Pastry market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The pastry market in Northern Africa expanded strongly from 2018 to 2022, with physical volume growing from 57 588 tonnes to 110 751 tonnes. This growth was supported by a rise in domestic production from 47 262 tonnes to 73 744 tonnes and a near-tripling of imports, which reached 54 514 tonnes. In value terms, the market increased from 196.8 million US dollars to 402.3 million US dollars over the same period.

Market volume dipped to 101 215 tonnes in 2023, though the value remained high at 397.7 million US dollars, indicating a shift toward more premium products. The sector is characterized by dynamic investment, such as the entry of equipment supplier Mecatherm into Algeria through a major sale of industrial production lines to the Benamor group, enhancing local manufacturing capacity. Concurrently, the growth of e-commerce has improved access to high-quality pastry products, stimulating regional demand.

Consumer trends are shifting toward premiumization and an appreciation for culinary traditions, while global factors like rising prices for key inputs such as cocoa, eggs, and sugar are pressuring producer margins. Changing lifestyles, including higher disposable income and greater demand for takeaway and delivery services, continue to influence consumption patterns across North Africa.

Production pastry in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pastry, 2017-2020

World map of production of pastry, 2017-2020

Pastry production in Northern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 64 868 tonnes of pastry, marking a 14.1% year-over-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 46.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Pastry production in Northern Africa has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 220.7 million US dollars, representing a strong gain of 10.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 38.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 148.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 35.1% rise.

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

Exports pastry from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, pastry export volumes from Northern Africa declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 11 147 tonnes, corresponding to a limited fall of 8.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 26.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 12 133 tonnes, following the largest increase of 32.6% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

The country composition of pastry exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Spain accounted for 7.6% of exports, Jordan for 6.6%, and Yemen for 6.5%, together forming just 20.8% of total flows. The remaining 79.2% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, cross-border shipments of pastry from Northern Africa declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 37 922 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial decrease of 11.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 19.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 42 782 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, pastry exports in value terms from Northern Africa were not concentrated on a few key markets. France accounted for 11.1% of exports, Jordan for 7.1%, and Yemen for 6.7%, jointly making up only 24.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports pastry to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, imported pastry volumes in Northern Africa declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 29 586 tonnes, marking a limited contraction of 6.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 100.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 26.1%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 31 485 tonnes, following the largest increase of 49.0% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Italy formed the core of pastry imports in kind for Northern Africa. Turkey accounted for 24.8% of imports, Spain for 15.7%, and Italy for 9.5%, together taking 50.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, imported pastry volumes in Northern Africa declined. In 2020, imports came to 82 826 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate decline of 3.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 113.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 28.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 85 767 thousand US dollars, following the largest increase of 63.6% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017 to 2020, pastry imports in value terms to Northern Africa relied on a wide range of partner countries. Turkey accounted for 20.1% of imports, Spain for 13.7%, and Italy for 12.2%, together taking just 46.0% of total flows.

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

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