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

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for baker's wares in Lebanon remained relatively high at around 37 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, despite the onset of an economic crisis that saw the price of bread double within a year and the Lebanese pound collapse against the dollar, severely reducing purchasing power. This crisis culminated in a sharp contraction of the market to 16.7 thousand tons in 2020.

A partial recovery followed, with the market expanding to 30.3 thousand tons in 2022, largely driven by increased imports. This growth occurred amidst an escalating bread crisis and flour shortages, which likely prompted higher import volumes to meet domestic demand. However, this rebound was reversed in 2023 when the market volume fell to 17.4 thousand tons, as the country experienced one of the world's highest rates of food price inflation, severely constraining consumer spending and import capacity.

Into 2024, the regulatory environment remained tight with the continued ban on exports of key food items, while the Ministry of Economy launched price transparency initiatives aiming to stabilize the market. The ongoing economic pressures, regional conflict, and soaring cost of living continued to shape the trade dynamics for baker's wares.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, 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

Lebanon's production of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 5 930 tonnes, showing only minor fluctuations compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 6.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 5 923 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a decline of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Lebanon's production of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 18 460 thousand US dollars, down 6.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 4.5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 20 122 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lebanon in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Lebanon's exports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares reached 5 023 tonnes, marking a significant 34.2% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 3 744 tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 6 075 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 38.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia were the leading destinations for Lebanon's exports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares in volume terms. Iraq accounted for 25.2% of exports, Jordan for 19.5%, and Saudi Arabia for 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented 51.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Lebanon's exports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares rose to 15.6 million US dollars, up 25.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values increased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12.4 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 20.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 38.0% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 36.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon's export market for bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares in value terms was quite dispersed. Iraq held 24.3% of exports, Jordan 16.5%, and Saudi Arabia 8.2%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 49.0% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's imports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 15 750 tonnes, representing a sharp year-over-year contraction of 54.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 57.9%, averaging an annual decline of 25.1%.

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

An analysis of Lebanon's import volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. Turkey was the largest source with 27.7% of imports, followed by Saudi Arabia at 10.9% and Egypt at 8.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 46.7% of total import flows, while the remaining 53.3% came from various other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Lebanon's imports of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value dropped to 34.8 million US dollars, which is 65.6% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 69.5%, with an average annual decrease of 32.7%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 120.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Belgium were among the top suppliers of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares to Lebanon in value terms. Turkey accounted for 22.8% of imports, Saudi Arabia for 10.6%, and Belgium for 8.9%. However, even combined, these three countries represented only 42.4% of total import value, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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