Read extracts A to D before answering questions
Extract A
UK chocolate and sugar confectionery market data (2020-2024)
The UK market has grown in value from £5.24bn (2020) to £6.78bn (2024), but volume sales fell from 620 million kg to 590 million kg. Value growth reflects price rises, not increased demand. Average price per kg rose 36% since 2020, driven by commodity inflation and supply chain disruptions in 2022-23.
Volume decline was most pronounced in sugar confectionery due to health concerns. Premium and dark chocolate outperformed milk chocolate.
Source: adapted from Kantar Worldpanel UK Confectionery Report 2024
Extract B
Mondelez to close Cadbury factory in Ireland with loss of 400 jobs
Mondelez International will close its Cadbury facility in Rathmore, Ireland, with 400 job losses. The 50-year-old factory produces Cadbury Dairy Milk bars and seasonal products for UK and Irish markets.
The company cited changing consumer preferences, overcapacity in its European network, and efficiency needs. Production will consolidate into larger Birmingham and Poland facilities where Mondelez has invested in automation.
"This was an incredibly difficult decision," said a Mondelez spokesperson. "We must adapt our manufacturing footprint to remain competitive." Unions and politicians criticised the closure.
Industry experts note this reflects broader rationalisation. Similar Nestlé and Mars closures across Europe show companies seeking economies of scale while responding to declining volumes in mature markets.
Source: adapted from BBC News, The Irish Times, Food Manufacture (January 2025)
Extract C
The rise of functional and better-for-you confectionery
Consumer preferences are shifting towards products with functional benefits or health credentials. Research shows 42% of UK consumers seek reduced-sugar confectionery, while 38% want products fortified with vitamins or protein.
Major brands have launched lower-sugar variants using alternative sweeteners or reduced portions. Start-ups offer protein-enriched chocolate, sugar-free sweets, and vegan chocolate made with oat or coconut alternatives.
These products command 30-50% price premiums. However, taste remains the primary purchase driver, and reformulated products must deliver on flavour.
Mintel predicts functional and better-for-you products will reach 15-18% of the UK market by 2028, up from 8% in 2024. Success requires balancing health credentials with taste while managing costs.
Source: adapted from Mintel UK Confectionery Market Report 2024
Extract D
UK sugar tax extended to confectionery sector
The UK government announced plans to extend sugar taxation beyond soft drinks to include confectionery, targeting childhood obesity. The proposed levy, effective April 2027, will apply to chocolate, sugar confectionery, and sweet biscuits containing over 5g sugar per 100g.
Products will be categorised into two bands:
Band 1: 5-10g sugar per 100g - 18p levy per 100g
Band 2: Over 10g sugar per 100g - 24p levy per 100g
The government estimates the tax could raise £500m annually for children's health programmes. Public health organisations welcomed the move, citing links between sugar consumption and obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
The confectionery industry strongly criticised the proposals. The Food and Drink Federation warns the levy will disproportionately impact smaller manufacturers lacking reformulation resources. Major manufacturers will likely pass costs to consumers through higher prices, potentially reducing demand and causing job losses.
Retailers are concerned about administrative burdens and sales impact. Trade unions fear job losses if the tax leads to factory closures or overseas production shifts.
Source: adapted from UK Government press release, The Guardian, Food Manufacture (December 2024)
Assess two external factors that could affect the profitability of confectionery businesses in the UK.
Was this exam question helpful?