Hard Candy thumbnail

Hard Candy Market Overview 2026

Sub Product
Butterscotch Hard Candy, Caramel Flavored Hard Candy, Cinnamon Hard Candy, Fruit Flavored Hard Candy, +5
Raw Materials
Corn Syrup, Tartrazine, White Sugar
HS Code
170490
Last Updated
2026-05-01
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Hard Candy market coverage spans 178 countries.
  • 2,772 exporter companies and 3,761 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 25,195 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
  • 1 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
  • Wholesale sample entries: 2; farmgate sample entries: 0.
  • Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
  • Page data last updated on 2026-05-01.

Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Hard Candy

Analyze 25,195 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Hard Candy.

Hard Candy Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Hard Candy to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Hard Candy: Uzbekistan (+90.4%), China (+56.2%), Ecuador (+44.8%).

Hard Candy Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-06, benchmark Hard Candy country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-11, countries with visible Hard Candy transaction unit prices: Switzerland (11.49 USD / kg), United States (9.02 USD / kg), Japan (5.57 USD / kg), Ecuador (4.60 USD / kg), Costa Rica (4.14 USD / kg), 15 more countries.
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-062025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-05
China+56.2%2,8061.51 USD / kg (929,163.623 kg)1.39 USD / kg (1,474,299.824 kg)1.23 USD / kg (2,628,603.639 kg)1.93 USD / kg (3,412,586.508 kg)1.90 USD / kg (2,370,063.211 kg)2.44 USD / kg (2,092,652.652 kg)
Germany-22.0%5926.48 USD / kg (47,609.32 kg)5.85 USD / kg (44,548.234 kg)5.63 USD / kg (773,951.264 kg)4.82 USD / kg (268,224.22 kg)4.65 USD / kg (406,037.42 kg)3.64 USD / kg (207,493.121 kg)
Russia+30.9%4271.81 USD / kg (4,645.95 kg)2.57 USD / kg (12,518.32 kg)- (-)2.37 USD / kg (172,558.197 kg)2.66 USD / kg (121,852.177 kg)2.54 USD / kg (18,534.298 kg)
Indonesia-0.7%3152.58 USD / kg (128,580.28 kg)2.78 USD / kg (93,017.98 kg)2.59 USD / kg (330,904.219 kg)3.41 USD / kg (336,295.72 kg)3.82 USD / kg (135,882.07 kg)3.85 USD / kg (136,805.34 kg)
Japan+10.0%2178.55 USD / kg (18,658.336 kg)8.36 USD / kg (27,996.792 kg)7.76 USD / kg (59,574.72 kg)9.33 USD / kg (20,571.56 kg)11.07 USD / kg (88,952.12 kg)5.57 USD / kg (28,769.442 kg)
Brazil+21.1%7443.52 USD / kg (246,022.411 kg)2.68 USD / kg (277,363.09 kg)3.71 USD / kg (408,494.879 kg)3.79 USD / kg (318,845.572 kg)2.62 USD / kg (224,925.611 kg)2.04 USD / kg (288,070.29 kg)
United States+3.1%6103.56 USD / kg (165,167.88 kg)2.92 USD / kg (178,140.84 kg)7.29 USD / kg (56,262.73 kg)13.40 USD / kg (66,902.331 kg)4.47 USD / kg (115,515.001 kg)9.02 USD / kg (47,903.761 kg)
Turkiye-3.5%2962.90 USD / kg (135,392.321 kg)3.31 USD / kg (234,135.711 kg)3.29 USD / kg (448,679.28 kg)3.47 USD / kg (250,513.619 kg)2.95 USD / kg (140,959.551 kg)1.84 USD / kg (240,054.198 kg)
Switzerland-9.2%14919.74 USD / kg (1,797,789.72 kg)18.76 USD / kg (947,169.986 kg)20.04 USD / kg (1,463,469.4 kg)23.61 USD / kg (15,146.04 kg)11.68 USD / kg (199,020.6 kg)11.49 USD / kg (370,175 kg)
Argentina+7.7%3,9901.08 USD / kg (3,013,265.463 kg)1.05 USD / kg (3,223,166.826 kg)1.07 USD / kg (4,487,377.637 kg)1.00 USD / kg (4,895,624.13 kg)1.03 USD / kg (3,080,363.014 kg)1.13 USD / kg (2,822,092.92 kg)
Hard Candy Global Supply Chain Coverage
6,533 companies
2,772 exporters and 3,761 importers are mapped for Hard Candy.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Hard Candy, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Hard Candy Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

2,772 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Hard Candy. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.

