Top 20 Best Sugar & Confectionery Product Manufacturing Companies in 2023
Top 20 Best Sugar & Confectionery Product Manufacturing Companies in 2023
As we step into 2023, the global sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry continues to thrive and delight consumers worldwide with an irresistible array of sweets, candies, and chocolates.
Despite the growing health concerns surrounding sugar consumption, these companies have managed to adapt and excel by offering innovative products and catering to diverse consumer preferences.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 20 sugar and confectionery product manufacturing companies that are dominating the market in 2023.
These industry giants have successfully captured the hearts (and taste buds) of millions across the globe through their delectable treats, unwavering commitment to quality, and forward-thinking approach to market trends.
As of 2023, some of the top sugar and confectionery product manufacturers included:
- Mars, Incorporated
- Ferrero Group
- Mondelez International, Inc.
- Nestlé S.A.
- The Hershey Company
- Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
- Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Yildiz Holding (Ülker, Godiva, and United Biscuits)
- Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.
- Perfetti Van Melle Group
- Haribo GmbH & Co. KG
- Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd.
- The Kraft Heinz Company
- Orkla ASA
- Barry Callebaut AG
- Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
- Arcor Group
- ITC Limited
- Morinaga & Co., Ltd.
- Cloetta AB
Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is one of the world’s largest privately held companies, with headquarters in McLean, Virginia, USA. The company was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars and is still owned by the Mars family. Mars, Incorporated is known for its popular brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, Twix, and Milky Way.
In addition to its confectionery products, Mars, Incorporated also produces pet food, such as Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin, and other food products like Uncle Ben’s rice, and Dolmio pasta sauces.
The company operates in over 80 countries and has more than 125,000 associates worldwide.
Mars, Incorporated is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact.
The company aims to use 100% renewable electricity and eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040. It has also implemented sustainable sourcing practices for its raw materials, including cocoa, palm oil, and coffee.
In 2023, Mars, Incorporated continues to be a leader in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a wide range of popular and innovative products that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
Ferrero Group
Ferrero Group is an Italian confectionery company that was founded in 1946 by Pietro Ferrero. The company is headquartered in Alba, Italy, and is known for its popular brands, including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, and Tic Tac.
Ferrero Group is a family-owned company and is currently led by Giovanni Ferrero, the son of Michele Ferrero, who was the company’s longtime CEO. The company operates in more than 55 countries and has over 40,000 employees worldwide.
Ferrero Group has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
The company has pledged to make all its packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025 and has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2025.
In 2023, Ferrero Group continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a wide range of beloved and innovative products that are enjoyed by consumers worldwide.
The company has a strong focus on quality and has established itself as a leader in the industry through its innovative products and sustainable practices.
Mondelez International, Inc.
Mondelez International, Inc. is an American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company that was formed in 2012 after the spin-off of Kraft Foods Inc.’s snack food operations.
The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and is known for its popular brands, including Oreo, Cadbury, Toblerone, Milka, and Trident.
Mondelez International operates in over 80 countries and has a workforce of approximately 80,000 employees worldwide.
The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2025.
In addition to its confectionery products, Mondelez International also produces a wide range of snacks, biscuits, and cheese products. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Mondelez International continues to be a leading player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Nestlé S.A.
Nestlé S.A. is a Swiss multinational food and beverage company that was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestlé. The company is headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland and is known for its popular brands, including KitKat, Smarties, Aero, and Nestlé Crunch.
Nestlé operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 330,000 employees worldwide.
The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In addition to its confectionery products, Nestlé also produces a wide range of food and beverage products, including coffee, bottled water, and pet food.
The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Nestlé continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of beloved and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the industry.
The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is an American multinational confectionery company that was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey.
The company is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, and is known for its popular brands, including Hershey’s Chocolate Bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twizzlers, and Jolly Rancher candies.
The Hershey Company operates in over 70 countries and has a workforce of approximately 18,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
In addition to its confectionery products, The Hershey Company also produces a wide range of snacks, such as popcorn, pretzels, and nuts, and has expanded into the protein bar market with its One protein bars.
The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, The Hershey Company continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and beloved brands that are enjoyed by consumers worldwide.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a staple in the industry with its iconic chocolate products.
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, commonly known as Lindt & Sprüngli, is a Swiss-based chocolate manufacturer that was founded in 1845 by David Sprüngli and his son, Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann.
The company is headquartered in Kilchberg, Switzerland, and is known for its premium and high-quality chocolates, including Lindor, Swiss chocolate bars, and Excellence chocolate bars.
Lindt & Sprüngli operates in over 120 countries and has a workforce of approximately 14,000 employees worldwide.
The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2022.
