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2026 Developments
Snacks in China is expected to advance to CNY488,071 million in retail value in 2026, expanding by 2%, yet reflecting a shift towards cautious consumption and greater selectivity in spending. The landscape remains highly competitive and fragmented, with no player holding more than a 3% share. The route to growth is defined by a focus on affordability, regional flavour authenticity, and channel innovation, particularly as supermarkets cedes share to discounters, food/drinks/tobacco specialists, and digital platforms. Snacks continue to attract investment thanks to the combination of ongoing product renewal, rapid channel shifts, and evolving consumer priorities — particularly the balance of value and indulgence — which collectively underpin resilience in volumes and open up new growth avenues for those brands able to adapt quickly. To succeed, brands must prioritise agility in pack sizing, leverage emerging channels like snacks discount stores and social commerce, and deliver sensory-led innovation grounded in authentic regional stories, as these strategies now set the baseline for defending and expanding share in an environment where impulse, trials, and convenience shape the path to purchase.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Snacks industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Snacks industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Snacks in China report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Snacks in China?
- Which are the leading brands in Snacks in China?
- How are products distributed in Snacks in China?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Snacks?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in China?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Snacks in China
2026 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Snacks
Demand for Affordability Impacts Pack Sizes and Retail Channels
Savoury Snacks Gains Ground as Spicy Innovation Redefines Indulgence
Emerging Brands and Multinationals Adjust Strategies to Secure Value Share
Chart 2 Snacks Discount Stores Boost Small Pack Chocolate and Emerging Value Brands
Chart 3 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 4 Value Sales by Category 2026
Ice Cream Brands Will Leverage Indulgent Experiences for Growth
Chart 5 Analyst Insight for Snacks
Portion Control and Permissible Indulgence Expected to Shape Snacks Innovation
Social Commerce Platforms to Accelerate Growth and Reshape Purchasing Behaviour
Chart 6 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 7 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Highly Fragmented Competitive Landscape for Snacks, Led by Mondelez
Mars Expands Its Reach to Savoury Snacks with Kellanova and Flavour Innovation
Chart 8 Company Shares 2026
Chart 9 Brand Shares 2026
Snacks Discount Stores Gain Share as Supermarkets Loses Relevance
Retail E-Commerce Captures High-Frequency Impulse Demand with Rapid Delivery
Chart 10 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Flavour and Distribution Are Two Areas of Innovation
Chart 11 Yanjinpuzi Expands the Spicy Snacks Frontier through Sesame Paste-Led Flavour Innovation
Yanjinpuzi and Golden Monkey Innovate in Savoury Snacks and Chocolate Confectionery, Respectively
Recent Developments Reshape the Competitive Dynamics
Chart 12 Economic Context for Snacks
Chart 13 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 14 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 15 Consumer Context for Snacks
Chart 16 Population 2021-2031
Chart 17 Population by Generation 2026
Chocolate Confectionery in China
Key Data Insights
Chocolate Confectionery Summary
Chart 18 Key Industry Trends for Chocolate Confectionery
Snacks Discount Stores Elevate Small Brands and New Pack Formats
Boxed Assortments Outperforms as Variety and Innovation Attract Consumers
Golden Monkey Redefines Indulgence with Multi-Ingredient Chocolate Innovation
Chart 19 Golden Monkey Expands "Chocolate-Plus" Formats through Multi-Ingredient Innovation
Chart 20 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 21 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 22 Value Sales by Category 2026
Discount Snack Shops and O2o Platforms to Reshape Product Strategies for Sustained Growth
Boxed Assortments Will Extend Its Leadership While Countlines Is Set to See Pack Innovation
Chart 23 Analyst Insight for Chocolate Confectionery
Health-Driven Innovation and Storytelling Expected to Redefine Consumer Engagement
Chart 24 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 25 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Ferrero Gains Ground with Quality and Distribution as Mars Yields Share
Chart 26 Company Shares 2026
Chart 27 Brand Shares 2026
Snacks Discount Stores Attract Value Seekers While Supermarkets Declines Significantly
Maturing Retail E-Commerce Faces Slower Growth as Impulse Shifts Offline
Chart 28 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Shifting Consumer Preferences and Format Evolution
Multi-Textural Concepts and Channel-Specific Offerings
Competitive Realignment and Strategic Adaptation
Chart 29 Snacks Discount Stores Boost Sales of Small-Pack Chocolate and Emerging Value Brands
Chart 30 Economic Context for Chocolate Confectionery
Chart 31 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 32 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 33 Consumer Context for Chocolate Confectionery
