Pastry market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The pastry market in South America expanded from 215 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 242.7 thousand tonnes in 2019, largely fueled by the entry of new players such as the Hora do Pastel network and a wave of franchise growth accelerated by digitalization and the rising popularity of food delivery.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains for key ingredients like meat and cooking oil, increasing production costs and temporarily reducing the market volume to 231.9 thousand tonnes. The subsequent adoption of management and automation technologies helped control costs, while optimistic projections for the foodservice sector attracted new investment, driving a strong recovery to 275.7 thousand tonnes by 2022.

By 2023, the market reached 280.9 thousand tonnes, showing signs of consolidation as major chains reported higher revenues, but also facing inflationary pressure from more expensive ingredients, which constrained further volume growth.

Production pastry in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pastry, 2017-2020

World map of production of pastry, 2017-2020

Pastry production in South America rebounded after two consecutive years of decline. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 203.4 thousand tons, but then surged by 12.6% in 2020 to 229.1 thousand tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 4.3%. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production grew by 5.4%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of pastry production in South America recovered following two years of contraction. In 2019, production value bottomed out at 1 116 million US dollars, then increased by 5.9% year-over-year to reach 1 183 million US dollars in 2020. The most significant annual decrease was recorded in 2018 at 5.9%.

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

Exports pastry from South America

Exports in kind, t

Pastry exports from South America showed strong growth in 2020, reaching 53 399 tons—a substantial 51.9% increase compared to 2019. The previous year had seen the lowest export volume at 35 155 tons, which represented a 30.1% decline from 2018. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports expanded by 9%, translating to a 2.9% compound annual growth rate.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, South America's pastry exports were distributed across a diverse range of trading partners. The United States accounted for 15.8% of export volume, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic each represented 3.9%. Together, these three countries comprised just 23.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

South America's pastry exports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 191.0 million US dollars—a 3.3% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 7.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.3%.

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

The geographical distribution of pastry export value from South America remained highly diversified throughout 2017-2020. The United States represented 20.4% of export value, followed by the Dominican Republic at 3.3% and Panama at 2.6%. These three markets together accounted for only 26.2% of total flows, with the remaining 73.8% spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports pastry to South America

Imports in kind, t

Pastry imports into South America declined in 2020 after two years of growth, falling 24.6% to approximately 56 217 tons. The peak import volume occurred in 2019 at 74 513 tons, which represented a 29.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 14.5%, corresponding to a 4.6% compound annual growth rate.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South America sourced pastry imports from many countries worldwide. Even the three largest suppliers—Spain, the United States, and Belgium—collectively represented only 23.2% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of pastry imports into South America decreased in 2020 following two years of growth, declining by 12.2% to 219.3 million US dollars. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 249.9 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 14.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 4.2%, equating to a 1.4% annualized rate.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, pastry import value into South America showed limited concentration among major suppliers. Spain accounted for 11.2% of import value, the United States for 9.3%, and Belgium for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 26.7% of total import flows.

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

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