In addition to its chocolate products, Lindt & Sprüngli also produces other confectionery products, such as chocolate truffles, pralines, and seasonal chocolates. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Lindt & Sprüngli continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a wide range of premium and high-quality chocolate products that are enjoyed by consumers worldwide.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a leading manufacturer of luxury chocolates.
Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. is a Japanese food and confectionery company that was founded in 1916 as Meiji Seika Kaisha Ltd.
The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is known for its popular brands, including Meiji chocolate, Yan Yan biscuits, Hello Panda snacks, and Almond chocolate.
Meiji Holdings operates in over 30 countries and has a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees worldwide.
The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.
In addition to its confectionery products, Meiji Holdings also produces a wide range of food and beverage products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and other snacks. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Meiji Holdings continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers in Japan and around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the industry in Japan.
Yildiz Holding (Ülker, Godiva, and United Biscuits)
Yildiz Holding is a Turkish food and beverage company that was founded in 1944. The company is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, and is known for its popular brands, including Ülker, Godiva, and United Biscuits.
Ülker is a leading biscuit and confectionery brand in Turkey, offering a wide range of products, including chocolates, cakes, cookies, and crackers.
Godiva is a luxury chocolate brand that offers premium chocolates and other confectionery products, while United Biscuits is a leading biscuit and snack manufacturer in the UK, offering popular brands such as McVitie’s and Jacob’s.
Yildiz Holding operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of approximately 70,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
In addition to its food and beverage products, Yildiz Holding also has business interests in other sectors, such as packaging and retail. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Yildiz Holding continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. is a Japanese food and confectionery company that was founded in 1922 by Riichi Ezaki. The company is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and is known for its popular brands, including Pocky, a chocolate-covered biscuit stick, as well as Pretz, Bisco, and Caplico.
Ezaki Glico operates in over 30 countries and has a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to achieve zero CO2 emissions from its factories by 2050.
In addition to its confectionery products, Ezaki Glico also produces a wide range of food and beverage products, including dairy products, nutritional supplements, and frozen foods.
The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Ezaki Glico continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and innovative brands that are enjoyed by consumers in Japan and around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a leading manufacturer of confectionery products in Japan.
Perfetti Van Melle Group
Perfetti Van Melle Group is an Italian-Dutch multinational confectionery company that was formed in 2001 as a merger between Perfetti SpA and Van Melle NV.
The company is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is known for its popular brands, including Mentos, Chupa Chups, Airheads, and Fruit-tella.
Perfetti Van Melle operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to achieve zero waste to landfill across its global manufacturing facilities.
In addition to its confectionery products, Perfetti Van Melle also produces a wide range of chewing gum, mints, and other candy products. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Perfetti Van Melle continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the industry.
Haribo GmbH & Co. KG
Haribo GmbH & Co. KG is a German confectionery company that was founded in 1920 by Hans Riegel Sr. The company is headquartered in Bonn, Germany, and is known for its popular brands, including Goldbears, Happy Cola, and Maoam.
Haribo operates in over 100 countries and has a workforce of approximately 7,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to use 100% sustainable palm oil by 2025.
In addition to its confectionery products, Haribo also produces a wide range of gummies and candies, including licorice, foam candies, and fruit chews. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Haribo continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of beloved and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd.
Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd. is a South Korean confectionery company that was founded in 1967 as a subsidiary of Lotte Group. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and is known for its popular brands, including Lotte Pepero, Choco Pie, and Xylitol gum.
Lotte Confectionery operates in over 80 countries and has a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees worldwide.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025.
In addition to its confectionery products, Lotte Confectionery also produces a wide range of snacks, such as crackers, chips, and nuts, and has expanded into the ice cream and frozen dessert market.
The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Lotte Confectionery continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and innovative brands that are enjoyed by consumers in South Korea and around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a leading manufacturer of confectionery products in South Korea.
The Kraft Heinz Company
The Kraft Heinz Company is an American multinational food and beverage company that was formed in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and is known for its popular brands, including Kraft Mac & Cheese, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Oscar Mayer, and Heinz ketchup.
The Kraft Heinz Company operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of approximately 39,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to achieve 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025.
In addition to its food products, The Kraft Heinz Company also produces a range of beverages, including coffee, tea, and juice. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, The Kraft Heinz Company continues to be a major player in the food and beverage industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Orkla ASA
Orkla ASA is a Norwegian conglomerate that operates in a range of industries, including food, confectionery, and snacks. The company was founded in 1654 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
Orkla’s confectionery division includes a number of popular brands, including Nidar in Norway, Göteborgs Kex in Sweden, and KiMs and OLW in Denmark. The company also produces a range of other food products, such as pizza, frozen vegetables, and sauces, and has a significant presence in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
In addition to its food and confectionery products, Orkla also has interests in other sectors, such as personal care and home care. The company is committed to sustainability and has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and improve its use of renewable energy.
