GlobalData: ‘Indulgent’ food categories to be hit hard globally as consumers prioritize spending on essentials amid inflation; segment due to rise by only 2.2% in volume CAGR 2021-2024, and includes chocolate/confectionery, savory snacks, ice cream

Sample article from our Food & Beverage

September 20, 2022 (press release) –

The ‘indulgent’ food segment, which includes chocolate and confectionery categories as well as savory snacks and ice cream, is at ‘high risk’ to global inflationary pressure, writes GlobalData.

The leading data and analytics company notes that the segment is only due to rise by 2.2% in volume CAGR 2021-2024. Chocolate and confectionery will be one of the categories that will be hit the hardest with volumes set to decrease from a 2016-2019 CAGR of 2.1% to a 2021-2024 CAGR of 1.5%. Ice cream is set to see a double digit increase in value over 2021-2024 but only a 2.2% rise in volume in the same period.

Jenny Questier, Senior Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “As these products are often positioned as treats and rewards and not staple parts of weekly meals, they are more likely to be compromised in consumers’ shopping baskets as household budgets continue to get tighter and consumers consider their health priorities.”

GlobalData’s forecasts show that all categories in indulgent food are gaining value over volume, suggesting that inflation and price increases are currently set to drive growth rather than increased sales in the next couple of years.

Questier continues: “Ice cream specifically has associated manufacturing, logistics and storage costs around freezing that will have to be passed on to the consumer as energy costs continue to rise. Added costs combined with the seasonality of these products will further dampen peoples’ desire to purchase these in the future as they focus on essential items.”

According to GlobalData’s 2022 consumer surveys, the number of US consumers who claimed to spend a ‘high amount’ on chocolate and confectionery decreased by 12%* in Q3 compared to the first three months of 2022. This means that as well as the long-term market forecasts predicting a change in spending habits, many consumers have already started to make these compromises.

Questier adds: “The current circumstances could be an opportunity for brands and manufacturers to look at product portfolios and innovation with a view to staying relevant and available to consumers. Price points in these categories especially will need to stay low to encourage spend, either by smaller pack sizes or perhaps even as part of cross-promotions in future with more essential products.”

* Data from GlobalData’s 2022 Q1 and Q3 global consumer survey, 21688 respondents

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.

See our dashboard in action - schedule an demo
Jason Irving
Jason Irving
- SVP Enterprise Solutions -

We offer built-to-order food & beverage coverage for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.

About Us

We deliver market news & information relevant to your business.

We monitor all your market drivers.

We aggregate, curate, filter and map your specific needs.

We deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

Our Contacts

1990 S Bundy Dr. Suite #380,
Los Angeles, CA 90025

+1 (310) 553 0008

About Cookies On This Site

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. We won't track your information when you visit our site. But in order to comply with your preferences, we'll have to use just one tiny cookie so that you're not asked to make this choice again.