Production of sweets is shrinking, consumption is not

The Hungarian confectionery market grew by 1.5% last year. The domestic range of products meets the Western-European standards, and the market is ruled by the biggest European producers. The competition for the consumer requires constant innovation. The size of the confectioneries’ market exceeds 140 tons, within which the share of chocolates is stable, between 58-65 %. There has been a significant drop in the share of domestic products, due to the fact that multinational companies gradually moved their production to neighboring countries, states that were offering favorable economic conditions. The consumption of candies in Hungary amounts to one kg per capita annually, lagging well behind the European standard. Sales of candies have been stagnating, while chocolate consumption has grown slightly, by 1.5-2%. Candy bars and chocolate bars are equally popular. Snacks are considered the most dynamically developing group. Within the structure of the confectioneries’ market, additionally to import, market brands are becoming increasingly significant. With Hungary’s EU accession low price and inferior quality products entered the market. The possibilities of company development narrowed down, firms are concentrating on the fight for customers, and research analyzing purchasing habits is being carried out.