Hard Candy Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners

1 premium Hard Candy suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
Shivam Exports
India
Food ManufacturingFood PackagingBeverage ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking PlacesFood Wholesalers
Become a Premium Supplier to join the Tridge Supply Chain Network and advance your marketing and export channel strategy.

Hard Candy Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 2,772 total exporter companies in the Hard Candy supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Switzerland)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Employee Size: 501 - 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
(Brazil)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Logistics
(United States)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
(Turkiye)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingDistribution / Wholesale
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(Greece)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food Manufacturing
Hard Candy Global Exporter Coverage
2,772 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Hard Candy supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Hard Candy opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Top Exporting Countries for Hard Candy (HS Code 170490) in 2024

For Hard Candy in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Germany418,968,203.045 kg2,088,846,663.011 USD
2Mexico342,442,606 kg1,215,489,805 USD
3Belgium218,452,302.248 kg1,012,744,683.418 USD
4Netherlands197,998,040 kg1,000,347,892.681 USD
5Spain241,134,427.227 kg931,134,615.179 USD
6Turkiye307,315,059 kg858,806,770 USD
7Poland132,029,550.497 kg755,181,771 USD
8United States158,396,951 kg730,588,600 USD
9Canada123,474,695 kg584,489,983.368 USD
10Italy67,859,813 kg375,174,983.53 USD

Hard Candy Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary

Track Hard Candy exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.

Hard Candy Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

3,761 importer companies are mapped for Hard Candy demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.

Hard Candy Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 3,761 total importer companies tracked for Hard Candy. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Lebanon)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-27
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food WholesalersAir TransportOthersBrokers And Trade AgenciesLiquor StoresDepartment StoresLand TransportFood PackagingShipping And Water TransportFood ManufacturingFreight Forwarding And IntermodalAlcohol WholesalersFood Services And Drinking PlacesBeverage ManufacturingGrocery StoresOnline Retail And Fulfillment
Value Chain Roles: -
(Guinea)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-09-16
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food WholesalersFood PackagingFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingBeverage ManufacturingFood PackagingBrokers And Trade Agencies
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Industries: OthersFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Switzerland)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
3,761 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Hard Candy.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Hard Candy buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Top Import Demand Countries for Hard Candy (HS Code 170490) in 2024

For Hard Candy in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1United States812,339,750.415 kg3,185,474,767 USD
2Germany208,827,256.744 kg1,074,021,606.964 USD
3Netherlands141,113,830.225 kg680,267,068.245 USD
4Canada151,991,647.284 kg652,996,642.568 USD
5Poland92,337,118.726 kg397,351,437 USD
6Sweden93,762,463.832 kg390,517,938.288 USD
7Belgium65,165,909.735 kg332,381,041.584 USD
8South Korea61,188,845.274 kg325,853,685 USD
9Australia62,177,771.336 kg303,508,148.352 USD
10Italy52,373,107.402 kg254,631,974.23 USD

Hard Candy Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary

Analyze Hard Candy origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.

Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Hard Candy

Hard Candy Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country

Monthly Hard Candy wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
Country2025-062025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-05
Ukraine------

Hard Candy Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries

Compare Hard Candy wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 1 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
RankCountryAverageLowerUpperYoY
1Ukraine1.69 USD / kg0.52 USD / kg2.37 USD / kg-

Latest Hard Candy Wholesale Export Price Updates

Use the latest 2 Hard Candy wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
DateEntry NameUnit Price (USD) 
2026-03-01Дра** ********* * ** ******* ******** * ******* ****2.33 USD / kg
2026-03-01Дра** ********* *** * ******* ******** * ******* ****0.52 USD / kg

Classification

Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable
Industry PositionConsumer Packaged Goods (Confectionery)

