Candy Creations: How Startups Are Changing The Sweet Industry

The sweet industry, long-dominated by big brands, is experiencing a bit of a shake-up. New sweet startups are looking at new ways to create confectionary, especially as consumers become more aware of what they eat.

According to Statista, the UK Confectionery market is projected to grow by 4.50% (2024-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$23.39bn in 2029 – making it a growing sector for any startup to innovate within.

But the competition can be tough, especially as the UK is home to some of the world’s most established sweet brands. Whilst it might be a David and Goliath tale, plenty of startups are rising to the challenge.

 

How Have Startups Shaken Up Sweets?

 

The UK sweet industry is hundreds of years old, but startups are definitely shaking it up. Here’s how:

 

New Flavours And Ingredients

Companies have tried to stand out by creating new flavours designed to stimulate discussion. Additionally, sweet startups have invested heavily in creating sweets that are created with less sugar and more natural ingredients, helping them appeal to health-conscious consumers without compromising on taste.

Additionally, companies have looked to swap out traditional animal-based ingredients like gelatin with vegan alternatives, ensuring they can be consumed by the growing number of people that have adopted a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

 

Sustainability

Like in all businesses, consumers are looking for companies that are keeping sustainability front of mind. Many confectionary companies are moving towards sustainably sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging to lower their environmental impact.

 

Providing Healthier Options

Healthier sweet options are more in demand, as people want to reduce the amount of sugar they (and others in their family) consume. The UK has seen a huge rise in low-sugar or sugar-free sweets, allowing consumers to have more choice.

 

 

Sweet Startups To Watch

 

Free From Fellows

 

 

Free From Fellows is a vegan, gelatine-free vegan sweet company, creating sweets with natural flavours and no preservatives.

The company re-creates traditional favourites like cola bottles, gummy bears and wine gums and is stocked in big retailers like Holland & Barratt and Ocado.

 

Candy Kittens

 

 

Founded by Made In Chelsea stay Jamie Laing, Candy Kittens creates gourmet sweets with healthy incredients.

The company has a number of products in flavours like Eton Mess, Wild Strawberry and Sour Melon and can be bought at Amazon, Ocado or WH Smith.

 

Tasty Mates

 

 

Another solid choice for any vegan or vegetarian sweet lover, Tasty Mater appeared on Dragon’s Den and boasts a selection of gourmet gummies.

Not just gelatine free, the company also created gluten free sweets, perfect for those with specific dietary requirements.

 

SoSweet

 

 

You know those lovely old-school sweet shops? Well, SoSweet brings the selection of those to the internet, allowing people to order their favourite sweets, chocolates and confectionary.

Allowing people to buy bundles or pick n mix packs, the company delivers the best sweets, right to your door.

 

SeaSugar

 

 

SeaSugar is keeping the art of sweet making alive with their hand-made sweets.

Their products don’t contain any unnatural additives or flavours, making them the perfect treat for any sweet lover.