Report claims sugarfree chewing gum market growth

**European market research has revealed worldwide increase in the consumption of sugarfree chewing gum. **

The research has found that 85% of chewing gum bought in Germany is now free from sugar, an increase of 12% since 2006, while sales of sugared gum have fallen by 5%. Consumption in Italy has risen to 90%, while in Turkey the sugarfree market has climbed 12% and sugared gum sales have declined by 10%. Since 2006, all chewing gum sold in Spain and the Czech Republic is sugarfree.

Beneo-Palatinit, manufacturer of natural sugar-derived ingredients, has welcomed the results. Market Research Manager Sabine Wetzel said: “We are not surprised by these results. The average consumer is becoming more health conscious and this is a worldwide trend which is reflected in the data. Moreover, sugarfree products have been significantly improved in recent years in terms of taste, colour, texture and the choice of products available. Rather than being seen as a lesser version of sugared equivalents, sugarfree gum is becoming a standalone market in its own right.”