Confectionery market sees sweet results

The confectionery market is back in growth for the first time in two years, according to the 2008 Mars Confectionery Report. The market grew by 5.2% year-on-year in 2007, and is now worth £4.7bn.

The report adds that 72% of the £6.5bn sweet-snacks market with all segments – everyday chocolate, occasions and sugar – showing growth. It adds that growth was helped by the wet summer, which meant that people continued to eat confectionery, rather than switching to ice cream.

It claims that it saw the biggest share gain of the top three manufacturers, driven by new product development, including Mars Planets, and its Mr T Snickers campaign.

Mars trade relations manager Bep Sandhu says: “Confectionery is driven by impulse and convenience. The right range and display merchandised correctly can transform retailer sales.”

Last week, Mars launched a new campaign to “give Britain another reason to get excited about football” after being knocked out of Euro 2008. It is giving away 100,000 footballs as part of its Mars Balls campaign.