Market

Hard candy is a shelf-stable sugar confectionery product typically captured in international customs statistics under HS 1704 (sugar confectionery, not containing cocoa). Manufacturing is geographically widespread, with significant export-oriented production across parts of the European Union, North America, and Asia, and trade often organized through brand owners, private label, and contract manufacturing. Global trade is driven by low unit weight, ambient container compatibility, and strong seasonal programing (e.g., Halloween and year-end gifting) that can concentrate shipment schedules even though production is year-round. Input cost dynamics for sugar and glucose syrups, plus tightening public-health and packaging regulations, are key macro factors shaping margins and market access in multiple jurisdictions.
Major Producing Countries
  • GermanyLarge-scale confectionery manufacturing base; commonly present among major HS 1704 traders (verify latest year in ITC/UN Comtrade).
  • PolandEU manufacturing hub with export-oriented confectionery production (HS 1704; verify latest year).
  • SpainConfectionery manufacturing and export participation in HS 1704 trade (verify latest year).
  • United StatesMajor confectionery manufacturing and consumption market; both importer and exporter in sugar confectionery categories.
  • ChinaLarge manufacturing scale across sugar confectionery; active in global HS 1704 exports (verify latest year).
  • MexicoLarge confectionery manufacturing base with strong North American trade linkages in sugar confectionery categories.
Major Exporting Countries
  • GermanyFrequently listed among major exporters for HS 1704 in ITC Trade Map / UN Comtrade (verify latest year and partner mix).
  • NetherlandsLogistics and re-export gateway role for EU confectionery flows in customs data (verify latest year).
  • BelgiumEU confectionery exporter presence in HS 1704 trade statistics (verify latest year).
  • SpainExport participant in sugar confectionery categories (verify latest year).
  • PolandExport growth node in EU confectionery manufacturing (verify latest year).
  • ChinaMajor global supplier in sugar confectionery categories by broad manufacturing scale (verify latest year).
  • MexicoKey exporter to North America in sugar confectionery categories (verify latest year).
Major Importing Countries
  • United StatesOne of the largest import markets for sugar confectionery categories in HS trade datasets (verify latest year and HS scope).
  • United KingdomMajor consumer market with significant confectionery imports in HS trade datasets (verify latest year).
  • GermanyLarge internal market and intra-EU trade hub; imports and exports sugar confectionery (verify latest year).
  • FranceSignificant confectionery importer within Europe (verify latest year).
  • CanadaSignificant North American import market for confectionery products (verify latest year).
  • JapanHigh-value confectionery market with meaningful imports across sugar confectionery categories (verify latest year).
Supply Calendar
  • European Union (manufacturing origins):Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecYear-round production; shipments can concentrate ahead of Halloween and year-end retail programs.
  • United States:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecYear-round production; seasonal merchandising can drive production runs and import timing.
  • China:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecYear-round production; lead times influenced by ocean freight schedules and buyer promotional calendars.
  • Mexico:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecYear-round production; strong regional trade linkages support continuous supply.

Specification

Major VarietiesFruit-flavored drops, Mint hard candy, Butterscotch, Sour hard candy, Lollipops, Candy canes
Physical Attributes
  • Glassy, hard texture from cooked sugar mass
  • Clear to opaque appearance depending on formulation and aeration/pulling
  • Sticky surface risk under high humidity due to moisture uptake
Compositional Metrics
  • Low-moisture formulation and water activity control are central to texture stability and anti-stick performance
  • Acid level influences sour profile and can impact flavor stability in storage
  • Sugar-to-glucose syrup ratio affects crystallization tendency and bite texture
Grades
  • Buyer specifications commonly cover piece size/weight, color consistency, flavor intensity, wrapper integrity, and defect limits (chips, bubbles, cracks)
  • Regulatory compliance expectations commonly include additive permissions/limits (Codex and destination-market rules) and allergen labeling where cross-contact is relevant
Packaging
  • Twist-wrap or flow-wrap individual pieces with moisture barrier films
  • Pillow packs and multi-packs in laminated films for humidity protection
  • Jars or stand-up pouches for retail display; corrugated cases for export
  • Desiccant use and high-barrier packaging may be applied for humid destinations
ProcessingProduct quality is highly humidity-sensitive (glass transition and surface tackiness risk)Sugar-free/polyol hard candies can have different crystallization and cooling behavior than sucrose-based formulations

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Sugar/glucose syrup sourcing -> syrup cooking -> forming (depositing/molding/pulling) -> cooling -> wrapping -> carton/case packing -> ambient warehousing -> containerized export -> distributor/retailer
Demand Drivers
  • Impulse and everyday snacking demand supported by low unit price points
  • Seasonal retail programs (Halloween, Christmas/New Year) and gifting formats
  • Flavor novelty and limited editions
  • Growth of sugar-free variants in markets with sugar-reduction pressure
Temperature
  • Ambient shipping is typical, but heat exposure can deform candy and compromise wrapper seals
  • Storage should avoid high temperatures that increase stickiness risk and accelerate flavor loss
Shelf Life
  • Typically long shelf life when kept sealed, cool, and dry; humidity ingress is a primary driver of quality loss (stickiness, clumping, surface bloom)

