Taking gummy worms from squirm to SKU
July 14, 2025
On July 15th every year, confectionery manufacturers, children and those young at heart across the United States celebrate National Gummi Worm Day. It’s a light-hearted occasion, but one that reflects a serious commercial opportunity far beyond the shores of the United States. Here, Morli Shah, Group Solution Specialist – Confectionery, TNA Solutions, explores why the world is sweet on gummy worms.
Gummy worms, once a novelty, are now at the heart of a rapidly growing global segment, combining fun formats with flexible production potential. In 2024, the global gummy worm market was valued at $4.9 billion USD, with projections indicating continued momentum as both traditional confectionery players and wellness brands expand into the format.
Zooming out, gummies represent one of the fastest-growing areas in sugar confectionery. Grand View Research pegged the global gummy category as being worth $23.9 billion USD in 2023, and in total these formats — including jellies, pastilles and layered shapes — now command 45% of global sugar-confectionery turnover according to Mordor Intelligence. This makes them the single largest segment in the category.
Although National Gummi Worm Day is only observed in the US, the rest of the world isn’t shy about its fondness for gummy treats. Europe’s sugar confectionery market reached $14.37 billion USD in 2024 — and, in line with the global data, the gummies/pastilles/jellies segment is the largest.
The popularity of these treats is undeniable, and that is evident in the number of new players entering the market with gummies sporting health benefits. Functional gummies and jellies — including vitamins, collagen and fibre-based variants — now form a $7.26 billion USD sub-market in Europe, tracking 5.9% CAGR to 2032.
Part of the format’s global appeal lies in its shape and visual flair, making it an ideal edible canvas that lends itself to the growing customer demand for limited-run SKUs. Up to 32% of West-European consumers — including 1 in 3 in France — cite seasonal or limited-time flavours as a deciding purchase factor. Limited edition and seasonally themed confectionery formats are helping brands stand out and are now central to innovation.
For confectionery manufacturers, however, short launch cycles present a challenge. Meeting this demand means not only producing creatively but doing so at speed, scale and without costly changeovers.
That’s where modern starch mogul systems are making an impact. For example, tna mogul® systems support production speeds of up to 35 trays per minute, with total capacities ranging from 500 to 6,000 kilograms per hour.
These systems enable manufacturers to switch between single-, dual- and tri-colour gummies — including layered and centre-filled variants — with minimal downtime. Tool-less change systems allow operators to swap depositor modules and pump types within a single shift, enabling fast turnaround for seasonal or limited-edition lines. That means going from a classic gummy worm to a spooky sour snake for Halloween — or even a vitamin-infused mango — in minutes, not days.
As National Gummi Worm Day approaches, the opportunity is clear: what was once a novelty shape is now a commercial hit. Whether for a TikTok trend or a seasonal cross-brand collaboration, the worm has wriggled its way into the global portfolio — and with the right systems in place, it’s easier than ever to meet demand in whatever form it takes.
