Category Check: Gummy candy trends in convenience
C-stores have always known that candy is dandy as a sales driver, but recent data shows that one category is growing faster than all others—gummies. Consider the stats. In 2021, the market was valued at US$363 million in Canada, in 2025 it hit US$550 million and by 2033 it’s expected to soar to US$1.2 billion, according to data from Cognitive Market Research.
For c-stores owners, those numbers look pretty sweet, but there are burning questions. How do you capitalize on the trend and make it work in your location? What to stock and who are the consumers ready to buy gummies? Spoiler alert: It’s probably not the ones you may think.
With that in mind, CSNC tapped into the expertise of top gummy makers and distributors to get their thoughts. Here’s what they said:
Adam Ableman
COUNTRY MANAGER
VIDAL CANDIES CANADA
Vidal Candies is a family-owned Spanish producer that has been making high-quality candy since 1963. It has built a strong reputation for its bold flavours and unique shapes available in more than 90 countries. In Canada, Vidal has traditionally sold bulk and private label.
Standing out
Many Canadian consumers have enjoyed our candies for years and have never heard of Vidal. We are now launching Vidal-branded products in the Canadian marketplace, focusing on delivering innovation that differentiates us from traditional gummies. Customers and consumers are always looking for new and exciting experiences. It is our goal to satisfy that need.
Trend watch
We’re seeing increased demand for premium and imported products that offer a fun, sensory experience. There is also continued growth in shareable formats and grab-and-go packs for convenience stores. As well, consumers are increasingly drawn toward sour, vegan and nostalgic products.
Global influence
While gummy candy has traditionally been popular with kids, the category has expanded significantly among teens and adults. Today, multiple age groups enjoy gummies. Our diverse population also creates a market for flavour diversity so we’re seeing increased demand for non-traditional flavours with international appeal.
C-store strategy
I am a big believer in co-creation and working closely with our retailers to develop formats and assortments that perform well in high-traffic convenience store environments. Investing in innovation, distribution programs and retailer-specific marketing programs are key elements in Vidal’s go-to-market strategy.
Enduring appeal
Gummy candy is a perfect fit for convenience stores because it is affordable, indulgent and highly impulse-driven. Shoppers often look for a quick treat, and gummies deliver on flavour, fun and satisfaction. Its wide appeal across age groups, combined with frequent innovation and eye-catching packaging, helps keep the category strong and relevant in this channel.
Molly Clinton
HEAD OF MARKETING
HUER FOODS
Last fall, Huer Foods, known as “Canada’s gummy candy innovator,” partnered with Frank’s RedHot, part of McCormick & Company, Inc., to introduce Frank’s RedHot Spicy Gummy Bears. Consumer enthusiasm sparked robust sales, media buzz and strong influencer engagement.
Gummy love
Gummies are having a bit of a moment. What used to be a very familiar, nostalgic category is suddenly full of surprises and consumers are loving that. Brands are pushing flavour in unexpected directions, especially with sweet-and-spicy combinations. Gummies are also becoming more about the experience. Shoppers are gravitating toward products that are playful, shareable and inspire conversation.
Bear necessities
The launch of Frank’s RedHot Spicy Gummy Bears was driven by the rapid growth of the sweet-and-spicy (‘swicy’) confection category and its ability to attract new consumers to the candy aisle. This opportunity was first validated through the success of our award-winning Sweet ’N Spicy Chamoy line in Canada, which demonstrated strong consumer demand for a well-balanced combination of sweetness and heat. Building on that momentum, partnering with Frank’s RedHot, the GOAT [greatest of all time] hot sauce, was a natural next step. Its iconic, highly recognizable flavour and credibility in spice, combined with Huer’s confection expertise, created the perfect platform to elevate “swicy” candy to the next level.
Sweet meets spicy = swicy
The primary target for this product is spice-loving millennials and generation Zs—shoppers who over-index in hot sauce usage and actively seek bold, adventurous flavours. These consumers have extremely high household penetration of hot sauce and are driving the broader ‘swicy’ trend.
Go for bold
Consumers are more curious about flavour than ever. They’re seeking snacks that feel exciting and memorable, products that offer a sense of discovery and give them something fun to share and talk about with friends and family. We believe bold flavour isn’t about pushing boundaries for the sake of it, but about creating moments of joy.
