Polish FMCG market

A market full of sweet pleasures

Monday, 26 January, 2026 Food From Poland 47/2026
The development of new technologies, the intense pace of changes in consumer preferences, fleeting and short-lived trends, as well as those that will stay in the industry for longer, all affect the future of the Polish confectionery market, which is governed by slightly different rules than other food categories.
Sweets are a unique segment, as they are associated with feelings, emotions or a certain social ritual. And, of course, with pleasure... How is the Polish market of sweets and consumer preferences, and what do foreign buyers value our native products for?

In the last 12 months (ended October 9, 2025), the Polish confectionery market* reached a value of PLN 22 billion. The value of the market increased by as much as 9.1%, while sales volume remained at a similar level to last year (down 0.8%). This growth is primarily driven by the dynamic increase in product prices (the average price per kilogram of sweets rose almost 10% year-on-year), which may be a direct result of the rising cost of raw materials used in their production1.

Value growth in candy categories driven by volume price increases

 – Bars are one of the largest categories in the sweet market – over the past year, one out of every ten zlotys spent on candy was spent on a product in this category. The value of candy bar sales increased by as much as 9.6%, reaching PLN 2.5 billion. Rising prices are responsible for this increase – the average price per kilo of candy bars went up by more than 10% year-on-year. Sales volume, on the other hand, recorded a 2.9% year-on-year decline.

As Katarzyna Wronka-Falah, Senior Customer Consultant at NIQ, comments, private labels account for only 3% of value sales of the candy bar category and show a negative sales trend in terms of both value and volume.

 – The candy bar category posted value growth of 3.8% year-on-year, despite a sharp 7.5% decline in sales volume. As NIQ’s data show, value growth, as in the other confectionery categories, was driven by volume price increases, which exceeded 12% year-on-year. Private label brands account for almost 40% of total value sales of dragees, and recorded both stronger value growth (+5.7%) and stronger volume decline year-on-year (-9.5%) than manufacturer brands (-9.5%).

 – The dissolvable gum segment in Poland (present within the candy and lollipop category) reached nearly PLN 400 million in the last 12 months, recording a slight value decline of 1.3% year-on-year. Much more notable, however, was the decline in sales volume, which was as much as 6.9%.

 – The confectionery market also includes the standard chewing gum category, for which the sugar-free segment plays a dominant role, accounting for almost 94% of the value of the chewing gum market in Poland. In the last 12 months, sugar-free gums have experienced double-digit price growth / kg (almost +12%) which has resulted in the segment posting a value growth of 7% year-on-year, despite a 4.4% decline in sales volume. “It is also worth noting the contrast with sugar-containing gums, which recorded a double-digit decline, both in value and volume,” adds Katarzyna Wronka-Falah.

The discount channel plays a dominant role in candy sales in Poland – every second zloty is spent by Poles on candy in this channel. The importance of discounters is greatest for the category of dragees, where discounters generate nearly 2/3 of total value sales.

Chocolate candy: accounts for almost 60% of the total sweet market2

Chocolate sweets play a key role in the Polish candy market. A 59.7% share of the total market value shows how strategically important this category is for manufacturers.

The Polish chocolate candy market is adapting to new cost realities. The PLN 1.14 billion increase in the value of the market with a 12,400-ton decrease in volume reflects the process of adjusting the price structure to the rising costs of raw materials and production, while keeping the category attractive and accessible to consumers3.

Among Polish households, chocolate candy** is extremely popular – almost every household reaches for it, on average buying as much as 12.9 kg of these products per year. This category is dominated by spending on branded products, and the value share of private labels is relatively low at 13.8 percent.Over the past 3 years, with a slight increase in branded products, we have seen a decrease in the volume of private labels purchased, and the number of households buying them is also declining. Private labels vary in popularity depending on the category: the highest share is observed for chocolate bars, and the lowest for pralines.

“The popularity of chocolate sweets is also evidenced by the frequency with which we purchase them, which is on average as many as 43 times a year. Differences in frequency are observed, for example, in the case of the size of the locality from which the household comes, or what life cycle it is in. Households with children and from rural areas purchase the category with the highest frequency, while young households without children and retirees and households from the largest cities purchase with the lowest frequency,” comments Anna Michalak, senior consultant at YouGov.

Looking at the various diet-related segments within chocolate candy, there is a year-on-year decline in the number of buyers of “sugar-free” products, while there is an increase in the “gluten-free” segment. The clear favorite, in terms of purchasing channels, are discount stores – we leave as much as 56 percent of our total spending on chocolate sweets there, paying the least, at PLN 48.67 per kg of these products.

Rising prices of chocolate sweets are prompting buyers to look for cost-attractive deals. In recent years, we have seen increases in the volume of the category purchased on promotion, and its share now stands at as much as 50 percent. This is not surprising, given that the average price per kilogram on promotion is almost 30 percent lower than for regular-priced products. Promotionality varies by category: the highest share is observed for chocolate figurines, and the lowest for candy bars.

