing for the production of various shapes and sizes to accommodate different chocolate confectionery products, from tablets, to individual pieces such as countlines. Its lightweight nature ensures easy transportation and han

Total confectionery packaging volumes saw a second year of decline in Germany in 2023, due to declines for chocolate and sugar confectionery, as more consumers looked to limit their sugar intake. Flexible plastic remained the predominant pack type in confectionery packaging in this year, widely used for gum, sugar confectionery, and chocolate confectionery. Flexible plastic has historically grown in tandem with the category. Its popularity persists due to benefits such as suitability for bite-si

Flexible plastic accounted for the highest share of packaging volumes in countlines in 2023, and gained share of overall packaging volumes in this category. The rising popularity of this pack type is due to its versatility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Brands such as Cadbury offer countlines in flexible plastic packaging, including resealable pouches, which provide benefits such as being lightweight and durable, ensuring that the product remains protected and fresh during transport and s

Total confectionery packaging volumes in Japan saw a decline in 2023. Although turning to decline in 2023, flexible plastic continued to account for the highest packaging volumes in confectionery in 2023. This is primarily driven by its versatility, offering manufacturers opportunities for innovative designs, while also ensuring product freshness and convenience for consumers. In addition, flexible plastic packaging aligns with sustainability goals, as advances in recyclable materials and eco-fr

Growing eco awareness across the US is driving consumers to seek out products that provide more sustainable end-of-cycle outcomes for packaging and the reduction of plastic waste generation. In turn, packaging players are responding to this demand by leveraging new technologies that can create recyclable alternatives for confectionery packaging with the same performance standards. Packaging giant Amcor, for example, expanded its AmFiber portfolio in 2023 with Performance Paper packaging for conf

Flexible plastic is widely utilised as the primary packaging material in confectionery packaging in Colombia due to its versatility, which allows for various shapes and sizes, accommodating a diverse range of confectionery products. Flexible plastic is also lightweight and durable, reducing transportation costs and minimising the risk of product damage. Its moisture and air barrier properties help preserve the freshness and quality of confectionery items, which is essential in a humid climate li

In 2023, flexible plastic packaging continued to dominate confectionery packaging in China in unit volume terms. This was due to its lightweight and flexible nature, which offers convenience in handling and transportation. It is also ideal for on-the-go consumption, which aligns with the fast-paced lifestyles prevalent in urban areas. Flexible plastic packaging provides excellent barrier properties, protecting confectionery products from moisture, air and light, thereby ensuring product freshnes