# The Health-Promoting Potential of Fruit Pomace and Its Application in the Confectionery Industry
## 3 Fruit Pomace: A Nutrient-Rich By-Product with Potential in Food Technology  
Pomace is a by-product obtained on a large scale during the processing of raw materials such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains [16; 17]. It mainly consists of pulp, seeds, pits, peels, and dietary fibers [16; 18]. This article focuses on fruit pomace, a major residue from the production of jams, juices, wine, and concentrates [16; 19]. Despite being traditionally treated as waste, fruit pomace is a rich source of bioactive compounds--particularly polyphenols, dietary fiber, carotenoids, flavonoids, organic acids, vitamins (e.g., C, E, B1), and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium [19; 20; 21]. These components make pomace a valuable functional ingredient, not only enhancing the nutritional and antioxidant profile of food but also improving texture, shelf life, and sensory appeal--key parameters in confectionery applications [19; 22]. Its incorporation may also enable the replacement of synthetic additives, contribute to sustainability, and offer novel marketing advantages. In this way, pomace respond to growing consumer expectations for healthier and more valuable sweets. Depending on the type of fruit, with the most popular types being apple, grape, citrus, and berry ones, pomace has various characteristics. \begin{table}
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**Country** & **Confectionery Market Value** & **Non-Chocolate Confectionery Segment** & **Key Trends** & **Reference** \\ \hline Global & EUR 265.61 billion (2023) & No detailed data available & Growing demand for premium products, rising environmental awareness, and interest in healthier alternatives. & [9] \\ \hline China & EUR 69.87 billion (2023) & No data available & The growing middle class increases confectionery consumption, raising interest in premium products. & [14] \\ \hline United States & EUR 69.62 billion (2023) & No data available & Increasing popularity of functional and eco-friendly products; rising interest in sugar-free alternatives. & [14] \\ \hline Germany & EUR 8.64 billion (2023) & No data available & Stable market with a slight value decline (\(-1.68\%\)); consumers seek high-quality products. & [15] \\ \hline France & EUR 6.37 billion (2023) & No data available & Slight market growth (+0.38\%); increasing interest in artisanal products. & [15] \\ \hline United Kingdom & EUR 6.09 billion (2023) & No data available & Stable market with slight growth (+0.46\%); consumers focus on ingredients and product origin. & [15] \\ \hline Poland & EUR 2.11 billion (2023) & EUR 6.02 million & Growth in gummy sales (43.4\% of the non-chocolate confectionery market) and hard candies (12.4\%); rising interest in functional and eco-friendly products. & [9] \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
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Table 1: Overview of the global and Polish confectionery market: value, trends, and growth potential. Below is Table 2 presenting the key bioactive components found in fruit pomace, along with their sample sources and key properties. Fruit pomace is more than just a source of fiber or bioactive components. It also provides key functional ingredients such as gelling agents, natural colorants, flavor enhancers, and bio-preservatives that can transform confectionery products into functional, health-promoting options. Today's consumers are increasingly aware of the negative health consequences associated with excessive consumption of certain types of food. As high sugar intake is linked to the development of various diseases. There is a growing demand for confectionery products with reduced sugar content, enriched with vegan-friendly ingredients, dietary fiber, or bioactive compounds. These additions contribute to the rise of functional confectionery products. In response, the confectionery industry is shifting its focus toward the development of low-sugar sweets and embracing innovative solutions, such as the use of fruit pomace, plant-based sweeteners, functional fibers, and clean-label formulations.