Fruit Snacks Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The global market for fruit snacks was valued at approximately US$ 5,057.87 million in 2019 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 9,174.86 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2020 to 2027.

Fruit snacks are sweetened processed food items made from concentrated fruit juices and purees. They are rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamins, magnesium, and fiber, which contribute to reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity. The primary ingredient in these snacks is refined sugar, typically derived from white grape juice and apple juice. These snacks resemble gummy candies and are available in a variety of appealing flavors, including strawberry, raspberry, orange, and white grape, among others. They are particularly popular among children, with an average pouch containing around 80-90 calories, making them a suitable snack option for kids. Additionally, they are free from cholesterol and fats, and contain very low sodium levels. Many fruit snacks also offer vitamins A and C. The freeze-dried versions of these products manage to retain most of their nutritional benefits even after processing. The growing demand for dietary ingredients in various food categories, including beverages, sweets, savory items, and dairy products, is expected to drive the demand for fruit snacks in the coming years. Furthermore, their easy digestibility is likely to enhance their appeal among adults and working women.

The fruit snacks market is categorized by type into sweets and savory, beverages, dairy, and others. In 2019, the sweets and savory segment was the leading category in the market. This segment includes various types of fruit snacks such as freeze-dried products, extruded strips, chips, trail mixes, and gummies. The increasing consumer preference for processed foods that are high in nutritional value is contributing to the growth of this segment. Additionally, the rising demand for sweets and savory fruit snacks among children aged 3-7 years is expected to further propel segment growth. Trail mixes, which may include prunes, figs, berries, dates, and apricots, often come with seasonings, exotic flavors, and coatings, and have gained popularity over time. These snacks are convenient, energy-boosting products rich in antioxidants. Many manufacturers in the savory snack sector are diversifying their offerings by introducing new shapes and flavor profiles to attract consumers.

Geographically, the fruit snacks market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), South America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America accounted for the largest share of the fruit snacks market in 2019, followed by Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The North American market includes developed economies like the US and Canada, as well as developing countries such as Mexico. The US is a significant market for fruit snacks, with Canada and Mexico also contributing to the demand. The growing consumer focus on fitness and weight management is driving the demand for natural food products. Additionally, the expansion of modern retail outlets, including supermarkets and hypermarkets in the US and Canada, supports the growth of the fruit snacks market. The increasing popularity of organic fruit snacks is also a factor in market expansion. In Europe, countries like Germany, France, the UK, and Italy are witnessing growth in the fruit snacks market, supported by established companies such as SunOpta and Sunkist Growers, Inc. The APAC region, which includes Australia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea, is experiencing growth due to an expanding middle-class population and urbanization, creating opportunities for key players in the fruit snacks market.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has rapidly spread worldwide. By December 2020, countries such as the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, and Mexico were among the hardest hit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 72,851,747 confirmed cases and 1,643,339 deaths globally. The pandemic has significantly impacted economies and industries due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures. The food and beverage sector has faced major disruptions in supply chains and manufacturing processes. As China is a key manufacturing hub and a primary supplier of raw materials for various industries, the lockdowns of factories in Asia and Europe have affected global supply chains, limiting production and sales of products, including fruit snacks.

Key players in the global fruit snacks market include Bare Snacks, Crispy Green Inc., General Mills Inc., Ferrero, Mount Franklin Foods, LLC, Nutty Goodness, LLC, Seneca Foods, Sunkist Growers, Inc., SunOpta, and Welch's.

The overall size of the global fruit snacks market has been determined through both primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research using both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and gain further analytical insights. Participants in this process included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants, valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in fruit snacks.