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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, production of gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers in Russia grew from 984 thousand tons to 1 037 thousand tons. This increase was partly supported by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which heightened demand for long-shelf-life confectionery items. Manufacturers also adapted to health-conscious trends by expanding ranges with sugar-free and gluten-free options.

From 2021 onward, market dynamics were influenced by geopolitical factors. Sanctions and trade restrictions from 2022 stimulated domestic output as imports of premium products declined, and a new RUB 2.5 billion confectionery plant opened in Moscow Oblast, adding capacity. Rising costs for raw materials and logistics in 2023 led to higher retail prices, yet demand remained robust for affordable flour-based sweets, supporting continued production growth.

By 2024, output reached 1 182 thousand tons, with wafer production alone rising 17% compared to 2022. Innovations such as reduced-sugar and high-protein products catered to evolving consumer preferences. In 2025, production experienced a slight decrease to 1 157 thousand tons, marking a stabilization after several years of expansion.

Production gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 1 065 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 8.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers have expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 164.8 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate rise of 4.4% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 28.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan were the top buyers of Russian gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers by volume. Kazakhstan accounted for 28.2% of exports, Belarus for 18.0%, and Kyrgyzstan for 9.6%. Together, these three countries made up 55.8% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of Russia's exports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, export value reached 279.6 million US dollars, a 17.3% year-on-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 37.9%, averaging an 11.3% annualized rate.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and China were the leading markets for Russian gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers by value. Kazakhstan represented 26.0% of export value, Belarus 17.8%, and China 8.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 52.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Russia's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers rebounded in 2021. Imports stood at approximately 44.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting an 18.9% year-on-year advance. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 4%, with an average annual decline of 1.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 37.3 thousand tonnes, following the largest drop of 18.7% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Belarus, and Kazakhstan were the main sources of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers imported into Russia by volume. Poland contributed 21.9% of imports, Belarus 16.8%, and Kazakhstan 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 51.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Russia's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers by value increased in 2021. Import value reached 135.7 million US dollars, indicating a 29.4% rise compared to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 104.9 million US dollars, after a 4.1% decline in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's imports of gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers by value came from a diverse range of markets. Poland was the largest source at 27.7%, followed by Germany at 9.5% and Italy at 8.7%. These three countries together accounted for 45.9% of total import value, with the remaining 54.1% spread across numerous smaller destinations.

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

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