Licorice Candy Market

Licorice Candy Market Size, Market Forecast and Outlook By FMI

The Licorice Candy Market is set to rise from USD 306.4 million in 2025 to USD 455.2 million by 2035, supported by demand for nostalgic candy flavours, natural herbal confectionery, sugar-free options, and premium clean-label products, as brands use new flavours, online retail, and healthier formulations to reach both traditional licorice buyers and health-conscious consumers.

Key Takeaways, Market Size, and Forecast

• The licorice candy market was valued at USD 306.40 million in 2025.
• By 2036, the Licorice Candy Market is expected to be worth USD 535.13 million.
• From 2026 to 2036, the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2%.
• The market is projected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 212.80 million between 2026 and 2036.
• In 2026, household consumers is expected to account for 53.0% of the consumer segment, driven by demand for household consumers applications.
• South Korea (5.0%) and USA (4.9%) are two of the fastest growing markets in the world.

Summary of the Licorice Candy Market

• Demand and Growth Drivers
  • Confectionery consumption patterns in Europe and North America sustain core demand for licorice candy, with original black licorice maintaining 42.0% product segment share across traditional consumer markets.
  • Premiumization and flavor innovation in fruit flavored and specialty licorice variants are expanding the addressable market beyond traditional licorice consumers to younger demographics.
  • South Korea (5.0%) and the USA (4.9%) lead country level growth, supported by confectionery retail expansion and consumer interest in specialty and nostalgic candy categories.
• Product and Segment View
  • Original Black Licorice is expected to lead the product segment with 42.0% share in 2026, supported by established procurement patterns and broad application coverage.
  • Restaurants and Hotels accounts for 36.0% of the application segment, reflecting concentrated demand in core categories.
  • Cans leads the packaging segment at 41.0% share.
• Geography and Competitive Outlook
  • South Korea is expected to lead country level growth at 5.0% CAGR through 2036.
  • USA follows at 4.9% CAGR, reflecting expanding procurement across key end use segments.
  • Companies with established manufacturing capacity and strong distributor relationships are positioned to capture incremental demand.
• Analyst Opinion
  • The licorice candy market is evolving toward specification driven procurement where formulation capability and supply reliability determine competitive positioning.
  • Adoption is increasing due to end user demand for performance validated inputs and regulatory requirements across core application segments.
  • Companies combining cost competitiveness with consistent quality across regions are positioned to strengthen market position over the forecast period.
  • Demand is further supported by procurement stability in established end use sectors and incremental volume from emerging categories.

Licorice Candy Market Definition

The licorice candy market includes original black licorice and fruit flavored candy variants sold through supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and specialty stores for household, commercial, and institutional consumption. Products are available in can, jar, and bottle packaging formats.

Licorice Candy Market Inclusions

Market scope covers all commercially traded licorice candy products categorized by product (original black licorice, fruit flavored candy), application (restaurants and hotels, schools and institutions, recreational, sports centers), packaging (cans, jars, bottles), sales channel (supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, specialty stores), and consumer (household consumers, commercial buyers, institutional buyers). Revenue estimates span from 2026 to 2036.

Licorice Candy Market Exclusions

The scope does not include licorice root extract sold as a herbal supplement, pharmaceutical grade glycyrrhizin, or licorice flavored beverages. General confectionery products without licorice as a primary flavoring ingredient are excluded.

Licorice Candy Market Research Methodology

• Primary Research: FMI analysts conducted interviews with manufacturers, distributors, and end users across key markets to validate demand drivers and procurement patterns.
• Desk Research: Combined data from industry associations, regulatory filings, trade databases, and manufacturer disclosures.
• Market Sizing and Forecasting: Bottom up aggregation across product, application, and regional segments, triangulated with top down validation against industry production data.
• Data Validation: Cross checked quarterly against production statistics, trade data, and manufacturer reported figures.

Why is the Licorice Candy Market Growing?

• Confectionery consumption patterns in Europe and North America sustain core demand for licorice candy, with original black licorice maintaining 42.0% product segment share across traditional consumer markets.
• Premiumization and flavor innovation in fruit flavored and specialty licorice variants are expanding the addressable market beyond traditional licorice consumers to younger demographics.
• South Korea (5.0%) and the USA (4.9%) lead country level growth, supported by confectionery retail expansion and consumer interest in specialty and nostalgic candy categories.

The licorice candy market is expanding as confectionery manufacturers diversify flavor portfolios and distribution channels to reach new consumer segments. Original black licorice holds 42.0% product share, reflecting strong traditional consumer loyalty in Northern European and North American markets. Fruit flavored variants including apple, anise, grape, and cinnamon flavors are capturing younger consumers who prefer milder taste profiles.

Household consumers account for 53.0% of demand, with commercial and institutional buyers adding incremental procurement. Restaurants and hotels represent 36.0% of application demand, with schools, institutions, recreational venues, and sports centers contributing additional consumption occasions.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets maintain 39.0% of sales channel share, providing primary retail access. Convenience stores, online retail, and specialty stores serve impulse purchase, subscription, and premium gift occasions respectively. Can packaging holds 41.0% share, reflecting consumer preference for resealable and portable formats.

