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Licorice candy is one of the most regionally differentiated categories in the global confectionery trade. For supermarket buyers and brand owners, the biggest challenge in sourcing licorice candy is not the price, but “precisely matching the formula to the market.”
The core component of licorice extract is glycyrrhizic acid, and its concentration directly determines the product’s texture, flavor intensity, and compliance.
Key Parameters: Technical Classification of Licorice Extract Concentration
In B2B customization, we usually divide licorice candy into three grades based on extract content and formula base:
1. Classic Concentrated Type (High Concentration)
- Extract Content: 5%-10%
- Technical Characteristics: Hard texture, with a very strong herbal bitter-sweet taste.
- Target Market: Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway) and the Netherlands. Buyers in these regions usually require the addition of ammonium chloride (Salmiak) to achieve an extremely salty and bitter flavor.
2. Standard Retail Grade
- Extract Content: 2%-5%
- Technical Characteristics: A balance of sweetness and herbal flavor, moderate texture, and good elasticity.
- Target Market: Germany, the UK, and Australia. This is the mainstream specification in global trade, balancing traditional flavor with mass market acceptance.
3. Soft Flavor Type (Soft/Fruit Infused)
- Extract Content: <2%
- Technical Characteristics: Focuses on sweetness, usually combined with fruit flavors (red licorice), and has a very soft texture.
- Target Market: North America (USA, Canada) and Asia. Buyers prefer a “candy-like” texture rather than a purely herbal taste.
Regional Flavor Preferences and Formulation Recommendation Matrix
As a buyer, understanding the “intensity” of flavor preferences in your target market is crucial to avoiding inventory buildup.
| Regional Market | Preferred Flavor Profile | Recommended Hardness | Key Formulation Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe/Netherlands | Very Salty, Strong Licorice Flavor | High (Firm/Hard) | Must contain ammonium chloride, use high-purity extract. |
| Western Europe/Australia | Traditional Sweet Licorice, Brown Sugar Flavor | Medium | Emphasize molasses proportion to balance bitterness. |
| North American Market | Strawberry/Cherry Red Licorice, Very Sweet | Low (Soft/Chewy) | Reduce glycyrrhizic acid content, increase wheat flour or starch proportion to improve softness. |
| Middle East/Asia | Mixed Fruit Flavors, Low Medicinal Taste | Low (Soft) | Focus on colored coated licorice, reduce the proportion of pure black licorice. |
Procurement Compliance and Quality Control
Procurement of licorice candy involves strict additive limits, especially for B2B bulk imports:
- Glycyrrhizic Acid Limits: The EU and FDA have clear recommendations on the daily intake of glycyrrhizic acid in food. LeChao will precisely adjust the extract ratio according to the regulations of the customer’s target market.
- Texture Stability: Licorice candy is highly susceptible to humidity. We control the Water Activity (Aw) index to ensure that the product does not stick together or leak sugar during sea transportation.
- Mold Diversity: Shape affects shelf appeal. From classic tubular (Pipes) and twisted (Twists) shapes to irregularly cut shapes, the design of the shape directly affects the consumer’s chewing experience.
About LeChao Candy
LeChao Candy, established in 1991, is a modern enterprise specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of high-quality candies. As a leading global Soft Candy Manufacturer, we have been deeply rooted in the industry for over 30 years, dedicated to providing professional one-stop supply chain solutions for our global clients.
- Exceptional R&D Capabilities: We specialize in the production of Licorice Candy, Gummies, Jelly Beans, Marshmallows, and Chocolate Candies.
- Strong Customization Capabilities (OEM/ODM): We possess industry-leading customization capabilities, with over 500 candy molds in stock, covering all shapes from global classics to popular and innovative designs.
- Efficient Supply Chain Services: We provide global client brands with customized formula development, a rapid quotation system, strict international quality control (QC), and global logistics support.
Whether you are looking for intensely salty Nordic-style licorice candy or soft, fruity gummies for the North American market, LeChao can meet your business needs through precise formula control.
Start Your Custom Candy Business
If you are looking for a stable, compliant, and highly capable licorice candy manufacturer, LeChao is your ideal partner.
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LeChao Candy: Defining new global candy standards with 30 years of experience.
