THE SWEET GROCERY MARKET
A global market balancing pleasure and health
The global sweet grocery market is valued at €538 billion in 2024, with an expected average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% through 2031 (Source: Research and Markets, 2025).
France ranks as the second-largest European market, just behind Italy, with €15 billion in sales.
While pleasure remains a key driver of purchase, consumers now favor indulgent yet balanced products, seeking to combine taste, health, and transparency.
Innovative brands are focusing on:
- Reduced-sugar products made with natural ingredients,
- Additive-free and preservative-free recipes,
- “Better-for-you” formulations enriched with fiber, protein, and plant-based alternatives.
Pistachio Dziriette – Oriental Delight from La Rose de Tunis
Forest Honey – Alpine Aroma from Fulmer
Onice – 70% Dark Chocolate from ICAM
Major sweet grocery trends in 2025
The reinvented return of pleasure
Sweet products are riding the comfort food wave: biscuits, cakes, and chocolates grew by +15% and +10% respectively in 2024.
But this sense of pleasure is being redefined: with a 5-point increase in consumer expectations around quality, taste, and personalization.
Consumers still want to indulge… but differently: less often, more thoughtfully, with a strong emotional and artisanal dimension.
Health as a growth driver
The rise of natural sweeteners such as honey, stevia, and agave syrup responds to a dual consumer demand: reducing refined sugar while enhancing functional ingredients like fiber, superfruits, and probiotics.
Breakfast products remain the largest market segment (30% of sales), while spreads, jams, and honeys continue to grow strongly, with +10% and +20% increases in value, respectively.
Sugar-free chocolate and on-the-go formats
Sugar-free chocolates have seen double-digit growth since 2023, driven by the “guilt-free indulgence” trend.
At the same time, demand for portable formats is booming, from protein bars and portionable biscuits to sweet snacking options for the office or on the go.
In Europe, sweet snacking has become the fourth most common eating occasion in foodservice, right after hot meals, sandwiches, and salads.
A strong and creative french market
In France, 30% of the population regularly consumes confectionery, and breakfast remains the key sweet-eating occasion.
Traditional brands coexist with a new generation of “clean label” players, focusing on additive-free, organic, and natural products.
France also stands out for its deep artisanal heritage: with premium chocolatiers, biscuit makers, and jam producers expanding internationally, thanks to the “Made in France” image associated with quality and creativity.
The 4 levers redefining the sector
- Responsible pleasure: combining indulgence, well-being, and transparency, with reduced-sugar, flavor-rich recipes.
- Naturalness & authenticity: highlighting simple, local ingredients and artisanal processes.
- Innovation & on-the-go formats: multiplying healthy snacks, functional bars, and portable desserts.
- Sustainability & ethics: focusing on sustainable cocoa sourcing, recyclable packaging, and innovations recognized by the SIAL for Change Award.
Why exhibiting at SIAL Paris is a game-changer for you?
SIAL Paris is the world’s leading event for the sweet grocery industry — bringing together key players from confectionery, biscuits, chocolate, desserts, breakfast products, and spreads.
As a true accelerator of international business, the show connects you directly with decision-makers and top buyers from retail, foodservice, and the food manufacturing sectors.
It's also the largest export platform in the world
As an exhibitor, you will:
Gain visibility and influence
Reach key decision-makers in retail, foodservice, and specialty distribution (including Carrefour, Ocado, Kesko, SPAR, Eurospin, Colruyt, Leclerc, and more).
With 92% of visitors being buyers or decision-makers, SIAL Paris is the global meeting point for building strategic partnerships and expanding into new markets.
Showcase your innovations
Display your products in the international SIAL Innovation showcase, which highlights over 2,500 new products each edition.
In 2024, 149 innovations from the sweet grocery sector were recognized, demonstrating the vitality and creativity of a market in full transformation.
Anticipate global trends
Through SIAL Insights and SIAL for Change, gain a clear understanding of major consumption shifts; from the rise of “better-for-you” products and plant-based growth to the demand for transparency and sustainability. These exclusive analyses help you refine your strategy and innovations to align with the expectations of global markets.
Enjoy continuous media and digital visibility
Your participation comes with a comprehensive global communication plan that ensures your brand stays in the spotlight:
- 755 international journalists in attendance,
- 1.1 million sessions on the official SIAL Paris website,
- 120,000 newsletter subscribers and an active year-round digital community.
In 2024, SIAL Paris’s 60th anniversary celebration amplified the visibility of the sweet grocery sector, with dedicated initiatives focused on innovation and CSR.
Book your stand now and connect with the future of gourmet and snacking!
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- SIAL Interfood - Jakarta
- SIAL Vietnam
- Tutto Pizza international - Shanghai
- Gourmet Selection - Paris
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