Innovation and market: how the Vicenzi Group leads the transformation of the European confectionery sector
Il mondo di Vicenzi
30 Apr 2025
The European confectionery sector is experiencing profound transformation. What's changing are not only consumer tastes – increasingly oriented towards health-focused, sustainable and personalized products – but also production processes, influenced by advanced technologies and new B2B requirements.
Sources: Sustainability report
In this dynamic context, the Vicenzi Group stands out as a virtuous example of how innovation and tradition can coexist effectively.
The European B2B confectionery market: size and opportunities
The European packaged confectionery market is estimated at approximately USD 72.4 billion in 2025 (base year 2024), with an expected annual growth of 4.7% between 2024 and 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. The gluten-free product segment also shows significant expansion, with an expected average annual growth of approximately 9.5% in Europe between 2024 and 2030.
Within this scenario, the Vicenzi Group – with its 3 production facilities in Italy and a presence in 97 countries – combines industrial capacity and sustainability to meet the needs of the global market.
The 5 innovations that are revolutionizing the confectionery industry
- Sustainable and smart packaging
European regulations, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are imposing new sustainability standards. Vicenzi has launched numerous projects to optimize packaging, reducing over-packaging, adopting recyclable mono-material materials and testing the use of paper to replace plastic. Packaging is no longer just a container, but a tool for communication and sustainability. - New ingredients for baked goods
Modern consumers demand sweets that are good but also healthy. The confectionery industry increasingly integrates alternative flours, functional fibers and natural sweeteners. The Vicenzi Group has developed a range of inclusive and sustainable products such as gluten-free, lactose-free and milk protein-free, and Vegan lines. - Industrial automation and process digitalization
Vicenzi adopts standardized production processes with accurate control throughout all transformation phases, and invests in energy efficiency of plants and logistics digitalization, with the goal of reducing waste and improving efficiency. - B2B customization
In the B2B market, production flexibility is a competitive advantage. Vicenzi, with its 3 facilities, guarantees a wide variety of formats, adaptable packaging and flexible production processes while maintaining high quality. - Integrated sustainability
For Vicenzi, sustainability is a measurable commitment. Among the results achieved are: reduction of specific energy consumption in recent years, 99% of waste sent for recovery, valorization of waste as by-products for animal feed, over 1.6 million hours worked between 2021 and 2023, and IFS and BRCGS certifications guaranteeing food quality and safety.