Pastry market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian pastry market contracted in value from $924.7 million in 2018 to $831.6 million in 2020. This decline was particularly pronounced in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced impulse purchases and out-of-home consumption as home office and home dining became more common. In the preceding years, the market already showed signs of shifting consumer preferences, such as growing demand for gluten-free, lactose-free, and plant-based products, as well as a move from bread to pastry, especially among single men.

From 2021 to 2023, the aftermath of the pandemic continued to shape the market, diminishing the impulse-buying character of pastry. At the same time, dynamic growth in e-commerce opened new sales channels, and the emergence of foreign platforms like Temu and Shein increased variety and price competition. Major food companies, such as Bonafarm Group, adapted to these changes by expanding digital services like omnichannel sales and mobile apps to maintain competitiveness.

By 2024, sustainability and health-conscious trends strengthened, boosting demand for local, seasonal, and ecological products. However, the FMCG sector faced volatility, variable costs, and import pressure, creating challenges for pastry producers, especially for higher-value-added items. Innovation and digitalization remained key to sustaining market position amid evolving consumer demand and inflationary pressures.

Production pastry in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's pastry production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 701.6 million US dollars, down 10.2% from 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, production decreased by 15.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

On a global scale, Hungary ranked as the 10th largest producer of pastry from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of pastry, 2018-2021

World map of production of pastry, 2018-2021

Pastry production in Hungary declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 2.3 thousand tonnes were produced, reflecting a sharp drop of 99.6% compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 99.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -84.2%.

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

Exports pastry from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Hungary's pastry exports increased in 2021. Exports reached 39 105 tonnes, marking a 20.6% rise from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 32 429 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 10.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania (16.9% of exports in kind), Germany (12.0%), and Czechia (11.7%) were the largest buyers of Hungarian pastry, though not dominant. Together, they accounted for 40.5% of total exports in kind, with many smaller partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, pastry shipments from Hungary abroad stood at 98.9 million US dollars, reflecting a solid increase of 22.9% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 80.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 5.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Romania (16.7% of exports in value terms), Germany (13.8%), and Czechia (10.2%) jointly accounted for 40.6% of total flows, with the rest spread among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports pastry to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Pastry imports into Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totaled 99 602 tonnes, marking a 7.4% advance from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 32.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (26.1% of imports in kind), Poland (19.1%), and Czechia (18.2%) continued to be the main suppliers of pastry to Hungary. Together, they formed 63.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of pastry into Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. Hungary imported approximately 233.8 million US dollars of pastry in 2021, constituting an 11.0% year-over-year uptick. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 30.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (28.7% of imports in value terms), Poland (15.3%), and Czechia (14.4%) formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. Their combined share was 58.5% of total flows.

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

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