Pastry market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the pastry market volume in Portugal expanded from 703.6 thousand tonnes to 755.7 thousand tonnes. This growth was driven by technological innovations in frozen pastry production, which helped manufacturers adapt to economic conditions, and by emerging consumer demand for healthier options like whole-grain and fiber-rich products. Companies such as Panike focused on nutrition and food safety, while the growth of the frozen dough segment was supported by the hotel and restaurant channel.

In 2020, market volume slightly decreased to 753.3 thousand tonnes as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the key hospitality sales channel. However, the crisis accelerated consumer adoption of frozen pastry items. By 2021, the market contracted sharply to 415.2 thousand tonnes. Sector reports from that year highlighted persistent cost pressures for raw materials, energy, and transport, linked to global supply chain tensions, which likely contributed to the decline. Major player Panidor recorded sales growth by expanding exports and promoting frozen pastry as a 'new fresh' segment.

For the period after 2021, industry factors indicated a rebound in sector turnover to €850 million in 2022, driven by post-pandemic demand and price increases, although volatility from the war in Ukraine affected input costs. Consumer preferences continued to shift toward plant-based and natural-ingredient options, encouraging further innovation across the sector.

Production pastry in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Pastry production in Portugal has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 901 million US dollars, representing a dramatic drop of 37.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 41.7%, which equates to an annualized decline rate of 16.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal ranked 5th globally in pastry production volume.

Top producers of pastry, 2018-2021

World map of production of pastry, 2018-2021

After a two-year increase, Portugal's pastry production volume declined. In 2021, 391.5 thousand tonnes of pastry were produced, marking a sharp drop of 46.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 42%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.6%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 730.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 7.6% rise.

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

Exports pastry from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

Pastry exports from Portugal have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 104.1 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate year-on-year rise of 8.1%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom remained the main buyers of Portuguese pastry by volume. Spain accounted for 44.9% of exports, France for 12.9%, and the United Kingdom for 12.5%. Together, these three countries formed 70.4% of Portugal's total pastry exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Portugal's pastry exports have increased for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2021, exports amounted to 286.9 million US dollars, marking a gain of 14.0% year-on-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 241.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of Portuguese pastry by value. Spain accounted for 35.7% of exports, France for 14.7%, and the United Kingdom for 13.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 63.4% of Portugal's total pastry exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports pastry to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Portugal imported 104.1 thousand tonnes of pastry in 2021, corresponding to an advance of 7.3% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 8.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 with a 0.5% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Germany formed the main group of sources for pastry imports to Portugal by volume. Spain accounted for 69.5% of imports, France for 10.1%, and Germany for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented 87.8% of total pastry import flows in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year contraction, Portugal's pastry imports increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 326.8 million US dollars, representing a significant rise of 15.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 283.1 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 1.9% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Spain, Germany, and France—together absorbed 84.2% of Portugal's total pastry imports in value terms.

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

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