KENYA – Mzuri Sweets, owner of Mr. Berry’s sweet brand in Kenya, has expanded its offering with new flavored lollipop candy with a flat shape.
The new product features passion, strawberry and tongue painter flavors that come in eye catching, vibrant colors and playful shape. The product has been named Tajiri Pop.
Mzuri Sweets Ltd has been proudly family owned for over 26 years. The company’s product portfolio operating under the flagship brand Mr. Berry’s, comprises more than 30 products across 7 categories.
Some of its signature brands include King Kuba, Bigg Daddy, Gomba, Mr. Berry’s, Mambo, Bigg Boss, Toffee & Co and King Cake.
According to a report by Research and Markets, the global confectionery market was valued at $191.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $244.4 billion by 2026, with Africa being one of the fastest-growing regions with Africa being one of the key emerging markets due to its growing population and increasing disposable income.
In Nigeria, the candy and confectionery market is estimated to reach US$1.2 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 4.8% from 2019-2024.
Broadly, Market report from Mordor Intelligence show that the Africa confectionery market size is on a steady growth with a projected growth at a CAGR of 7.57% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
The report adds that supermarkets and convenience stores account for over 80% of the share as nationwide store chains allow broader reach and easy access to multiple brands.
Supermarkets/hypermarkets have always maintained a strong lead in the sales of confectionery in the region.
In addition, African sweets and candies are finding markets beyond their borders. Countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Ghana are exporting candies to Europe, the Middle East, and other African nations, tapping into new markets and increasing their export revenues.
Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are also facilitating easier cross-border trade, reducing tariffs, and promoting the export of locally produced sweets and candies.
Companies like Kenya’s “Kenafric” and Nigeria’s “Cadbury” have expanded their range of products, catering to local tastes and preferences. They’re competing with imported brands by offering more affordable and locally tailored products.
This has been made possible by integration of modern technology and automation in manufacturing processes has improved efficiency and product quality. This also helps in scaling up production to meet increasing demand.
In trimming the dominance of multinationals and deep rooted manufacturers, start-ups have also taken the center stage making use of local raw materials.
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