Gum Production in European Union 2026: Industry Statistics & Trends

The gum production industry in the European Union is a mature yet evolving segment of the food manufacturing sector, specialized in producing chewing gum and functional confectionery formulations. Production is heavily dominated by advanced sugar-free and therapeutic variants that align with dental health and wellness trends. Industrial output is tracked under Eurostat's PRODCOM framework, which reported that extra-EU chewing gum exports reached a volume of 5.66 million kilograms in 2024, valued at over USD 59.45 million (World Bank WITS, 2024). The sector is currently transitioning toward natural gum bases, biodegradable ingredients, and sustainable packaging solutions to comply with string

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

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What does the Gum Production in European Union industry cover?

The industry comprises the manufacturing of chewing gum, bubble gum, and chewing gum bases containing or not containing sugar. These activities are classified under the food manufacturing division of the European economy, focusing on industrial processing of gum bases, elastomers, sweeteners, and flavorings. It excludes the processing of raw agricultural gum ingredients like gum arabic, which are imported as raw materials.

• •Specifically categorized under the NACE Rev. 2 classification code 10.82 ('Manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery').
• •Includes the production of specialized functional, medicated, and nicotine-based chewing gums.
• •Monitored at the product level under the PRODCOM system using the specific product code 10.82.23.10 ('Chewing gum').

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The European gum production sector features a highly consolidated structure with a few multinational conglomerates maintaining dominant manufacturing footprints. Production facilities are strategically positioned across member states, such as Poland, Spain, and France, to leverage efficient supply chains and localized distribution networks. These major operators supply both branded consumer products and private-label contracts for major European supermarket chains.

• •A substantial share of regional production capacity is concentrated in Poland and Spain, serving as primary export hubs.
• •Major operators utilize highly automated, high-throughput manufacturing plants to optimize margins against volatile ingredient costs.
• •Private-label manufacturers represent a small but steady segment, supplying major retail groups like Carrefour and Lidl.

What drives demand in the industry?

Demand in the EU gum industry is heavily driven by consumer health consciousness, which has accelerated the shift from sugar-based to sugar-free and functional formulations. Endorsements of sugar-free gum from dental associations for oral care, combined with the rising demand for portable, on-the-go functional foods, sustain volume sales. Additionally, the integration of active ingredients like caffeine, vitamins, and nicotine for smoking cessation has opened higher-margin therapeutic niches.

• •Sugar-free variants dominate developed European markets, achieving penetration rates exceeding 75% in nations like Germany.
• •Xylitol, a premium natural sugar substitute that prevents dental caries, has seen steady utilization in product reformulations.
• •Impulse purchasing at retail checkout counters remains the primary point-of-sale driver, though e-commerce channels are growing.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The European competitive landscape is led by major global food and confectionery groups operating extensive local production networks. In a significant consolidation event, Perfetti Van Melle completed its acquisition of Mondelēz International’s developed-market gum business in late 2023, creating an undisputed leader in the European market. Manufacturers compete intensely on flavor innovation, functional ingredients, and sustainable packaging formats.

• •Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V. (the Netherlands) is a leading regional player, holding iconic brands like Mentos and former Mondelēz lines.
• •Mars, Incorporated (US, operating through local European subsidiaries) remains a dominant market force with its Wrigley portfolio.
• •Lotte Corporation (South Korea) maintains a specialized competitive presence in the broader European import and distribution chain.
• •Grupo Arcor S.A. (Argentina) participates in the European confectionery market through international trade and localized product lines.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry is actively addressing environmental concerns surrounding synthetic gum bases, which contribute to plastic pollution in European municipalities. Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to formulate biodegradable, plant-based gum bases derived from natural chicle. Concurrently, packaging designs are transitioning away from single-use plastics to recyclable cardboard and pouch formats.

• •The market is moving toward clean-label credentials, driven by consumer aversion to artificial colors, titanium dioxide, and synthetic polymers.
• •According to the World Bank WITS database, the EU exported 5.66 million kg of chewing gum to non-EU partners in 2024.
• •The United Kingdom, Serbia, and the United States represent the top three destination markets for extra-EU chewing gum exports.

How is the industry regulated?

European gum producers operate under some of the world's most stringent food safety, labeling, and environmental regulations. All ingredients, including synthetic gum bases, intensive sweeteners, and flavoring agents, must undergo rigorous evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Compliance with strict packaging waste directives and plastic reduction targets is reshaping manufacturing and packaging design requirements.

• •Strict compliance is required under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives regarding sweeteners like aspartame and xylitol.
• •Health claims on packaging (e.g., plaque reduction) are tightly governed under the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
• •The industry must align with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) targets to transition to fully recyclable materials.

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• World Bank World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) 2024 ·
• Eurostat Industrial Production Statistics (PRODCOM List 2024) ·
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Guidelines ·
• European Commission NACE Rev. 2 Classification System