Risks

Input Cost Volatility HighHard candy cost structures are heavily exposed to sugar and glucose syrup markets; climate variability affecting major sugarcane origins (e.g., Brazil, India, Thailand) and policy actions such as export restrictions can rapidly shift input availability and prices, disrupting manufacturing margins and contracted supply programs.Diversify sweetener suppliers and origins, use forward contracts/hedging where feasible, and qualify alternative formulations (e.g., different syrup blends or sugar-free lines) to reduce single-input exposure.
Regulatory Compliance MediumSugar-reduction policies (e.g., sugar taxes, marketing restrictions) and evolving labeling rules can affect demand, pack formats, and promotional strategies across multiple jurisdictions; non-compliance can trigger border rejections or recalls.Maintain regulatory watchlists for key markets, validate labels and claims per destination requirements, and maintain reformulation pathways (reduced-sugar or sugar-free SKUs) where commercially relevant.
Food Safety MediumAlthough shelf-stable, hard candy can be impacted by allergen cross-contact (in multi-product plants), foreign material risks (e.g., packaging fragments), and non-compliant color/flavor additives, leading to recalls and trade disruptions.Operate HACCP-based controls with robust allergen segregation, foreign-body control (metal detection/X-ray where appropriate), supplier approval for colors/flavors, and batch-level traceability.
Logistics MediumHeat exposure during storage or transit can soften/deform products and compromise wrapper seals; high humidity during distribution can cause stickiness and clumping, increasing claims and write-offs in tropical markets.Use humidity-resistant packaging, validate container/warehouse conditions, prioritize heat-risk routing controls in hot seasons, and define clear receiving/quality protocols with distributors.
Sustainability
  • Agricultural sustainability and land/water impacts in upstream sugarcane and sugar beet supply chains
  • Air emissions and local air quality concerns where pre-harvest cane burning is practiced
  • Packaging waste and extended producer responsibility (EPR) pressure on confectionery packaging formats
Labor & Social
  • Upstream labor rights risks in some sugarcane supply chains flagged by international and national monitoring bodies; buyer due diligence may be required
  • Migrant and seasonal labor considerations in agricultural inputs and in downstream packaging/warehouse operations

FAQ

Which customs category is typically used to analyze global trade in hard candy?Hard candy trade is commonly analyzed within HS 1704 (sugar confectionery, not containing cocoa), which is the standard HS heading used in datasets like ITC Trade Map and UN Comtrade.
How is hard candy typically manufactured at industrial scale?Manufacturers typically cook a sugar/glucose syrup to a hard-candy stage, add flavors and colors, form the candy by depositing or molding, cool it to a stable hard texture, then wrap and pack it with foreign-body controls such as metal detection as part of food safety programs.
What storage conditions help prevent hard candy from becoming sticky?Keeping hard candy cool, dry, and sealed in moisture-barrier packaging is key, because humidity ingress is a primary driver of stickiness, clumping, and quality loss during storage and distribution.

Hard Candy Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices

Explore country-level Hard Candy market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: Germany, Russia, Turkiye, United States, China, United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, Indonesia, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Poland, Colombia, South Korea, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, India, Japan, Czechia, Zambia, Guatemala, Peru, Malaysia, Romania, Costa Rica, Vietnam, South Africa, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, El Salvador, Israel, Kenya, Argentina, Hungary, France, Uzbekistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Chile, Denmark, Sweden, Bolivia, Haiti, Iraq, Slovakia, Austria, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Uruguay, Cameroon, Ecuador, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Finland, Lithuania, Mongolia, Syria, Bulgaria, Yemen, Norway, Ivory Coast, Angola, Senegal, Libya, Panama, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, Andorra, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Burundi, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bahamas, Bhutan, Botswana, Belarus, Belize, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Georgia, Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guam, Guyana, Honduras, Croatia, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Comoros, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Latvia, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Macedonia, Mali, Myanmar [Burma], Macao, Northern Mariana Islands, Mauritania, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nicaragua, Nepal, Oman, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Serbia, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Sudan, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Suriname, South Sudan, Swaziland, Chad, Togo, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vanuatu, Samoa, Zimbabwe

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