In 2023, Orkla continues to be a major player in the food and confectionery industry in the Nordic region, offering a range of popular and well-known brands that are enjoyed by consumers.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Barry Callebaut AG
Barry Callebaut AG is a Swiss-based chocolate and cocoa product manufacturer that was founded in 1996 through the merger of Belgian chocolate manufacturer Callebaut and French chocolate manufacturer Cacao Barry.
The company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.
Barry Callebaut operates in over 60 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to be carbon and forest positive by 2025.
In addition to its chocolate products, Barry Callebaut also produces a wide range of cocoa and other chocolate-related ingredients for use in the food industry. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its customers.
In 2023, Barry Callebaut continues to be a major player in the chocolate and cocoa product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of premium and high-quality chocolate products that are enjoyed by consumers and used by professionals in the food industry around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. is an American confectionery company that was founded in 1896 by Leo Hirschfield. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and is known for its popular brands, including Tootsie Roll, Tootsie Pops, Charms Blow Pops, and Dots.
Tootsie Roll Industries operates in over 100 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees worldwide. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025.
In addition to its confectionery products, Tootsie Roll Industries also produces a range of other candy products, including Junior Mints, Charleston Chew, and Andes Mints. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Tootsie Roll Industries continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers of all ages.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Arcor Group
Arcor Group is an Argentine food and confectionery company that was founded in 1951. The company is headquartered in Arroyito, Córdoba, Argentina, and is known for its popular brands, including Bon o Bon, Mogul, and La Campagnola.
Arcor Group operates in over 120 countries and has a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030.
In addition to its confectionery products, Arcor Group also produces a wide range of food products, including jams, fruit preserves, and snacks. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Arcor Group continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers in Latin America and around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a leading manufacturer of confectionery products in Argentina and the broader Latin American region.
ITC Limited
ITC Limited is an Indian conglomerate that operates in a range of industries, including consumer goods, hospitality, and paper and packaging. The company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Kolkata, India.
ITC’s confectionery division includes a number of popular brands, including Mint-O and Candyman in India. The company also produces a range of other food products, such as biscuits, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, and has a significant presence in the Indian market.
In addition to its food and confectionery products, ITC also has interests in other sectors, such as hotels, paperboards and specialty papers, and agri-business. The company is committed to sustainability and has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and improve its water stewardship.
In 2023, ITC continues to be a major player in the consumer goods industry in India, offering a range of popular and well-known brands that are enjoyed by consumers.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
Morinaga & Co., Ltd.
Morinaga & Co., Ltd. is a Japanese confectionery company that was founded in 1899 by Taichiro Morinaga. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is known for its popular brands, including Hi-Chew, Dars chocolate, and Milk Caramel.
Morinaga & Co. operates in over 20 countries and has a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.
In addition to its confectionery products, Morinaga & Co. also produces a range of other food products, such as biscuits, snacks, and frozen desserts. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Morinaga & Co. continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and innovative brands that are enjoyed by consumers in Japan and around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a leading manufacturer of confectionery products in Japan.
Cloetta AB
Cloetta AB is a Swedish confectionery company that was founded in 1862. The company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and is known for its popular brands, including Läkerol, Ahlgrens Bilar, and Kexchoklad.
Cloetta operates in over 50 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,800 employees worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
In addition to its confectionery products, Cloetta also produces a range of nuts, pastilles, and chewing gum. The company has a strong focus on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development to create new and exciting products for its consumers.
In 2023, Cloetta continues to be a major player in the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry, offering a diverse portfolio of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers in the Nordic region and around the world.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, and it remains a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
In 2023, the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry continues to be a dynamic and competitive market, with a wide range of companies offering diverse portfolios of popular and iconic brands that are enjoyed by consumers around the world.
The top 20 companies in this industry are leading the way in terms of innovation, sustainability, and commitment to quality, and they remain trusted and respected brands in the industry.
From global giants like Mars and Nestle to smaller, more specialized companies like Lindt and Perfetti Van Melle, each of these companies brings unique strengths and expertise to the market.
They all share a commitment to producing high-quality products that meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers, while also addressing important social and environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, the sugar and confectionery product manufacturing industry will likely continue to face challenges related to changing consumer preferences, evolving regulatory requirements, and environmental sustainability.
However, the top 20 companies in this industry are well-positioned to navigate these challenges and remain competitive in the years to come, thanks to their strong brands, innovation capabilities, and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
