Introduction – Current State of Play: The Candy Sector in Vietnam
If you’re in the candy business and eyeing Vietnam, now’s the time to stay laser-focused. The Vietnamese candy market in 2025 is a bubbling pot of opportunities and challenges. From skyrocketing cocoa prices to shifting trade policies and consumer preferences, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Businesses that don’t adapt quickly risk being left behind.
Let’s talk numbers: cocoa prices in Vietnam’s Central Highlands have tripled since last year, pushing production costs through the roof. Companies like Orion Food Vina Co. Ltd. are struggling to keep prices stable, with some products seeing price hikes of up to 30%. Plus, consumer demand is expected to dip by 10–20% during the Tet holiday—a critical sales period.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Vietnam is also becoming a global sourcing hub, attracting buyers like bees to honey. Over 300 international buyers recently flocked to the “Vietnam International Sourcing 2025” event, showing just how hot the market is. And platforms like Freshdi are making it easier to verify suppliers, track RFQs, and get real-time insights.
So, what does all this mean? It means if you’re sourcing or selling candy in Vietnam, you need to be agile, informed, and ready to pivot—fast.
Deep Dive – What’s Making Headlines? Key Recent News & Impacts
Vietnam’s candy industry has been on a steady upward climb, but not without its bumps. Here’s what’s shaping the sector right now:
Market Trends to Watch
In 2023, candy sales in Vietnam shot up by 6.9%, hitting around US$518 million. Soft candy led the charge with US$170 million in sales, while chocolate—though smaller—was the fastest-growing category, boasting an 8.6% average annual growth rate.
What’s fueling this? A shift in consumer preferences. People are leaning toward healthier options—think reduced-sugar chocolates, gummies loaded with vitamins, and fun-shaped jellies for the kiddos.
Supply Chain Disruptions
But there’s a catch. Cocoa prices are through the roof. The cost of fresh beans has hit VND13,000 ($0.52) per kilogram. It’s a ripple effect from global supply issues, especially in Africa. And it’s squeezing manufacturers hard, forcing some to raise prices and others to absorb costs at the expense of margins.
Big Players & New Investments
Despite the challenges, big names like Mars Vietnam, Nestlé Vietnam, Chocolaterie Guylian, and Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam are doubling down. They’re innovating products and ramping up marketing to stay ahead.
Meanwhile, local distributors like Saigon Co.op are making moves on the export front, shipping Vietnamese confectionery to the U.S., Canada, and beyond. The goal? Grow exports from 20 to over 150 containers in the next year.
Top 10 Verified Candy Suppliers in Vietnam – Adapting to Today’s Market
Here’s a curated list of the Top 10 Candy Suppliers in Vietnam in 2025, all verified through Freshdi, based on export capability, certifications, product innovation, and buyer feedback.
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DHM Vietnam Import Export Investment Co., Ltd.
Specializes in gummy candies, especially tropical fruit flavors like peeled mango. Known for creative packaging and international compliance. -
DAI LONG PRODUCTION TRADE IMPORT EXPORT JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Offers a wide range of sugar candies and lollipops. Strong export track record and robust production facilities. -
THUC DUONG BAO BAO AN JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Known for its colorful and flavorful jelly assortments. A favorite among younger consumers and international buyers. -
FMCG VIET CO., LTD
A one-stop supplier for various FMCG items, including hard candies and seasonal treats. Excellent customer reviews on Freshdi. -
LAM SON SUGAR CANE JOINT STOCK CORPORATION
Focuses on sugar-based candies and traditional sweets. A good pick for bulk buyers needing consistent quality. -
BAO HUNG INTERNATIONAL JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Offers premium-quality chocolate candies, often infused with fruit flavors like strawberry. Great for the gourmet segment. -
LEGENDARY VIET NAM COMPANY LIMITED
A top player in high-end chocolate truffles. Known for gift-ready packaging and export-standard production. -
Bich Chi Food Company
Offers traditional Vietnamese sweets and innovative new-age candies. Strong domestic and international footprint. -
PARALLEL TRADING CO., LTD
Distributes a variety of international candy brands, including Chupa Chups. Great partner for cross-border trade. -
PARALLEL TRADING
Specializes in lollipop distribution. A go-to for buyers looking for globally recognized brands.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Keep in mind, platforms like Freshdi update rankings dynamically based on RFQ volumes, buyer reviews, and new certifications. So make sure to check their “Suppliers of the Month” section to catch rising stars.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Candy Landscape in Vietnam
The Vietnamese candy market is a mixed bag—think sweet and sour gummies. Here’s how to navigate it smartly:
Opportunities Up for Grabs
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Domestic Demand Boom
Vietnam’s growing middle class is developing a sweet tooth. This means local sales are on the rise, especially for innovative and healthier candies. -
Export-Ready Products
Traditional candies like kẹo dừa (coconut candy) are gaining fame abroad. If you’re an exporter, now’s the time to ride this wave. -
Value-Added Potential
With areca nut prices soaring thanks to Chinese demand, Vietnam can cash in by processing rather than just exporting raw materials.
