The Decline in Marriage Rates and its Impact on the Candy Industry in China
The candy industry in China is facing a big challenge because fewer people are getting married in the country. From 2013 to 2022, the number of marriages in China went down from 10 million to below 7 million couples. This change is affecting different parts of the economy, including the candy industry, which is usually connected with celebrations like weddings.
The drop in marriage rates means fewer people are buying traditional wedding candies, called "xi tang" in Chinese. Candy shop owners are noticing fewer sales, with some saying they get more orders for candies for academic celebrations than for weddings. People are also starting to prefer candies with less sugar and healthier ingredients.
Even though there are challenges, the candy industry is not sitting still. Manufacturers are coming up with new flavors that appeal to younger consumers, like white peach, cherry blossom, persimmon, and tea-flavored candies. These new flavors are less sweet and more in line with what people like nowadays.
Besides new flavors, the industry is also focusing on making healthier candies. There is a trend towards candies with less sugar, less fat, and ingredients that are good for your health. Brands like Daily Dark Chocolate are selling plant-based, sugar-free candies, and others are adding traditional health ingredients like ginseng to their products.
The candy industry is also changing the way they design and package their products to attract younger consumers. Many brands are now offering candies with bright colors and fun shapes, like smiley faces, to make people feel happy. The packaging is getting fancier, with some brands going for a cute look while others are going for a more modern and high-tech style.
Collaborations between different brands are also becoming popular, with candy companies teaming up with well-known franchises like Disney and cultural institutions like the Shanghai Grand Theatre to make limited edition products that appeal to a wider audience.
Even though fewer people are getting married, there are still chances for the candy industry to grow. China is a big country with lots of weddings happening every year. The industry is changing by focusing on what younger consumers like, who are more likely to pick their wedding candies based on their own taste and health needs.
The candy industry in China is facing challenges because fewer people are getting married, but they are coming up with new and exciting ideas to keep growing. By creating new flavors, healthier products, and appealing designs, the candy industry is ready to win over a new generation of candy lovers. Even though there are obstacles, the love for sweets in China is still strong, and the industry is finding new ways to satisfy it.
英文改写自首席商业评论公众号文章
不结婚的年轻人，重伤糖果业
