Confectionery Packaging in Singapore

2020 IMPACT

Products in impulse presentations lose out to larger pack sizes designed for sharing

Among the most significant outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic for confectionery during 2020 was the decline seen in demand in categories in which sales are dominated by products intended for impulse snacking such as boxed assortment and countlines. Demand for such items was particularly adversely affected by the quarantine lockdown, which saw consumers become less likely to go shopping in supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores to purchase these types of chocolate confectionery.

Home seclusion boosts demand for confectionery in large packs and sharing formats

With demand for confectionery in impulse formats under pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, demand generally shifted towards sharing formats, especially in the chocolate confectionery. Categories such as chocolate pouches with bags and tablets registered increased consumption during 2020 as the strict approach taken to the principles of social distancing and home seclusion and shifts in retail distribution translated into increased demand for chocolate confectionery packaged in flexible plastic and flexible paper/plastic.

Smaller pack sizes benefit from portion control due to rising health consciousness

In addition to larger pack sizes recording strong growth in confectionery packaging during 2020, smaller pack sizes also recorded strong performances. The main reason for this trend was the increased consumer interest in reducing sugar intake as part of a healthy diet.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Pressure on household incomes likely to put pressure on demand for confectionery

Looking ahead to the forecast period and beyond the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economic downturn that has emerged from the COVID-19 situation is likely to become a major influence on sales of confectionery in Singapore. The impact of any global economic recession would likely be felt especially keenly in Singapore, a country with an economy which is heavily reliant on its status as a regional financial hub and relevance to the global economy.

Rigid containers and folding cartons set to benefit from emerging consumer trends

As noted above, sales of countlines and boxed assortments came under pressure during 2020 as the habit of making regular impulse purchases of confectionery gave way to a more organised, planned approach to shopping for confectionery. Nevertheless, with the social and economic situation in Singapore set to return to some semblance of pre-COVID-19 normality as the influence of the pandemic recedes, there is likely to be strong scope for growth in sales of countlines and boxed assortments.