Market Monitoring Center – distribution of sales in Poland

Analyzing the location of sales in the first half of 2025 according to data from the Market Monitoring Center – one can observe a high concentration falling on discounters, accounting for almost half of the value generated by all sweets. Their weight additionally increased slightly at compared to the same period a year earlier. The second main sales channel for candy is small-format stores with a weight of 30%. Their allocation, on the other hand, decreased slightly in the analyzed periods. Supermarkets account for 15% of the sales value, and hypermarkets less than 7%.

In the TOTAL Panel (Small Format Stores, Supermarkets, Discounters and Hypermarkets), the sales value of all confectionery in the first half of 2025 was 8.3% higher than in the first half of 2024. In contrast, sales decreased by 4.5% in number of transactions. As analyzed by Julia Grzesik of the Market Monitoring Center, the confectionery market generated around PLN 11.5 billion in the period. On average, 20% of this result went to cookies, 15% to chocolates and about 10% each to pralines and chocolate bars. Moreover, chocolates and chocolate bars increased in weight compared to last period. Most of the major confectionery categories saw an increase in sales value during the period under review – cakes +10%, chocolates +22%, chocolate bars +12% – with the exception of pralines, which remained stable. A factor in this change was the increase in average price, as in terms of the number of transactions, chocolates, pralines and impulse wafers recorded the largest (among TOP categories) decrease of less than 10% each. We can find all major categories of sweets in almost every store.

Chocolate Confectionery in Poland – Country Report | Jul 2025

According to data analytics company Euromonitor International, sales of chocolate confectionery have seen strong growth in current value terms in 2025 with this being supported by a combination of elevated unit prices and resilient demand for indulgent treats. Despite consumers exercising caution in their spending, chocolate has retained its emotional and cultural appeal, especially as a small reward, indulgence or gift. Seasonal and impulse occasions remain key drivers. Nonetheless, sales of chocolate confectionery have declined in retail volume terms in 2025 with many consumers remaining budget conscious, forcing them to cut back on non-essential purchases.

Tablets is the largest category in chocolate confectionery and it has performed well in 2025 in current value terms, boosted by product variety and promotional support. The category has also benefited from continued consumer preference for familiar formats with new flavor innovations, particularly products incorporating local twists or a healthier positioning. Tablets also lend themselves well to portion control and sharing, supporting their appeal in both indulgent and mindful snacking moments. Brand activity around resealable packaging, limited editions, and visibility in discounters has helped to maintain interest.

Global take5

The global chocolate confectionery market is forecast to grow 19.9% in value from 2024 to 2029. This demonstrates the category’s solid foundation, despite global economic challenges.

The U.S., the U.K. and Germany are the three key markets that dominate global chocolate candy sales and control the largest share, confirming a pattern of concentration in developed Western economies.

Chocolate bars remain the strongest product category globally, indicating the continuing role of traditional formats in the structure of chocolate candy consumption.

It cannot be overlooked that the chocolate industry faces a high level of cost unpredictability – cocoa prices have risen 230% since 2023, eggs are up an average of 30% y/y, and energy-related costs remain unpredictable. These are factors that are fundamentally changing the economics of production and forcing producers to optimize their entire business processes and making it significantly more difficult to plan and create long-term operating strategies.

Ethics and sustainability are increasingly important when choosing chocolate. In an era of rising prices, buyers are more likely to focus on quality instead of quantity, treating chocolate as a product that carries additional value.

The activity of investment funds trading commodities is affecting cocoa price dynamics, which can make long-term planning more difficult and require companies to renegotiate contracts more frequently.

Sweet trends

Bold flavor combinations, the growing popularity of sweets with altered composition, such as with reduced sugar, the search for premium products, and sustainable sourcing of raw materials is also important – these trends are driving manufacturers to create interesting and diverse offerings. Polish sweets are gaining admirers around the world, also thanks to the flexibility of producers in preparing products tailored to local markets.

Consumers expect more and more from brands. They want consistent experiences, engaging stories and places that become part of their lifestyle. For chocolate confectionery brands, this means creating comprehensive lifestyle experiences that combine storytelling, strategic partnerships and an authentic presence in consumers’ daily lives.

Importantly, behind each trend is a specific consumer need. The young expect instant gratification and new taste experiences, while slightly older consumers value proven classics and Polish origin of products6.

The Polish confectionery market is characterized by maturity, and its value is largely dependent on the health of the chocolate category, which accounts for nearly 60% of the market (source: Lotte Wedel for NielsenIQ, Retail Panel, Whole Poland (Food)). “The main challenges remain the high level of cost uncertainty of raw materials (e.g. cocoa) and dynamic changes in international trade.

Key trends for 2026 include the search for surprising taste experiences, especially by a group of younger consumers (16-44 years old) and also non-obvious collaborations between brands. We expect a turn to traditional flavors, such as mirabelle or quince, a further pursuit of quality and an appreciation of the Polish origin of raw materials. Conscious choices are becoming important, including the zsearch for products with simpler, natural ingredients and functional sweets,” comments Krzysztof Bogacz, Director of Marketing and Innovation at Wedel.