Chart 34 Population 2021-2031
Chart 35 Population by Generation 2026
Gum in China
Key Data Insights
Gum Summary
Chart 36 Key Industry Trends for Gum
Limited Growth Due to Maturity of Consumption Habits
Respawn Redefines Usage Occasions with Gaming-Led Positioning
Chart 37 Mars’ Respawn Gum Targets Gaming as a Dedicated Usage Scenario
Chewing Gum Maintains Its Lead as Bubble Gum Stabilises after Volume Decline
Chart 38 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 39 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 40 Value Sales by Category 2026
Move Towards Smaller Packs Sizes to Meet Impulse, On-The-Go Demand
Chewing Gum Will Leverage Functional Cues to Secure Its Lead
Functional Benefits Set to Drive Business Adaptation
Chart 41 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 42 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Doublemint Sustains Leadership through Brand Strength and Partnerships
Chart 43 Company Shares 2026
Chart 44 Brand Shares 2026
Convenience Stores Captures Demand as Supermarkets Loses Impulse Sales
Online Growth Slows and Retail E-Commerce Loses Momentum in Gum
Chart 45 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Mars Targets Gaming Needs with Functional, Sugar-Free Gum
Cross-Industry Partnerships and Targeted Formats Shape Future Growth
Chart 46 Economic Context for Gum
Chart 47 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 48 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 49 Consumer Context for Gum
Chart 50 Population 2021-2031
Chart 51 Population by Generation 2026
Sugar Confectionery in China
Key Data Insights
Sugar Confectionery Summary
Chart 52 Key Industry Trends for Sugar Confectionery
Despite Innovation, Demographic Factors and Rising Health Awareness Drive Decline
Medicated Formats Expand as Traditional Sugar Confectionery Loses Relevance
Chart 53 Huajuhong Gummies Go Viral, Accelerating the Shift to Daily Functional Snacking
Sour Strip Gummies Engage Gen Z with Sensory-Led Experiences
Chart 54 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 55 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 56 Value Sales by Category 2026
Snacks Discount Stores to Drive Private Label Gains at the Value End of the Market
Chart 57 Analyst Insight for Sugar Confectionery
Other Sugar Confectionery Is Expected to Dominate, but Functional Launches Will Gain the Most Traction
Sugar-Free Innovation and Permissible Indulgence to Reshape Brand Relevance
Chart 58 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 59 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Amos Food Sees Share Gains with Innovative Gummies, but the Leaders Remain Solid
Chart 60 Company Shares 2026
Chart 61 Brand Shares 2026
Snacks Discount Stores Accelerate Impulse Purchases with Value-Led Formats
Online Channels Face Limited Growth as In-Person Impulse Remains Dominant
Chart 62 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Shifting Consumer Priorities Fuel New Formats
Blending Tradition with Sensory Engagement
Strategic Pivots and Elevated R&D Standards
Chart 63 Economic Context for Sugar Confectionery
Chart 64 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 65 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 66 Consumer Context for Sugar Confectionery
Chart 67 Population 2021-2031
Chart 68 Population by Generation 2026
Ice Cream in China
Key Data Insights
Ice Cream Summary
Chart 69 Key Industry Trends for Ice Cream
Volume and Value Growth Evident, Although Consumer Sentiment Remains Cautious
Impulse Ice Cream Maintains Leadership While the Take-Home Format Accelerates
Chart 70 Aldi Teams up with Yili to Sell One of Its Best-Value Products
Yoplait’S Greek Yoghurt Launch Brings Health Focus to Dairy Innovation
Chart 71 Yoplait Launches Greek Yoghurt Ice Cream in China
Chart 72 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 73 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 74 Value Sales by Category 2026
Modest Growth Expected as Benefit of Innovation Outweighs Health and Demographic Pressures
Chart 75 Analyst Insight for Ice Cream
Shifting Consumption Expected to Drive Strongest Growth for Take-Home Ice Cream
Multipack Portion Downsizing to Address Wellness Concerns and Affordability
Chart 76 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 77 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Yili and Wall's Sustain Leadership through Innovation and Channel Expansion
Magnum and Cornetto Drive Demand with Layered Innovation and Experiential Marketing
Chart 78 Company Shares 2026
Chart 79 Brand Shares 2026
Small Local Grocers Defends Leadership While Convenience Stores Also Remains Popular
Snacks Specialist Shops Attract Ice Cream Brands with Broad Product Assortments
O2o Integration Accelerates Online Ice Cream Sales and Impulse Purchasing
Chart 80 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Multi-Sensory Formats and Experiential Indulgence
Strategic Differentiation and Market Positioning
Adapting Portfolios for Evolving Lifestyle Demands
Chart 81 Economic Context for Ice Cream
Chart 82 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 83 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 84 Consumer Context for Ice Cream
Chart 85 Population 2021-2031
Chart 86 Population by Generation 2026
Savoury Snacks in China
Key Data Insights
Savoury Snacks Summary
