Market Trends of Chewing Gum Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Chewing Gum Market according to our research experts:
Growing Demand for Functional Chewing and Nicotine Gum
Chewing gum is a recreational food chewed purely out of the instinctual desire to masticate. As consumers become more health conscious, they are looking for functional benefits from chewing gums. Some chewing gum companies in the market are marketing their products with the functional benefits of keeping teeth clean. Some consumers aiming to quit smoking use chewing gums such as nicotine gums. For instance, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 65.3% of youth (middle school and high school students) in the United States considered quitting tobacco in 2021. Governments across the world are adopting comprehensive approaches to limit tobacco consumption, including a ban on tobacco advertising, restrictions on smoking in public places, sustained increases in tobacco taxation, and bold health warnings on tobacco products. Consequently, the rising government support to reduce smoking among a larger consumer base and boost the adoption of nicotine gums to reduce cravings, concentration problems, frustration, restlessness, and anxiety caused during the process of quitting smoking may drive the demand for nicotine gums in the market. Although it is currently a niche market, chewing gum with the functional benefits of weight loss is also gaining traction among developed countries. Some of the weight loss targeted gums are Diet-Burst Gum, 2X Slim Fast Gum, and Reducta Hunger Reduction Chewing Gum.
North America is the Prominent Consumer of the Chewing Market
The North American market accounted for the largest share of the overall chewing gum market, fueled by the changing preferences of consumers. Consumers in the region are shifting from sugared gums to sugar-free gums due to rising concerns about sugar intake and its harmful effects. According to the US Department of Agriculture, sugar consumption in the United States rose from 10.98 million metric tons in 2019 to 11.3 million metric tons in 2022. Thus, with the already increasing sugar consumption among consumers, the preference for sugar-free gums is rising. The growth of the North American market is due to the increasing purchase of products that offer functional benefits, such as dental benefits, and the increasing consumer inclination toward impulse purchases. The chewing gum consumption pattern changed significantly in the United States due to factors like tooth decay and artificial ingredients in gum. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, in 2022, almost 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 are suffering from tooth decay. The United States is the fastest-growing market due to rising demand, product innovation, increasing disposable income, etc. Consumers are showing increasing interest in functional chewing gums due to associated benefits, clean teeth and fresh breath. Such factors are driving the market for chewing gums in North America.
