Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The Western European market for bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers' wares was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2018, influenced by the entry of new players offering artisanal and gluten-free products. After a slight dip to USD 5.0 billion in 2019, market value rose to USD 5.3 billion in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for packaged baked goods and online sales.

Market value continued to grow moderately to USD 5.4 billion in 2021, supported by the expansion of vegan and plant-based segments, and tightened regulations on nutritional labeling. A minor correction to USD 5.3 billion occurred in 2022, before a significant surge to USD 7.2 billion in 2023, driven by major companies launching new high-protein product lines and the rapid growth of e-commerce channels.

Underlying trends such as sustained consumer preference for healthy options, ongoing investment in production automation, and the adoption of sustainable packaging practices contributed to market evolution throughout the period.

Production bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares in Western Europe

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

In Western Europe, 1 367 thousand tonnes of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares were produced in 2020, marking a slight increase of 1.4% compared to the previous year. Production grew by 2.4% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 374 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 2.9% occurring that same year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 1.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Europe's production of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 7 128 million US dollars, representing a 1.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value surged by 39.1%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 11.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares from Western Europe rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 2 208 thousand tonnes, up by 1.6% from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports decreased by 18.3%, with an annualized decline rate of 6.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 173 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual drop of 18.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind remained fragmented. The United Kingdom accounted for 11.9% of exports, Italy for 6.4%, and Spain for 4.0%, with these three countries together representing only 22.3% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Europe exported 11 513 million US dollars worth of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares, reflecting a slight rise of 1.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 11%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 1.2%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2018 at 10.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. The United Kingdom represented 12.5% of exports, Italy 6.2%, and Spain 4.2%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 22.9% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 77.1%.

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

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

Imports bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and bakers’ wares to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares into Western Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 088 thousand tonnes, showing a robust increase of 13.6% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 44.8%, with an annualized rate of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares were supplied to Western Europe from many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Italy, Poland, and Spain—together represented only 22.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and bakers' wares to Western Europe increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 9 102 million US dollars, which is 3.5% higher year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 13.6%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 4.3%.

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

The analysis of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Italy accounted for 12.6% of imports, Poland for 8.2%, and Spain for 4.2%, with these three countries together representing only 25.0% of total flows. A significant 75.0% was attributed to other partners.

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

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