“The market for functional sweets in Poland is growing rapidly, as consumers increasingly expect a combination of good taste with additional nutritional benefits and a simple, transparent composition. Trends such as “clean label”, enriching products with protein or using plant-based ingredients are shaping the development of this category, among others,” adds Agnieszka Rybicka, Communications Manager, Wawel.

Polish confectionery exports in 2025 follow last year’s upward trend. Poland is consolidating as one of the key European exporters of sweets, especially in the chocolate industry. Snacks with honey or rice wafers are also gaining in importance. Manufacturers are responding vividly to consumer trends by adapting their offerings for foreign markets, also in context of interest in healthy, organic food. High-quality raw materials and short ingredients are essential aspects.

Polish sweets have their loyal customers all over the world. Consumers appreciate them for their taste, tradition, ecology or wide choice in particular categories. They value classic products, but also follow trends and respond to them with a diverse range of flavors, often tailored for specific foreign markets. Polish confectionery is a major force in the international arena. Over the years, domestic manufacturers have gained recognition, among foreign customers thanks to their high and repeatable quality and unique flavors – competing with global giants.

Bogutti is a Polish, family-owned company that, thanks to passion and consistency, has become a recognized manufacturer of sweets on many continents. It creates Let’s Rolls wafer tubes, FINGERS cookies and La Gustosa or American Style Cookies lines, among others. Recipients appreciate the quality and authenticity of taste, which has translated into exports reaching 60% of production. Bogutti is today a brand that successfully builds the prestige of Polish sweets in the world.

For years, Colian has been passionately creating and sending to the farthest corners of the world the highest quality food products – from sweets, spices and beverages to nuts and ice cream. It is the unique taste, attention to quality, proprietary recipes and original ideas that make its products win the appreciation of consumers on all continents. Colian’s sweet portfolio is built up by strong brands: Goplana, Jutrzenka, Solidarność, Grześki, Familijne, Jeżyki, Akuku!, Śliwka Nałęczowska, Mella, Oranżada Hellena, Appetita, as well as cult brands on the Irish and British markets: Elizabeth Show, Famous Names and Lily O’Brien’s. The company’s occasional portfolio is supplemented by Germany’s Gubor Schokoladen.

Terravita is a well-established Polish chocolate manufacturer that for more than three decades has combined artisanal tradition with modern technologies and high production standards. Carefully selected raw materials, attention to stable quality and a constantly evolving portfolio that responds to the changing needs of consumers. Thanks to this, Terravita products successfully compete in many markets, confirming the growing value of Polish chocolate in the world.

Wawel is one of the oldest confectionery manufacturers in Poland, combining tradition with modernity. The company is famous for its short and simple recipes based on the Good Ingredients program and high quality raw materials. Wawel is dynamically developing its portfolio, investing in innovation and plant modernization, and its products are exported to dozens of countries, building a strong brand position in international markets.

Wedel creates unique experiences, constantly emphasizing the pleasure of the deep taste of chocolate. The company not only provides iconic products, but also invites you to the world of chocolate inspiration – both in the unique E.Wedel Chocolate Factory museum and in the chain of Chocolate Pump Rooms, where tradition meets modernity. Wedel is one of the leaders of the chocolate confectionery market in Poland, contributing almost half of its value. The dynamic development of the brand also includes expansion into foreign markets. The brand’s TOP 6 export products include Ptasie Mleczko®, chocolate bars, pralines and Wedel cake.

Vobro is a company founded in 1986. Its headquarters and factory are located in the city of Brodnica in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province. It has been based on Polish capital since its inception. About 400 employees are involved in the development of the company. Most of them with many years of experience, associated with Vobro for many years. It specializes in the production of pralines and other gift products related to calendar occasions. Vobro’s distinctive and unique products include four-flavor pralines in seafood shapes, heart-shaped pralines with cherry with alcohol, double-filled pralines and chocolate candies, or jellies with fruit particles or liquid filling.

Monika Górka
Editor





1 source: NIQ, Retail Panel, All Poland with Discounters, value sales, volume sales (liter / kg), price per liter/kg, period: 52 weeks ending 9/10/2025, category: sweets (chocolate bars, instant gums, sugar-free gums, jimmies)
2 source: Wedel Report „Global and Polish Chocolate Confectionery Market 2025” by Global Data, data from 2024.
3 source: YouGov Shopper, MAT 07 2025 period. * Candy basket composed of the following categories: Ready-to-eat cakes, Jellies. Candy and lollipops, Chewing gums, Chocolate sets, 
4 Chocolate bars, Chocolate bars, Muesli bars, Pralines, Chocolate figurines, Sweet baked goods, Challah and sesame seeds, Sugar specialties, Impulse wafers.
5 source:  Wedel Report „Global and Polish Chocolate Confectionery Market 2025” by Global Data, data from 2024.
6 source:  Wedel Report „Global and Polish Chocolate Confectionery Market 2025” by Global Data, data from 2024.










tagi: food market , sales , trade , consumer , FMCG , wholesale , retail , food products , news , new products , food industry , retail chains , grocery stores , Poland , export ,