Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for bakers’ wares in Chile expanded significantly, with volume nearly doubling to almost 68 500 t. This surge was initially fueled by consumer shifts towards healthier and specialized products, such as light pastries with sweeteners like sucralosa for diabetics and a growing number of artisanal bakeries offering sourdough and functional breads. The market accelerated further during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as lockdowns spurred a global and local sourdough boom and increased home baking, elevating overall consumption. This period also saw continuous technological innovation aimed at optimizing production processes in bakeries and patisseries, supporting the market's upward trajectory.

Following the peak in 2021, the total market volume stabilized at a high level around 65 000–68 500 t through 2023. This plateau coincided with the retail bakery segment's reported growth, driven by the opening of new bakeries focusing on quality, originality, and smaller formats. Market sophistication increased, with a strong emphasis on premium artisanal products, the expansion of vegan options with alternative sweeteners, and creative product launches like ready-to-use pastry cream. The industry maintained momentum by adapting to evolving consumer preferences for health, ethics, and memorable experiences, integrating new technologies while preserving traditional essence.

Production bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares, 2018-2021

World map of production of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares, 2018-2021

In 2021, Chile produced 4 422 tonnes of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 6.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 455 tonnes. That year also saw the largest increase of 7.2%, while the most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output value of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares in Chile reached 13 851 thousand US dollars, representing a 10.2% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value rose by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%. The largest decline was observed in 2020 at 6.1%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019 with a 33.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares from Chile

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year contraction, exports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares from Chile rebounded in 2021. Export volumes reached 4 185 tonnes, showing a strong 11.0% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 769 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay were the top buyers of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares from Chile in terms of volume. Bolivia accounted for 30.0% of exports in kind, Paraguay for 19.1%, and Uruguay for 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 55.1% of Chile's total exports in this category.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Chile exported 13.1 million US dollars worth of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares, a 20.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 14.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 10.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

An analysis of export values from 2018 to 2021 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. Paraguay accounted for 21.0% of exports in value terms, Bolivia for 20.5%, and Cuba for 7.1%. Combined, these three countries represented only 48.6% of total export flows, with the remaining 51.4% distributed among various other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares to Chile

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Chile imported 68 258 tonnes of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares, a significant 55.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import volumes surged by 87.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 23.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 with a 2.3% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Chile's imports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares in kind were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. Spain accounted for 17.0% of imports in kind, Argentina for 16.6%, and Peru for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values for bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares into Chile showed notable volatility during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, while imports peaked in 2021, representing a 1.9-fold increase between these years. In 2021, import value reached 184.1 million US dollars, a substantial 77.4% rise from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 9.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The structure of imports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 can be described as diversified. Spain accounted for 15.7% of imports in value terms, Argentina for 13.5%, and the United States for 10.6%. Combined, these three countries represented just 39.8% of total import flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021