Wednesday, 15 March 2017

Iranians prefer traditional sugar confections

The modern sugar confectionery market is immature in Iran. Traditional products were popular in 2016, consultancy Euromonitor said, with geo-specific confectionery in different cities that are often sold as souvenirs. Gaz (گز) from Isfahan, a type of nougat; sohan (سوهان) from Qom, a saffron-laced toffee; and baklava (باقلوا) from Yazd, a layered pastry with nuts soaked in sugar syrup, are all popular traditional sugar confectionery in Iran. 

Sugar is popularly consumed with tea as sugar 'cubes' which are cut into irregular shapes by hand. Sugar-free products are also increasingly popular among Iranian consumers, as they are increasingly concerned with their appearance and health.

The Iranian sugar confectionery market is dominated by Shiva Manufacturing Company, the key leading player in pastilles with a wide range of products in different shapes and flavours accounts for a 22% retail value share in 2016. Next in line is Dadash Baradar Company (Aidin) which accounts for 15% market share by retail value in 2016. It is known for boiled sweets, toffees and mints. Draje Food Industries is in third place, accounting for 8% of retail value sales of sugar confectionery, mainly in pastilles.

Sugar confectionery is expected to grow steadily with a CAGR of 1% in constant 2016 terms from 2016 to 2021, and will be higher than that seen in the review period (2011 to 2016). Domestic suppliers will expand their activities while multinational brands are expected to enter the market. The consumption of new premium brands is expected to grow over the forecast period due to increased consumer curiosity and the willingness of the younger generation to spend more on these products. 

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