In the third quarter, Russian consumers showed a clear uptick in sweet purchases when compared with the same period last year, based on data gathered by Kontur.Market and reported by RIA News. The market analysis encompassed chocolate, confectionery, and general sweets across more than 65,000 retail outlets nationwide, offering a broad view of shopping patterns from July through September this year and contrasting them with the third quarter of 2022. The takeaway from this expansive dataset is straightforward: demand for sweet products rose across all three categories, signaling a notable shift in consumer behavior amid evolving income dynamics, supply conditions, and price movements. (Kontur.Market study cited by RIA News)
Analysts noted that purchases of sweet products increased by a quarter relative to last year, while chocolate purchases rose by about fourteen percent and candy consumption grew by roughly three percent. This pattern suggests not only a broader appeal of sweet items but also enough consumer confidence to explore a wider range of options within the confectionery aisle. The findings point to a general craving for sweeter goods, with shoppers showing a willingness to experiment with different flavors and formats as they respond to shifting affordability and availability. (Kontur.Market data summarized by RIA News)
From a pricing standpoint, several shifts stood out. The average price for candies dropped by around thirteen percent, landing near 36 rubles per unit. Chocolate, meanwhile, edged up by about one percent to roughly 73 rubles, while the overall category price for sweets remained steady at around 144 rubles. Experts attribute the price declines in candies to import substitution dynamics, where domestic producers often offer more favorable pricing relative to foreign competitors. Additionally, adjustments such as smaller packaging or reduced product weights may have contributed to the lower price points, helping to keep demand buoyant in a price-sensitive market. The rise in candy bar demand could also help explain why prices for individual bars declined less sharply or even stabilized in some outlets. (Kontur.Market analysis and price trends cited by RIA News)
The nutrition field has long debated the labeling of foods as simply good or bad, and this report adds another layer to that discussion by reframing how consumers respond to available options. A nutritionist interviewed in connection with the coverage underscored that separating foods into binary categories can oversimplify eating choices and overlook the broader context of dietary patterns, social norms, and affordability. The observed increase in sweetness consumption appears to reflect a combination of taste preference, cultural habits, and practical considerations such as price and product availability. As markets adjust to domestic production, shoppers may feel more empowered to choose affordable options that still satisfy cravings, which, in turn, influences overall confectionery sales dynamics. (Expert commentary associated with the report)
The overall pattern revealed by this quarter’s data points to a confectionery market that remains resilient in the face of economic shifts and supply-side changes. Domestic producers’ pricing strategies, along with packaging decisions and broader consumer sentiment, have a direct impact on what ends up on store shelves and in shopping carts. In this environment, retailers may look to align promotions with value-focused messaging, while product developers might consider offering varieties that balance indulgence with perceived affordability. The trend toward greater sweetness consumption in Russia during this period provides a useful case study for measuring how price, availability, and taste preferences interact across a large, diverse retail landscape. (Market interpretation based on Kontur.Market coverage)