Stormy Weather: Key Challenges
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Cocoa Price Tsunami
Cocoa prices are at historic highs. This is squeezing margins and forcing companies to rethink recipes, packaging, and pricing strategies. -
Export Dependency Dilemma
Over-reliance on markets like China for raw exports is risky. A dip in demand there sends shockwaves through Vietnam’s supply chain. -
Fighting Fakes
Counterfeit candy is a real issue. Tens of tons of Chinese sweets labeled as Japanese or Korean brands have been seized, damaging buyer trust.
Smart Sourcing Strategies
- Diversify Suppliers: Don’t put all your beans in one basket. Explore local cocoa sources and alternative sweeteners to reduce import reliance.
- Invest in Quality Control: Implement transparent labeling and traceability systems to fight counterfeit products.
- Go Local, Think Global: Develop domestic processing capabilities to add value and reduce raw export dependency. It’s like turning sugar into gold.
Short-Term Outlook
The candy market in Vietnam is expected to grow moderately over the next 12–18 months. But the ride won’t be smooth. Volatile raw material prices and global trade shifts will test even the most seasoned players.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market
Vietnam’s candy sector in 2025 is complex, dynamic, and full of flavor—just like the candies it produces. Here’s what you need to remember:
- Stay Updated: Cocoa and areca nut prices are volatile. Keep tabs on global trends.
- Adapt Quickly: The market favors those who pivot fast—whether it’s in pricing, sourcing, or product innovation.
- Think Quality: Counterfeit products are damaging trust. Invest in quality control and transparent labeling.
- Export Smart: Traditional Vietnamese candies have global appeal. Leverage that while minimizing over-dependence on a single market.
Buyer’s Checklist for 2025:
- ✅ Track raw material price trends (especially cocoa and sugar)
- ✅ Vet suppliers with tools like Freshdi
- ✅ Diversify sourcing across regions and product types
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with export experience and certifications
- ✅ Monitor counterfeit risks and ensure product authenticity
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi is more than just a B2B platform. It’s your market intelligence partner. With real-time supplier reviews, RFQ trend alerts, and dynamic supplier rankings, Freshdi helps you make fast, confident buying decisions—even in turbulent times.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular types of candy in Vietnam in 2025?
Soft candies, gummies, and chocolates are leading the pack, with growing demand for healthier options like reduced-sugar and vitamin-enriched treats.
2. How are cocoa price hikes affecting the candy industry?
The surge in cocoa prices is pushing up production costs, leading to either higher product prices or thinner profit margins for manufacturers.
3. Which Vietnamese candy is popular for export?
Coconut candy (kẹo dừa) from Bến Tre Province is a top export item, thanks to its unique flavor and cultural appeal.
4. How can I verify a candy supplier in Vietnam?
Use platforms like Freshdi which offer verified supplier profiles, certifications, and buyer reviews.
5. What trends should candy importers watch in Vietnam?
Keep an eye on raw material prices, counterfeit crackdowns, evolving consumer preferences, and trade policy changes—these factors are shaping the market daily.
References
- Tuoi Tre News – Cocoa Prices Surge
- VietnamNet – Global Sourcing Hub
- VCCI – Sugar Industry Challenges
- CPT Corp – U.S. Tariff Policies
- GlobeNewswire – Candy Market Report
- Bao Bac Giang – Export Initiatives
- QĐND – Areca Nut Prices
- VnExpress – Counterfeit Candy
- EximAgent – Betel Nut Imports