Chart 87 Key Industry Trends for Savoury Snacks
Solid Growth Despite Rising Expenditure on Food Essentials and Cautious Spending
Regional Spice Profiles Spark Strong Gains for Other Savoury Snacks
Chart 88 Spicy Flavours Are Widespread throughout Savoury Snacks in China
Value-Driven Variety Packs Attract Budget-Conscious Snackers
Chart 89 Affordability through Savoury Snacks Product Mix
Chart 90 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 91 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 92 Value Sales by Category 2026
Authentic Local Flavours to Drive Regional Snack Innovation and Differentiation
Culturally Resonant Products Expected to Boost Incremental Consumption
Portable Packaging and Local Storytelling Expected to Unlock New Consumption Moments
Chart 93 Analyst Insight for Savoury Snacks
Chart 94 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 95 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Weilong Accelerates Growth with Small Packs and Local Flavours
Chart 96 Company Shares 2026
Chart 97 Brand Shares 2026
Warehouse Clubs and Snacks Discounters Attract Value-Driven Shoppers
Growth in Retail E-Commerce Loses Pace as Offline Channels Refine Value Strategy
Chart 98 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Evolving Consumption Occasions and Sensory Indulgence
Strategic Packaging and Portfolio Diversification
Competitive Shifts and Channel Transformation
Chart 99 Economic Context for Savoury Snacks
Chart 100 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 101 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 102 Consumer Context for Savoury Snacks
Chart 103 Population 2021-2031
Chart 104 Population by Generation 2026
Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks in China
Key Data Insights
Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks Summary
Chart 105 Key Industry Trends for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Value Sales Stagnate as Health Concerns, Falling Population, and Search for Value Impact Sales
Large Family Packs and Bulk Deals Drive Sales of Sweet Biscuits
Chart 106 Manufacturers Use Changes in Pack Size to Offer Consumers a Sense of Better Value for Money
Manufacturers Adapt to New Meal Replacement Trend
Chart 107 Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks Reimagined for Fullness and Nutrition
Chart 108 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 109 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 110 Value Sales by Category 2026
Brands Will Reformulate with Less Sugar as Consumers Demand Healthier Choices
Chart 111 Analyst Insight for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Sweet Biscuits Set to Maintain Leadership, but Will Face Slow Volume Growth From Stagnant Innovation
Snack Bars to See Volumes Accelerate Due to Functional Benefits and Meal Replacement Positioning
Chart 112 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 113 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Mondelez Leverages Trust and Portfolio Strength to Outpace Rivals
Chart 114 Company Shares 2026
Chart 115 Brand Shares 2026
Food Specialists Outperform as Value Strategies Win Cautious Shoppers
Tmall, Jd.Com and Douyin Shape Online Snacking with Impulse and Function
Chart 116 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Shifting Formats and Channel-Specific Engineering
Reformulation and Portfolio Diversification
Strategic Realignment and Competitive Pressures
Chart 117 Economic Context for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Chart 118 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 119 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 120 Consumer Context for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Chart 121 Population 2021-2031
Chart 122 Population by Generation 2026
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Snacks
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
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- Bubble Gum
- Chewing Gum
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- Boiled Sweets
- Chewy Candies
- Gummies and Jellies
- Liquorice
- Lollipops
- Medicated Confectionery
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- Power Mints
- Standard Mints
- Toffees, Caramels and Nougat
- Other Sugar Confectionery
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- Frozen Yoghurt
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- Single Portion Dairy Ice Cream
- Single Portion Water Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Unpackaged Ice Cream
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- Bulk Dairy Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Desserts
- Multi-Pack Dairy Ice Cream
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- Bulk Water Ice Cream
- Multi-Pack Water Ice Cream
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
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- Potato Chips
- Tortilla Chips
- Puffed Snacks
- Rice Snacks
- Vegetable, Pulse and Bread Chips
- Savoury Biscuits
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Dried Fruit
- Processed Fruit Snacks
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- Cereal Bars
- Protein/Energy Bars
- Fruit and Nut Bars
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- Chocolate Coated Biscuits
- Cookies
- Filled Biscuits
- Plain Biscuits
- Wafers
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