The sweet science: how AI is revolutionizing the $89 billion Confectionery Ingredients Market. Jun 25, 2026 Blog food-and-beverage the sweet science: how AI is revolutionizing the $89 billion Confectionery Ingredients Market. Remember when making chocolate was just about beans, sugar, and time? Those days are disappearing faster than Halloween candy. The global confectionery ingredients market is undergoing a technological transformation that would make Willy Wonka's head spin. Barry Callebaut, the world's largest chocolate manufacturer, recently partnered with AI company NotCo to develop entirely new chocolate formulations using artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, startups like Planet A Foods are creating cocoa-free chocolate alternatives that taste remarkably similar to the real thing. This isn't science fiction - it's the new reality of a $89.2 billion market expected to reach $117.7 billion by 2030, growing at 5.7% annually. The drivers behind this sweet revolution are surprisingly diverse. Rapid urbanization is fueling demand for ready-to-eat confections, while younger consumers embrace snacking as a lifestyle. Rising middle-class populations across Asia-Pacific - which leads the market at 29.8% - are driving premium confectionery consumption alongside growing disposable incomes. But perhaps most intriguingly, health consciousness isn't killing the candy market - it's transforming it. The clean-label movement is pushing manufacturers toward natural ingredients like plant-based gelling agents, while smart taste solutions now enable significant sugar reduction without sacrificing that perfect mouthfeel. Major players like Nestlé, Cargill, and Tate & Lyle are racing to develop reduced-sugar and functional candy formulations that satisfy both taste buds and wellness trends. Want the full picture? Download the free overview of its report Global Confectionery Ingredients Market for detailed forecasts, regional breakdowns, and emerging technology insights. Guiding smart decisions every step of the way. Bcc Research Llc is your trusted research partner, providing actionable insights and custom consulting across life sciences, advanced materials, and technology. Allow BCC Research to nurture your smartest business decisions today, tomorrow, and beyond.

South American soy milk market sees steady growth as consumers increasingly embrace plant-based. According to a new market report by DataM, the South American soy milk market is growing steadily as consumers embrace plant-based alternatives for health, wellness, and sustainability reasons. By region, Brazil takes the lead with a 45% market share, followed by Argentina at 30% and Colombia at 25%. By distribution channel, supermarkets and hypermarkets are in the top spot with a 54% share, likely due to their wide range of products, accessibility, and promotional offers. In comparison, online stores have a market share of just 22%, while convenience stores and other channels collectively capture 12%. The report cites recent developments in the industry, including: * Nestlé South America expanded its soy-based ready-to-drink beverages this month, introducing fortified calcium and vitamin blends tailored to regional nutritional needs. The launch targets rising demand for dairy alternatives across Brazil and Chile. * AdeS (owned by Coca-Cola Company Latin America) upgraded its soy beverage formulation last month to feature less sugar and an enhanced protein content, aligning with South America's growing health-conscious consumer base. * In September, NotCo introduced new soy-based milk alternatives created using its AI platform, Giuseppe. The products aim to replicate the texture and flavor of dairy for retail and foodservice channels. * Piracanjuba expanded the production capacity for soy beverages at its Goiás facility in August, supported by an investment of US$22 million to modernize equipment and increase output efficiency. A market poised for sustained growth. The growth of the South American soy milk market is believed to be fueled by lactose-intolerant individuals, vegans, and health-conscious consumers seeking dairy alternatives. Awareness of the nutritional benefits of soy is reportedly on the rise in the region, while technological advancements in flavor enhancement, fortification with vitamins and minerals, and extended shelf-life processing are improving product appeal and convenience. Furthermore, collaborations between soy producers, beverage manufacturers, and research institutions are claimed to be accelerating product innovation and diversification, resulting in the creation of options such as flavored and functional soy beverages. Government initiatives and marketing campaigns promoting nutrition, sustainability, and food security are also believed to be playing a role in the growth of the market. "With technological advancements, growing awareness of plant-based nutrition, and expanding distribution networks, the South American soy beverages market is poised for sustained growth," says DataM.