According to Verified Market Research the candle making industry in the US was valued at $3.54 billion in 2019 and estimated to grow to around $6 billion by the year 2027.
With so many varieties of candles available from independent candle makers as well as larger suppliers, the above stats show that the industry is continuing to grow.
The art of candle making has been around since 500 BC when candles were being made from tallow wax. Things have certainly changed since then. The industry has gone from paraffin wax to more sustainable and natural soy or beeswax options.
Many of the candles today are eloquently fragrance and they add the desired mood and aroma to any space they are used in.
The different types of candles
The global candle market has been segmented into 5 different areas namely; Container candle, Pillars, Votive, Tapers, and Others with container candles having the largest share of the current market.
They are easy to produce and a variety of different types of containers such as glass, tin, porcelain or wood can be used to house the candles.
Looking at the different types of wax available, the market is divided into paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax and others. Paraffin wax is still the most popular as well as cost effective to use although more natural alternatives such as beeswax and soy wax has been increasing in popularity.
Palm wax is oftentimes seen as a controversial wax to use due to the environmental issues with its production.
The Global Market
Europe has the largest market share in the candle business followed closely by North America in second and Asia in third.
Germany and the UK are the European major players in candle production and with European markets continuing to predict growth, it seems that the industry is going to continue with an upward growth trend.
The US candle market in 2020 was valued to be around $7 billion with projected growth over the next 8 years of around 5.2%.
Private labels accounted for just over $900 million in sales in 2021, with the closest private corporation SC Johnson & Sons with around $180 million in sales.
The top 5 candle makers in the US
Below is a list of the top 5 candle manufacturers in the US specializing in natural and beautifully fragranced candles
Yankee Candles
The largest manufacturer of candles in the US. The company makes scented candles with the 2022 fragrance of the year called “Inspire”.
White Barn Candles
The company not only offers candles, but also home fragrance and accessories. They are a subsidiary of Intimate Brands Inc.
Virginia Candle / WoodWick Candles
The company started in a garage in 1990 and operates out of Virginia. They also manufacture and sell soap in addition to candles.
Colonial Candle
Colonial Candle is recognised as the first candle company started by a woman and they still manufacture candles “proudly” in the US.
Circle E Candles
They make beautiful container candles in a glass jar.The container is designed for the candle to rest on the jar lid while it is burning.
Where to start?
No matter the type of candle making business you are interested in. There are a few things to consider.
Practice Makes Perfect
Making the perfect candle will take some practice. It is best to try different types of wax, wicks and scents to create something that is unique and beautiful. Doing research and being well-informed can save on wasting materials.
Insurance
Insurance is one of the best ways to protect a new business. There are many factors that can cause a business to lose money or close its doors like lawsuits, injury on duty medical costs, or damage to inventory. Insurance for candle makers can be the difference whether your business can continue when things go wrong.
Market Place
It is important to know who your target audience is and at what price point the candles will be sold. Also important is where the candles will be sold. Online platforms such as Etsy or Shopify have made this easy and convenient for new candle makers.
Farmers markets or Social media platforms are also good places to sell candles and other crafts.
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