Market Report: North African Soft Candy Machinery Industry (2023-2028)

Prepared by Ningbo HuaDong, Mar 13th 2025 

1. Executive Summary

The North African soft candy machinery market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising demand for confectionery products, urbanization, and investments in food processing automation. Countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria dominate regional demand, with machinery imports increasing by 6.2% CAGR (2020–2022). This report analyzes market trends, competitive landscapes, challenges, and opportunities for stakeholders.  

2. Market Overview

2.1 Market Size & Growth

- The regional soft candy machinery market was valued at $48.7 million in 2022, projected to reach $65.3 million by 2028  (CAGR: 5.1%).  

- Key drivers:  

- Growing confectionery consumption: Urbanization and a young population (60% under 30) fuel demand for candies.  

- Local manufacturing expansion: Governments promote domestic food processing to reduce import reliance.  

-Automation trends: SMEs adopt cost-efficient, semi-automatic machines to boost productivity.  

2.2 Key Markets

- Egypt: Largest importer (35% market share), driven by large-scale confectioners like Biscomisr.  

-Morocco: Fastest-growing (CAGR 6.8%), supported by EU export partnerships and tourism-sector demand.  

-Algeria: Emerging opportunities due to state subsidies for food processing equipment.  

3. Competitive Landscape

3.1 Major Players

- Global Leaders:  

- Bosch Packaging Technology (Germany): Dominates high-end, fully automated lines.  

- TANIS Confectionery Machinery (Turkey): Preferred for mid-range, customizable solutions.  

- Regional Suppliers:  

- Sphinx Engineering (Egypt): Leading local manufacturer of semi-automatic machines.  

- Mecatherm (France): Supplies advanced cooling and forming systems to premium brands.  

3.2 Market Strategies 

- Local Partnerships: Global players collaborate with distributors to navigate import regulations.  

- Quality Competition: Chinese manufacturers (e.g., Huadong Machinery) gain traction with With its superior machine quality.  

Starch mogul line ---Huadong

4. Consumer Preferences & Trends

- Demand for Versatility: Machines capable of producing multiple candy types (e.g., chewy, gelatin-based) are prioritized.  

- Sustainability Focus: Energy-efficient and low-waste systems align with regional ESG initiatives.  

- After-Sales Services: Maintenance support and training are critical purchase factors for SMEs.  

5. Challenges

- High Import Duties: Tariffs (15–25% in Algeria, Tunisia) inflate machinery costs.  

- Currency Fluctuations: Volatile local currencies hinder long-term investment planning.  

- Technical Skill Gaps: Limited expertise in operating advanced machinery slows adoption.  

6. Regulatory Environment  

- Customs Compliance: Strict certification requirements (e.g., CE marking in Morocco) delay shipments.  

- Localization Policies: Egypt mandates 40% local content for state-funded food projects.  

7. Future Outlook & Recommendations  

- Growth Opportunities:  

- Hybrid Machines: Combine forming, wrapping, and packaging for compact production lines.  

- Digital Integration: IoT-enabled machines for predictive maintenance attract large manufacturers.  

- Strategic Recommendations:  

- Target government-backed food industrialization programs (e.g., Morocco’s *Plan Vert*).  

- Offer financing options to offset high upfront costs for SMEs.  

- Partner with vocational institutes to address skill shortages.  

8. Conclusion

The North African soft candy machinery market presents robust growth potential, contingent on navigating regulatory complexities and aligning with localization trends. Innovation, strategic pricing, and after-sales support will differentiate suppliers in this evolving landscape.  

Sources: Industry Arabia, Global Trade Atlas, FAO, Local Trade Associations.  

This report is for informational purposes only. Subject to updates based on market dynamics.