Sugarfree gum market grows

European market research has shown a worldwide increase in the consumption of sugarfree chewing gum.

85% of the chewing gum bought in Germany is now free from sugar, an increase of 12% since 2006, while sales of sugared gum have fallen by 5%.
Consumption in Italy has risen to 9%, while in Turkey the sugarfree market has climbed 12% and sugared gum sales have declined by 10%. Since 2006, all of the chewing gum sold in Spain and the Czech Republic is sugarfree.
Beneo-Palatinit, manufacturer of natural sugar-derived ingredients, believes the data reflects the global trend of consumers increasingly opting for healthier food products due to growing fears about obesity-related problems.
Sabine Wetzel, Beneo-Palatinit market research manager, says: “We are not surprised by these results. The average consumer is becoming more health conscious and this is a reflection on a worldwide trend. Moreover, sugarfree products have been significantly improved in recent years in terms of taste, colour, texture and the choice of products available.”