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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for bakery products in ECOWAS fluctuated between 167 thousand tons and 180 thousand tons. The initial period saw growth supported by increasing consumer demand for healthier and artisanal options, including organic biscuits. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted a recovery in bakery activity, which boosted production. Post-crisis, the market stabilized with a continued emphasis on quality and traditional products.

A sharp expansion occurred from 2022, with the market reaching 212 thousand tons in 2022 and 278 thousand tons in 2023. This surge was primarily driven by the rapid rise of gluten-free and allergen-free product lines, coupled with significant investments in dedicated production facilities and product innovation. Strengthening labeling regulations for allergens and sugar content also shaped product development during this period.

Into 2024, the industry focused on launching high-protein artisanal ranges and pursuing industrial capacity expansions. Regulatory requirements on nutrition and allergen labeling were further tightened, while rising energy and raw material costs continued to impact operations. The trend towards premiumization and enhanced customer experience, including integrated food and beverage offers, remained strong.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares, 2017-2020

World map of production of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares, 2017-2020

ECOWAS has seen production of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares rise for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 100.9 K t of these goods, marking a 14.8% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 17.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Exports in kind, t

ECOWAS exported 5 468 t of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares in 2020, a 54.3% jump compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 21.3%, averaging 6.7% per year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 543 t, which also saw the sharpest decline of 27.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Chad and the United States were the top two destinations for ECOWAS exports of these goods in kind. Chad accounted for 2.8% of total flows, while the United States made up 0.7%, together representing 3.5% of all exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares exported from ECOWAS fell. In 2020, exports totaled 15 378 K $ US, a significant drop of 20.0% from the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, export value still increased by 11.9%, with an average annual rate of 3.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 19 225 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 29.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of these goods in value terms from ECOWAS were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. The United States (2.2% of exports), Thailand (2.0%), and Chad (1.9%) together accounted for just 6.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020

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

Imports in kind, t

ECOWAS imports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 82 011 t, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11.9%, averaging a 4.1% annual decline.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India, Turkey, and China were the largest contributors to ECOWAS imports of these goods in kind. India accounted for 21.2% of imports, Turkey for 18.0%, and China for 12.2%, together making up 51.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, ECOWAS imports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares in value terms rebounded. In 2020, imports totaled 98 196 K $ US, up 24.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 78 779 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated ECOWAS imports of these goods in value terms. India (14.9% of imports), France (13.3%), and the United Kingdom (11.6%) together accounted for only 39.8% of total imports, with many smaller partners holding modest individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020