Top Candy Companies In The USA: [Year] Market Leaders & More!

Prof. Pablo Zieme MD 08 May 2025

Ever wonder which candy brands reign supreme in the United States? The American confectionery landscape is dominated by a handful of powerhouses, each vying for a piece of the multi-billion dollar pie, offering everything from nostalgic classics to innovative new treats.

The quest to identify the leading candy companies in the USA is a fascinating journey into a world of sweet delights and intense market competition. These companies, known for their popular candies worldwide, continuously adapt to changing consumer preferences, seasonal demands, and economic pressures. Whether it's the holiday season driving purchasing trends or the everyday craving for a sugary indulgence, these brands constantly unveil new, innovative offerings designed to captivate our taste buds. Looking ahead to 2025, the competition is only expected to intensify, with each company strategizing to secure its position at the top.

Company Information	Details
Company Name	The Hershey Company
Industry	Confectionery (Chocolate Manufacturing)
Headquarters	Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
Founded	1894 by Milton Hershey
Key Products	Hershey's Chocolate Bars, Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat (in the US), Twizzlers
Market Position	Leading chocolate manufacturer in the United States in terms of market share (as of 2022)
Financial Performance	Significant revenue from chocolate sales; details vary year to year, but consistently a top performer
Notable Achievements	Established as a household name for over 100 years; known for iconic chocolate products and strong brand recognition.
Website	The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company, for instance, stood out as the leading chocolate manufacturer in the United States in 2022, based on market share. But the landscape is far from static. Competitors like Mars Incorporated, Mondelz International, and Ferrero Group are constantly innovating to capture market share. Mars, for example, was the worlds second leading confectionery company in 2024, generating around 22 billion U.S. dollars in sales. Mars M&M's also leads sales in larger size chocolate candy in the US with a 13.5% share, surpassing Hershey chocolate's 7.4% dollar share.

The holiday season plays a pivotal role in the success of these companies. Globally, chocolate consumption spikes during holidays, with Easter chocolate sales in the United States reaching approximately $2.1 billion annually, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Over 16 billion jelly beans and 90 million chocolate bunnies are produced for Easter, underscoring the deep connection between these occasions and sugary indulgences. Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Halloween also contribute significantly to retail sales of chocolate. In 2018 (Feb 16), retail sales for Easter reached $935 million, Christmas $776 million, Valentine's Day $524 million, and Halloween $383 million.

Americas leading chocolate and candy companies have made a commitment to providing consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. They pledge that half of their individually wrapped products will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack, and 90 percent will feature calorie information on the front. This is partly due to growing consumer awareness of health and wellness, influencing the confectionery market worldwide. For instance, there are questions if the Japanese confectionery market is trending towards health.

The competitive spirit extends beyond the giants. Companies like Pecan Deluxe Candy Company, with its history defined by innovation and commitment to customer relationships, demonstrate that success can be found in niche markets. These companies often focus on handmade chocolates, taffy, and hard candy, and some even specialize in caramel apples, utilizing specialized equipment like Thomas Mills equipment for production. They take pride in fostering partnerships and delivering unique products.

However, based on current trends and market data, it appears that Cadbury may be a leading company in the holiday candy sour sector. While Hersheys has been a household name for over 100 years, Cadbury has made significant investments in marketing and product development. The battle for holiday candy supremacy is undoubtedly ongoing.

Beyond the US borders, the global candy market presents both opportunities and challenges. The UK confectionery market, for example, was valued at approximately 16.18 billion in 2024, with projections to reach 22.06 billion by 2030. This market, comprising chocolate confectionery, ice cream, preserved pastry goods, cakes, and sugar confectionery, remains vibrant and competitive despite regulatory and economic hurdles. In everyday chocolate sales in the UK, the five biggest chocolate manufacturers accounted for 70% of total retail sales in 2023/24, with Mondelz holding almost a third of the market share.

The global candy market report covers key companies like The Hershey Company, Ferrero Group, Lindt & Sprngli, and Boyer Candy Company, Inc. These companies are also major players in the global chocolate market, which is expected to reach USD 114.17 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.95% to reach USD 145.33 billion by 2030. Other significant companies in this market include Nestl SA and Yldz Holding.

Breaking down the global chocolate market further, Europe stands out as the largest market, with projected sales of $45 billion in 2022. The chocolate market in China is expected to reach $4 billion by 2025, while the Indian chocolate market reached US$ 2.6 billion in 2023. These figures demonstrate the expansive reach and potential of the chocolate and candy industries.

Several factors influence the success of these leading candy companies. One critical element is the sourcing of raw materials, particularly cocoa. In 2021, just two countries grew over 60% of the global cacao supply, highlighting the concentration of cocoa production. Moreover, only a small percentage (3.1%) of the worlds cocoa is certified organic, reflecting the need for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.

The candy bar industry in America is a significant contributor to the global valuation of the candy market, which reached nearly $200 billion in 2024. This valuation encompasses a wide range of products, from chocolate bars to hard and soft sugar candies, Turkish delight, and halva. One company, Perfetti Van Melle, a Dutch company formed by the merger of Italian candy company Perfetti and Dutch candy company Van Melle in 2001, exemplifies diversification and a strong presence in various confectionery segments.

The double holiday season (likely referring to overlapping holidays or promotional periods) means double profits for chocolate companies, presenting an opportunity that confectioners cannot afford to miss, even if some holiday traditions are seeing shrinking sales recently.

Analyzing the market share within specific segments provides further insights. In the gum market in the United States in 2022, a few key companies dominated. Similarly, in everyday chocolate sales, a small number of manufacturers control a significant portion of the retail market. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for companies aiming to maintain or improve their position.

The US chocolate market is projected to reach USD 28.45 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.27% to reach USD 36.79 billion by 2030. Key companies operating in the market include Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprngli AG, Ferrero International SA, Mars Incorporated, Mondelz International Inc., and The Hershey Company. Similarly, the Japan chocolate market is expected to reach USD 5.73 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 2.56% to reach USD 6.50 billion by 2030, with companies like Lotte Corporation, Meiji Holdings Company Ltd, and Nestl SA playing major roles.

Founded by Franklin Clarence Mars in 1911, Mars, Inc. first concoction was the Milky Way bar (\u2018chocolate malted milk in a candy bar\u2019) in 1929, with the famed Mars bar following soon after. The ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes and market trends is critical for continued success. Companies must constantly innovate and invest in marketing and product development to stay ahead of the competition.