Boost sales
In the c-store channel, visibility and impulse are everything. We’ve seen the strongest results with partners who use our point-of-sale materials to stop consumers in their tracks, particularly prepack displays and clip strips. These placements are highly visible, easy to shop and help the product stand out. Success has also come with simple two-for programs at the till. This is an impulse-driven item shoppers are naturally curious about. Once they try it, it quickly becomes a repeat purchase.
Mark Elliott
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
REGAL CONFECTIONS
Founded in 1962 in Montreal, Regal Confections is a leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of well-loved brands, like Tootsie, Pez and McCormicks, plus a wide range of licensed products. It continues to be a major player in the gummy candy space.
New and notable
Although not brand new, our Squashies line of gummy candy is growing rapidly and we are adding new flavours to the lineup. Manufactured in the UK, Original Raspberry, Bubblegum and Cherry/Apple were available in 2025. This year, we’re introducing Sour Cherry/Orange. They are a whipped gummy that has added much needed innovation to the gummy category. Once you have established a popular line, adding flavours is a great way to increase sales.
Changing perceptions
Gummy candy at one time was considered “kids candy.” However, over the years as those kids have grown up, gummies have become a staple purchase among adults as well. Marketing now targets adult demographics just as much as kids, as seen in the Haribo ads with adults eating the gummies while talking in “child-like” voices.
Boost sales
Carrying a wide variety of types (textures and flavours) is important to appealing to a wide cross section of candy buying customers. Size and price point is also proving to be critical in the current environment. Many customers are gravitating to reasonable sizes because they come with a lower retail price point. Also remember that sour gummy flavours continue to be bestsellers.
Proven performance
Gummy and sugar candy has proven to be popular due to increased innovation, with an incredible variety of options available. Gram for gram, gummies also haven’t had the same sort of inflationary pressures that have affected the chocolate category. Especially in the summer during driving season, gummies are a great sharable snack.
Must-stocks
Regal Confections now carries a wide variety of gummy candy that compliments our extensive novelty and seasonal businesses. We recently purchased Quebec-based Mondoux, and have added the national Sweet Sixteen brand to our mix. That has been added to our popular Squashies, McCormicks, Efrutti and Koala gummy lines.
Future forecast
We feel the gummy category will continue to expand, both in sales and offerings in 2026. More Canadians are staying at home in the summer and travelling locally will remain a trend, impacting the retail environment. Planning ahead of the summer and making sure you carry the best items will allow you to take advantage of the traffic.
Brian Potvin
PRESIDENT
FOODFLUENCY INC.
Touted as the world’s best, Albanese gummies have won the loyalty of consumers, thanks to their soft texture, vibrant colours and true-to-fruit flavours. Made by Albanese Confectionery, founded in 1983 in Hobart, Indiana, they offer classic and sour varieties.
Trend watch
Gummy candy has officially grown up, and everyone wants a piece. Once the sweet domain of kids’ lunchboxes and birthday party loot bags, gummies have skyrocketed to become the number one most-craved treat across all age groups. The chewy craze is universal. What started as a childhood classic has evolved into a full-blown multigenerational obsession.
New and notable
Peach Rings perfected. Albanese doesn’t mess around when it comes to flavour. It’s our whole thing. These juicy little rings are gluten-free, fat-free and low in sodium, but bursting with real peach flavour that’s straight from nature’s playbook. No fake stuff, no weird aftertaste—just pure, fruity goodness. And it’s not just Peach Rings. Every Albanese gummy is crafted with flavour so bold it could only be inspired by nature’s best.
Must-stocks
For c-stores, top-sellers include 12 Flavour Gummi Bears, Sour 12 Flavour Gummi Bears, Peach Rings and 12 Flavour Worms.
Appealing to modern consumers
Kids who grew up loving gummies didn’t outgrow the craving. They just levelled up their expectations. Now they want the same fun, nostalgic experience, but with higher‑quality candy that matches their grown‑up standards. Our packaging speaks directly to that modern consumer, reflecting who’s buying it today and how they want to shop.
Peak sales The summer is a great time for gummies. Unlike chocolate, they won’t melt. They’re the perfect grab‑and‑go treat for road trips, beach days, camp snacks and everything in between. Consumers can toss a bag in their backpacks, leave some in the car and pack them for picnics. They stay chewy, fruity and fun no matter how hot it gets. Summer snacking doesn’t get easier.
