SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A new report by Global Industry Analysts (GIA) forecasts global confectionery sales will top $159 billion by 2010, ConfectioneryNews.com reports. Driving that boost is the healthier eating patterns and strong economic growth found in both developing and developed markets.

According to GIA, the market will on average experience a nearly 4 percent annual growth because of sugarless sweets and functional chocolate. Across the globe, consumers are searching for healthier alternatives to traditional candy products because of changing dietary patterns, such as low-carb diets and increasing health concerns, such as obesity.

Sales of healthy confectionery products in developing markets particularly point to future growth potential because of increasing consumer spending power, according to GIA. For example, Latin America and Asia Pacific represent the fastest-growing markets for confectionery sales worldwide, with annual growth of 5.7 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

However, Western countries still control the world market, with Europe capturing 47 percent of overall sales in 2010.