Sweet biscuits market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the sweet biscuits market in Russia expanded from 679 thousand metric tons to 740 thousand metric tons. This growth was primarily fueled by import substitution, as reduced supplies from Ukraine and a favorable exchange rate stimulated domestic production. Simultaneously, the market benefited from assortment innovations, including new low-sugar varieties and composite confectionery items, which attracted consumer interest. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further supported demand by shifting consumption toward affordable packaged goods and accelerating the adoption of online sales channels.

Geopolitical tensions and international sanctions led to a market contraction to 714 thousand metric tons in 2022, affecting trade flows and consumer sentiment. However, the market rebounded strongly to 771 thousand metric tons in 2023 and reached 808 thousand metric tons in 2024. This recovery was underpinned by continued import substitution, with the import share falling below 3%, and the growing consumer preference for healthier options, such as biscuits with reduced sugar content. Additionally, a major capacity expansion occurred with the construction of a new large-scale biscuit factory in the Moscow region in 2022.

Regulatory developments shaped the market environment, as the government announced mandatory labeling for sweets and confectionery, including biscuits, effective from March 1, 2026, prompting industry-wide adjustments in packaging and logistics. Retail prices for biscuits rose throughout the period, yet demand remained robust due to the proliferation of new distribution formats like mobile outlets and café-bakeries, alongside continuous product renewal and segmentation.

Production sweet biscuits in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's sweet biscuit production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 799.9 thousand tons of sweet biscuits, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 11.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

Exports sweet biscuits from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's sweet biscuit exports have expanded for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 91 301 tons, showing a 6.5% increase relative to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 30.3%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 9.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan were the top buyers of Russian sweet biscuits in terms of volume. Kazakhstan accounted for 31.4% of exports, Belarus for 17.4%, and Kyrgyzstan for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 60.3% of total sweet biscuit exports from Russia.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's sweet biscuit exports in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 138.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 20.2% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 41.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan led the value-based export structure for Russian sweet biscuits. Kazakhstan contributed 28.8% of export value, Belarus 17.2%, and Kyrgyzstan 10.2%. Collectively, these countries made up 56.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sweet biscuits to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Russia's sweet biscuit imports rebounded in 2021. Imports amounted to 29 404 tons, up by 9.7% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 26 802 tons, following the largest decline of 10.5% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's sweet biscuit import sources were diverse. Poland, Belarus, and Italy were the leading suppliers by volume, with Poland accounting for 19.3% of imports, Belarus for 14.0%, and Italy for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 43.6% of total imports, while numerous other nations held smaller but significant shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Russia's sweet biscuit imports in value terms increased in 2021. Imports reached 138.5 million US dollars, indicating a 15.5% advance compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 67.7 million US dollars, after the largest decline of 8.2% in 2019.

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

During 2018-2021, Russia's sweet biscuit import partners in value terms were quite varied. Poland, Italy, and Belarus were the top contributors, with Poland representing 21.2% of import value, Italy 13.1%, and Belarus 7.2%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 41.5% of total import flows.

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

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