Sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers market in Romania, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers in Romania saw moderate volume growth alongside changing consumption patterns. A reported drop in domestic production of almost 11 500 tons in 2018, attributed to lower demand and raw material costs, set the stage for subsequent shifts. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reduced average per-purchase consumption by 7%, but this was partly offset by a strong rise in multipack format sales, reflecting a move toward larger pack sizes. As a result, market volume increased from 99 482 tons in 2019 to 102 550 tons in 2020, while market value grew more sharply from 216.1 million US dollars to 242.7 million US dollars, signaling early premiumization trends.

Between 2021 and 2024, market value growth accelerated, reaching 352.4 million US dollars by 2024, driven largely by premium segment expansion and health-conscious innovation. The launch of chocolate-branded biscuits like Milka and Mulino Bianco, alongside new whole-grain and sugar-free lines such as Dare, catered to evolving consumer preferences. Significant sales increases for brands like Roshen Wafers, supported by promotional campaigns, and ongoing production investments—including new lines with capacities over 6 700 t/year—boosted supply. However, sugar inflation and higher raw material prices in 2022 dampened sales of plain sweet biscuits by over 10%, contributing to a slight stabilization in physical volume, with market size settling at 99 661 tons in 2024. Regulatory updates, including the maintained exclusion of Nutriscore labeling and strengthened traceability rules, continued to shape the product assortment.

Production sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Romania's production of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers was valued at 96.1 million US dollars, marking a year-on-year decrease of 3.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 45 832 tonnes of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers, showing a moderate year-on-year decline of 9.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 24.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers from Romania declined. In 2020, exports totaled 13 216 tonnes, representing a significant decrease of 15.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 15 596 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 20.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in kind were not highly concentrated. Bulgaria accounted for 10.9% of exports, Turkey for 9.7%, and Hungary for 9.3%, with these three countries together capturing only 30.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, Romania's exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 36.2 million US dollars, indicating a loss of 25.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 48.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 26.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Romania's exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. Bulgaria accounted for 19.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 8.5%, and Hungary for 7.9%, with these three countries jointly representing only 35.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 69 934 tonnes, reflecting a moderate rise of 8.8% over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 36%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in kind came from a broad portfolio of suppliers. Poland contributed 23.3% of imports, Ukraine 11.9%, and Germany 11.9%, with these three countries together accounting for only 47.1% of total imports, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers to Romania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 182.8 million US dollars, equivalent to a gain of 11.0% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 50%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.5%.

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

In 2017-2020, Poland, Germany, and Ukraine were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Romania's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms. Poland accounted for 31.3% of imports, Germany for 12.9%, and Ukraine for 8.4%, with a combined share of 52.7% of total flows.

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

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