Market Segmentation Analysis

• The licorice candy market is segmented by product, application, packaging, sales channel, consumer, with original black licorice leading the product segment at 42.0% share.
• Restaurants and Hotels accounts for 36.0% of the application segment.
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets leads the sales channel segment at 39.0%.

The licorice candy market is organized across multiple segmentation dimensions reflecting product differentiation, application requirements, and procurement channel preferences.

Insights into the Original Black Licorice Product Segment

• In 2026, original black licorice is expected to account for 42.0% of the product segment. This position reflects established procurement patterns across key end use categories.
• Sub segments including Apple, Anise, Grape represent the primary specification categories within this segment.

Insights into the Restaurants and Hotels Application Segment

• In 2026, restaurants and hotels is expected to account for 36.0% of the application segment. This position reflects established procurement patterns across key end use categories.

Licorice Candy Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

• Demand is shaped by established consumption patterns in Northern Europe and North America where licorice holds deep cultural famil.
• Adoption is constrained by consumer awareness of sugar content and glycyrrhizin related health advisories for excessive consumptio.
• Growth is supported by online retail channels that enable access to international licorice brands and specialty variants not avail.

The licorice candy market is shaped by demand side drivers, supply side constraints, and regulatory influences that vary by region and application segment.

Traditional Confectionery Loyalty in Core Markets

Demand is shaped by established consumption patterns in Northern Europe and North America where licorice holds deep cultural familiarity. Scandinavian markets show particularly high per capita consumption rates that anchor regional demand.

Flavor Innovation and Younger Consumer Acquisition

Growth reflects manufacturer investment in fruit flavored, sugar reduced, and specialty licorice variants designed to appeal to younger demographics and health conscious consumers who may not consume traditional black licorice.

Health Perception and Sugar Content Concerns

Adoption is constrained by consumer awareness of sugar content and glycyrrhizin related health advisories for excessive consumption. Sugar reduction formulation adds production cost while potentially altering the texture and taste profile that core consumers expect.

E Commerce and Specialty Retail Expansion

Growth is supported by online retail channels that enable access to international licorice brands and specialty variants not available in mainstream physical retail. Subscription confectionery services and gift packaging create incremental purchase occasions.

Analysis of Licorice Candy Market By Key Countries

Country	CAGR
South Korea	5.0%
USA	4.9%
Japan	4.8%
European Union	4.7%
UK	4.6%

• South Korea at 5.0% CAGR through 2036 reflects strong demand fundamentals.
• USA at 4.9% CAGR through 2036 reflects strong demand fundamentals.
• Japan at 4.8% CAGR through 2036 reflects strong demand fundamentals.

The global licorice candy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2026 to 2036. The analysis covers more than 30 countries.

Demand Outlook for Licorice Candy Market in South Korea

South Korea is projected to grow at 5.0% through 2036. Demand is concentrated in the expanding premium confectionery segment as consumers seek specialty and imported candy products. South Korea's established convenience store network provides efficient distribution for impulse confectionery purchases.

• Premium confectionery segment expansion supports demand for imported and specialty licorice products.
• Convenience store distribution network provides high frequency impulse purchase access points.
• Online retail platforms enable consumer access to international licorice brands not stocked in physical retail.

Future Outlook for Licorice Candy Market in the United States

USA is projected to grow at 4.9% through 2036. Demand is shaped by nostalgic candy culture and growing interest in specialty confectionery categories. Major brands including Twizzlers maintain mainstream retail presence while artisan producers target premium and natural ingredient segments.

• Nostalgic candy consumption culture sustains mainstream demand for established licorice brands.
• Natural and organic confectionery trends support premium licorice products with clean label positioning.
• E commerce confectionery sales are expanding consumer access to international and specialty licorice variants.

Opportunity Analysis of Licorice Candy Market in Japan

Japan is projected to grow at 4.8% through 2036. Demand reflects the country's premium confectionery culture and consumer willingness to explore imported specialty candy categories. Japanese consumers prioritize packaging quality and product presentation, which supports premium licorice positioning.

• Premium confectionery culture supports consumer acceptance of specialty imported licorice products.
• Gift giving culture creates seasonal demand peaks for premium packaged confectionery including licorice.
• Convenience store and department store confectionery sections provide curated retail access for specialty products.

In-depth Analysis of Licorice Candy Market in the European Union

European Union is projected to grow at 4.7% through 2036. The installed base of licorice consumption, particularly in Scandinavian and Dutch markets, sustains the largest regional demand concentration. EU food safety and labeling regulations require glycyrrhizin content declaration, which shapes product formulation and packaging requirements.

• Scandinavian and Dutch markets sustain the highest per capita licorice consumption globally.
• EU labeling regulations require glycyrrhizin content declaration, which influences formulation and packaging design.
• Artisan and organic licorice producers are capturing premium segment share across Western European markets.

Sales Analysis of Licorice Candy Market in the United Kingdom

UK is projected to grow at 4.6% through 2036. Demand reflects established confectionery consumption patterns and the cultural familiarity of licorice as a traditional sweet. Retail distribution through supermarket chains and convenience stores provides broad consumer access.

• Traditional confectionery culture sustains baseline demand for licorice across mainstream retail channels.
• Supermarket own label confectionery ranges include licorice products at accessible price points.
• Online subscription confectionery services are introducing consumers to specialty and imported licorice variants.

Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning

• Haribo leads the market with established manufacturing infrastructure and distributor relationships.
• Twizzlers (The Hershey Company) and Panda Licorice maintain competitive positions through product breadth and regional access.
• Emerging players target specialized segments where technical differentiation creates entry opportunities.

Haribo maintains a strong position through integrated capabilities and established procurement relationships.

Barriers include established supply relationships, regulatory compliance costs, and manufacturing capital intensity.

Key Companies in the Licorice Candy Market

Key global companies leading the licorice candy market include:

• Haribo, Twizzlers (The Hershey Company), Panda Licorice maintain leading positions through integrated manufacturing and end user relationships.
• Katjes International have established segment specific positions.

Competitive Benchmarking: Licorice Candy Market

Company	Product Breadth	Manufacturing Scale	Distribution Reach	Geographic Footprint
Haribo	High	Strong	Strong	Global
Twizzlers (The Hershey Company)	High	Medium	Strong	Global
Panda Licorice	Medium	High	Moderate	Regional
Katjes International	Medium	Medium	Moderate	Regional

Source: Future Market Insights competitive analysis, 2026.

Key Developments in Licorice Candy Market

• In 2025, Haribo expanded manufacturing capacity for original black licorice products across key markets.
• In 2025, Twizzlers (The Hershey Company) introduced new product formulations targeting emerging application segments.

Key Players in the Licorice Candy Market

Major Global Players

• Haribo
• Twizzlers (The Hershey Company)
• Panda Licorice
• Katjes International

Emerging Players/Startups

• Katjes International
• Other Regional Suppliers

Report Scope and Coverage

Parameter	Details
Quantitative Units	USD 322.33 million to USD 535.13 million, at a CAGR of 5.2%
Market Definition	The licorice candy market includes original black licorice and fruit flavored candy variants sold through supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and specialty stores for household, commercial, and institutional consumption. Products are available in can, jar, and bottle packaging formats.
Regions Covered	North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Countries Covered	South Korea, USA, Japan, European Union, UK, 30 plus countries
Key Companies Profiled	Haribo, Twizzlers (The Hershey Company), Panda Licorice, Katjes International
Forecast Period	2026 to 2036
Approach	Hybrid bottom up and top down methodology starting with verified transaction data, projecting adoption velocity across segments and regions.

Segmentation

Licorice Candy Market Segmented by Product:

• Original Black Licorice
• Fruit Flavored Candy
  • Apple
  • Anise
  • Grape
  • Cinnamon

Licorice Candy Market Segmented by Application:

• Restaurants and Hotels
• Schools and Institutions
• Recreational
• Sports Centers

Licorice Candy Market Segmented by Packaging:

• Cans
• Jars
• Bottles

Licorice Candy Market Segmented by Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Specialty Stores

Licorice Candy Market Segmented by Consumer:

• Household Consumers
• Commercial Buyers
• Institutional Buyers

Licorice Candy Market by Region:

• North America
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of Latin America
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • France
  • Nordic
  • BENELUX
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • Hungary
  • Balkan & Baltic
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• East Asia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• South Asia and Pacific
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Rest of South Asia and Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Other GCC Countries
  • Turkiye
  • South Africa
  • Other African Union
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Research Sources and Bibliography

• 1. European Commission. (2024). EC Food Safety Regulation: Glycyrrhizin Content Labeling Requirements. EC.
• 2. International Confectionery Association. (2025). ICA Global Confectionery Market Production Report. ICA.
• 3. USA Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA Advisory on Glycyrrhizin in Food Products. FDA.
• 4. Food and Agriculture Organization. (2024). FAO Sugar and Confectionery Trade Statistics. FAO.
• 5. Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU. (2025). FoodDrinkEurope Confectionery Sector Report. FoodDrinkEurope.

This bibliography is provided for reader reference. The full Future Market Insights report contains the complete reference list with publication dates, URLs, and supporting data for all cited works.

This Report Answers

• Estimating the size of the market and revenue from 2026 to 2036.
• Segmentation by product, application, packaging, sales channel.
• Insights about more than 30 markets by region.
• Analysis of key demand drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities.
• Assessment of the competitive landscape.
• Identification of investment opportunities across key segments and regions.
• Supply chain and procurement pattern analysis.
• Delivery of data in PDF and Excel formats.