Licorice Candy Market to Reach USD 2.5 Billion by 2036 at 4.6% CAGR; South Korea Leads at 5.0%

Author : priya patil | Published On : 29 Oct 2026

The global licorice candy market is projected to grow from USD 1.6 Bn in 2026 to USD 2.5 Bn by 2036, registering a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights (FMI). The market was valued at USD 306.40 million in 2025.

Original black licorice is expected to lead the product segment with a 42.0% share in 2026, while restaurants and hotels are projected to account for 36.0% of application demand. Cans are expected to represent 41.0% of the packaging segment, and supermarkets and hypermarkets are forecast to hold a 39.0% share of sales channels. Household consumers are expected to account for 53.0% of the consumer segment.

Licorice candy manufacturers are expanding product portfolios through fruit-flavored varieties, specialty formulations, and packaging innovations. Growing interest in nostalgic confectionery, premium products, and online retail is creating opportunities to reach traditional licorice consumers and younger buyers across established and emerging markets.

Get Detailed Market Forecasts, Competitive Benchmarking, and Pricing Trends: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11711

Key Takeaways of the Licorice Candy Market

The market is projected to reach USD 2.5 Billion by 2036, growing at a 4.6% CAGR from 2026 to 2036.
Original black licorice is expected to account for 42.0% of the product segment in 2026.
Restaurants and hotels are projected to represent 36.0% of application demand.
Cans are expected to account for 41.0% of the packaging segment.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets are forecast to hold a 39.0% share of sales channels.
Household consumers are expected to represent 53.0% of the consumer segment.
South Korea is projected to register the fastest growth among the profiled countries at a 5.0% CAGR.
Key companies include Haribo, Twizzlers (The Hershey Company), Panda Licorice, and Katjes International.

How Is the Licorice Candy Market Segmented?

The licorice candy market is segmented by product, application, packaging, sales channel, and consumer. Products include original black licorice and fruit-flavored candy, with variations such as apple, anise, and grape.

Application categories include restaurants and hotels, schools and institutions, recreational venues, and sports centers. Packaging formats include cans, jars, and bottles, while sales channels comprise supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and specialty stores.

Consumer categories include household consumers, commercial buyers, and institutional buyers. These segments help manufacturers evaluate purchasing patterns, product preferences, and distribution opportunities across different markets.

Why Does Original Black Licorice Lead the Product Segment?

Original black licorice is expected to account for 42.0% of the product segment in 2026. Its position reflects established consumer familiarity and traditional confectionery preferences across key markets, particularly Northern Europe and North America.

Established flavor preferences support continued demand for traditional black licorice products.
Fruit-flavored varieties provide opportunities to attract consumers seeking alternative taste profiles.
Packaging innovation helps brands improve product presentation, portability, and convenience.

What Drives Demand Across Applications and Sales Channels?

Restaurants and hotels are projected to account for 36.0% of application demand, while supermarkets and hypermarkets are expected to hold a 39.0% share of sales channels. Household consumers represent another important demand segment, accounting for 53.0% in 2026.

Commercial buyers create opportunities for suppliers serving hospitality and foodservice channels.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide broad product visibility and accessibility.
Online retail and specialty stores help consumers discover imported, premium, and niche confectionery products.

What Are the Key Dynamics in the Licorice Candy Market?

Driver: Traditional confectionery preferences, nostalgic candy consumption, and product innovation support demand across established and emerging markets.
Restraint: Sugar-content concerns and awareness of glycyrrhizin-related health considerations can influence purchasing decisions and formulation strategies.
Opportunity: E-commerce expansion, specialty retail, fruit-flavored products, and sugar-reduced formulations create opportunities for manufacturers to reach additional consumer groups.

Which Countries Show the Highest Growth Potential?

South Korea is projected to register the fastest growth at a 5.0% CAGR through 2036. The United States follows at 4.9%, Japan at 4.8%, the European Union at 4.7%, and the United Kingdom at 4.6%.

South Korea's outlook reflects opportunities in specialty confectionery and expanding retail distribution. The United States benefits from established nostalgic candy consumption and interest in premium confectionery. Japan's premium product preferences and gift-oriented purchasing create opportunities for specialty licorice offerings.

The European Union benefits from established consumption patterns, particularly in Scandinavian and Dutch markets. In the United Kingdom, traditional confectionery preferences and supermarket distribution support continued product accessibility.

Which Companies Are Notable in the Licorice Candy Market?

Major companies include Haribo, Twizzlers (The Hershey Company), Panda Licorice, and Katjes International.

Competition reflects product variety, manufacturing capabilities, brand recognition, distribution reach, and the ability to respond to changing consumer preferences. Established companies benefit from existing retail relationships, while specialized producers can target premium products and distinctive flavor categories.

About the Report

Future Market Insights' Licorice Candy Market report examines market size, growth forecasts, product categories, applications, packaging formats, sales channels, consumer segments, regional demand, country-level opportunities, and the competitive landscape from 2026 to 2036.

The study provides insights into confectionery consumption patterns, flavor innovation, retail distribution, premium product development, and emerging commercial opportunities to support strategic planning and market assessment.

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