Gingerbread and the like, sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers in Italy showed fluctuations, starting at 598.7 thousand tons in 2018. The market was characterized by the strong presence of supermarket and hypermarket channels, a growing consumer preference for convenient snacks, and the activity of historic Italian manufacturers like Balocco and Lago Group, which maintained traditional quality through mechanized yet human-controlled production. After a decline to 543.0 thousand tons in 2019, volume recovered to 621.5 thousand tons in 2020.

In 2021, the market contracted sharply to 477.1 thousand tons. The subsequent year saw a robust rebound to 653.4 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by significant investments from major confectionery companies, such as Ferrero's expansion into the wafer segment through acquisitions of foreign brands and Lindt's planned market entry. Concurrently, consumer demand shifted towards premium products, sustainable packaging innovations, and healthier options like biscuits with reduced sugar, higher fiber content, and fruit fillings, which contributed to both volume and value growth.

Trends from 2023 onward highlighted continued market evolution with a focus on health, sustainability, and international expansion. Italian firms consolidated their global positions, while new product launches catered to demand for indulgent yet better-for-you snacks with exotic flavors. Online sales and strong supermarket presence remained key distribution channels, supporting the market's orientation towards innovative formulations and environmentally friendly packaging.

Production gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2018, Italy's production of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers reached its lowest value at 2 062 million US dollars, declining by 8.0% from the previous year. The following year, in 2019, output peaked at 2 243 million US dollars, marking an 8.8% increase. By 2020, production had decreased slightly to 2 229 million US dollars, down 0.6% from 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in physical terms reached its lowest point in 2019 at 614.9 thousand tonnes, a 6.8% decline from the previous year. In 2020, output rebounded to 710.9 thousand tonnes, rising 15.6% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 15.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Exports gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in physical terms have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 171.8 thousand tonnes, up 6.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 21.1%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in physical terms were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Germany and France each accounted for 11.1% of exports, while the United States represented 7.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 29.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy's exports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value stood at 879.4 million US dollars, rising 6.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 34%, with an annualized rate of 10.2%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, France, Saudi Arabia, and Germany were notable but not dominant buyers of Italy's gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms. France accounted for 13.2% of export value, Saudi Arabia for 9.2%, and Germany for 8.5%. Their combined share reached 30.8% of total exports.

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

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

Imports gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in physical terms declined in 2020 to 82.4 thousand tonnes, down 7.9% from 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, with a 16.7% drop, while imports rose by 6.6% in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 18.2%, with an average annual decline of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Germany, and France were the primary sources for Italy's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in physical terms. Austria accounted for 28.2% of imports, Germany for 21.6%, and France for 12.9%. Together, they represented 62.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Italy's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 318.3 million US dollars, down 1.8% from 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 327.1 million US dollars, with a slight increase of 0.1% that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 0.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Austria, Germany, and France formed the core group of markets for Italy's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms. Austria accounted for 30.6% of import value, Germany for 19.0%, and France for 15.4%. Their combined share totaled 65.0% of total import flows.

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

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