David Scholtens
CEO
SCHOLTENS CANDY
Scholtens Inc. is a family-owned, Canadian company based in Burlington, Ont., operating in the candy business since 1910. It’s well known in c-stores for its candies, nuts and trail mixes sold under the popular Cottage Country brand.
Must-stocks
Top-selling gummies under the CC brand outside of the staple Bears and Worms would be our exclusive Premium Gummy Mix, a blend of European-made quality gummies, like sharks, frogs, butterflies, eggs, pineapples and fruit cocktail. Customers are often undecided as to their favourite gummy, so purchasing a mix can check all the boxes.
Trend watch
People seem to love having the option to “play with their candy” so we’re seeing growing popularity in peeling gummies. As well, spicy gummies are big, featuring Mexican-inspired flavours like chamoy and tajín. And major brands, like Skittles, Jolly Rancher and Life Savers—traditional hard candies—have launched gummy versions to capture revenue from this growing category.
New and notable
Cottage Country Candy has successfully launched a line of peeling gummies—mango and banana flavours—made with real fruit juice. Ours are the only ones in the Canadian market that come with each piece pre-wrapped—a safe and sanitary format for all to enjoy. We also continue to promote three SKUs of sugar-free gummies, which are growing in popularity.
Sour power
Sours have always been important to the Scholtens Candy company and have made a significant impact on the growth of sales under our Cottage Country brand, now found across Canada and in select U.S. states. Sour lovers are loyal consumers and continue to purchase the items they know and love. We continue to provide sour items in various flavours and formats, and they continue to perform well.
Top tips for sales
Focus on the merchandising of the products/gummies you are looking to promote. Presentation is everything for increasing the sales of impulse items like these. People might not come to your store exclusively for gummies, but there is a high probability they’ll leave with them as an incremental, additional sale. Merchandising services come free of charge if you sign up for service programs with national DSD companies like the Cottage Country brand offers.
Proven c-store performers
Gummies continue to have strong sales in c-stores due to the innovation and excitement that companies have continued to promote with their gummy products. They keep it current and fun. Also, gummies are now made in all formats to meet the needs of any consumer, including those looking for sugar- free, pork gelatine-free or simply softer or harder gummies.
Potential hurdles for makers
The costs of producing quality product are challenging, along with gelatin supply and price fluctuations for sugar. Difficulties faced during COVID have settled down and there is calm in the market. For us, importing quality gummies into Canada from the U.S. was an issue when the Canadian government imposed reciprocal tariffs on U.S. goods. To thrive, we needed to partner closer with EU and domestic suppliers to provide the product needed to satisfy our consumers. But with change comes opportunity and, for us, this has kept us on our toes.
Roanna Wang
DIRECTOR, BRAND MANAGEMENT
SMARTSWEETS
Talk about a sweet success story… Vancouverite Tara Bosch launched SmartSweets in 2015 as part of her own quest to kick sugar. In its first year, the company showed sales of $1 million in low-sugar candy. In 2020, it was acquired by TPG Growth for US$360 million.
Standing out
SmartSweets is a trailblazer in the better-for-you candy space and the original innovator of low-sugar candy. We were the first to dramatically reduce sugar in gummies while delivering the taste, texture and joy that people expect from candy. Over time, that leadership has built strong consumer trust. Shoppers know the SmartSweets pinky promise of innovating the delicious candy they know and love with no artificial sweeteners, added sugar, sugar alcohols or synthetic dyes.
Trend watch
The gummy category is growing rapidly and ever evolving. Consumers are expecting more from what they eat, even with candy. Lower sugar and simpler ingredients are increasingly important. At the same time, shoppers show curiosity and openness to new and exotic flavours, while still gravitating toward nostalgic and familiar gummy formats.
New and notable
We launched two new SKUs that consumers are loving—Wild Berries and Sour Gummy Worms. Up next is our latest seasonal expansion with Strawberry Hearts for Valentine’s. We are excited to expand our innovation and lean even further into seasonal offerings throughout 2026.
Who’s buying
Gummy candy is appealing to a broader audience than ever before, with strong growth among younger consumers. Many are gravitating away from traditional chocolate and toward gummies because they’re more playful, customizable and fun. Gummy candy has become a go-to choice across more occasions and its versatility—especially in better-for-you formats—has helped expand the category well beyond its traditional audience.
Originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada.