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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Spanish market for gingerbread, sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers expanded from 457 thousand tons to 465 thousand tons, with a peak of 471 thousand tons in 2019. Retail sector growth, particularly in supermarkets and hypermarkets, enhanced product availability, while new health-oriented formulations like gluten-free and organic biscuits attracted consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reinforced demand for convenient and affordable snacks, helping to maintain market volume near 465 thousand tons.

From 2021 to 2022, the market faced headwinds. Persistent high raw material costs, tax pressures, and supply chain constraints impacted the industry, contributing to a drop in market volume to 430 thousand tons in 2022. Despite this, innovation in exotic flavors and the rise of e-commerce as a sales channel continued, reflecting ongoing consumer interest in variety and convenience.

A significant recovery occurred in 2023, with market volume jumping to 484 thousand tons. This surge was driven by clean-label trends, functional nutrient incorporation, and strategic partnerships such as Grupo Bimbo's collaboration with Oobli. Holiday-inspired products like gingerbread also fueled growth. In 2024, the market stabilized at 483 thousand tons, supported by continuous flavor innovations, eco-friendly packaging demand, and the consolidation of e-commerce as a key distribution route.

Production gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Spain, the production value of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers reached 1 227 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 6.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Production of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in Spain rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, output totaled 542.4 thousand tonnes, up 2.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest production level was observed in 2018 at 507.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%. Conversely, the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 4.5%.

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

Exports gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers from Spain grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 139.8 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 5.4% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 123.2 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.2%. The most significant increase happened in 2019, with a jump of 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers from Spain were distributed across numerous markets. Portugal accounted for 18.0% of export volumes, France for 17.1%, and the United States for 6.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 42.0% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export shipments of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers from Spain increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 311.1 million US dollars, up 5.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of exports for gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers from Spain was widely spread across partner countries. Portugal contributed 16.6% of export value, France 14.4%, and the United Kingdom 8.9%. Combined, these three markets made up only 39.9% of total export flows, reflecting a broad distribution.

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

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

Imports gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, import volumes of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers into Spain declined. In 2020, imports stood at 62.6 thousand tonnes, down 14.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 73.2 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 8.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, imports of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers into Spain were highly diversified across partner countries. Germany accounted for 22.1% of import volumes, Czechia for 10.8%, and Italy for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.6% of total import flows, showing a wide spread of sources.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import volumes of gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers into Spain fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 221.9 million US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 9.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 3.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 1.0%. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 256.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms for gingerbread and similar products, sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers into Spain remained highly diversified. Germany contributed 23.1% of import value, Italy 13.8%, and France 12.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 49.5% of total import flows, with the remaining 50.5% coming from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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