The forecast data for cocoa, chocolate, and sugar confectionery employment in the UK shows a steady decline from 17.34 thousand persons in 2024 to 16.3 thousand by 2028. Year-on-year variations indicate a consistent reduction in employment numbers, averaging at about 1.54% decrease per year. This trend suggests a compounding annual decline in workforce numbers, reflecting a shift that could be due to increased automation, market saturation, or changing consumer preferences.

Future trends to watch for:

Advancements in automation and production technology that may further reduce employment.
Potential impact of changing consumer preferences toward healthier or alternative confectionery products.
Economic factors that might influence the confectionery market, such as trade policies and raw material costs.