Sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers in Russia increased from 984 thousand tons to 1 065 thousand tons, while market volume grew from 903 thousand tons to 950 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by the entry of new recipes, flavors, and brands, alongside a growing trend toward products with reduced sugar and artificial additives. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated demand, as changed consumer habits boosted sales of packaged biscuits convenient for home consumption. A weaker ruble also made domestic production more competitive, stimulating output.

After a slight contraction to 930 thousand tons in 2022, market volume rebounded strongly to 1 066 thousand tons by 2024. The recovery was led by a 17% surge in waffle production in 2023, coupled with sustained consumer interest in affordable sweet biscuits during periods of economic uncertainty. Manufacturers actively responded to health-conscious trends by introducing sugar-free and gluten-free waffles in single-serve packages. Production peaked at 1 182 thousand tons in 2024 before moderating to 1 157 thousand tons in 2025.

Production sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in Russia has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 1 065 thousand tonnes, marking a modest increase of 2.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 8.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

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

Exports sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 159.7 thousand tonnes, up 4.8% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 28.4%, averaging an 8.7% annual increase.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan were the key partners for Russia's exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 28.2% of exports, Belarus for 17.7%, and Kyrgyzstan for 9.9%, together making up 55.7% of total export flows.

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 exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 274.0 million US dollars, a strong increase of 17.5% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 38.1%, with an average annual rate of 11.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan remained the main markets for Russia's exports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 26.0% of exports, Belarus 17.6%, and Kyrgyzstan 8.4%, collectively accounting for 52.0% of total export value.

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, waffles and wafers to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Russia's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in volume terms increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 42.9 thousand tonnes, showing a robust growth of 18.3% compared to 2020. However, over the 2018–2021 period, imports decreased by 3.4%, averaging a 1.2% annual decline. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 36.3 thousand tonnes, following the largest drop of 18.3% in 2019.

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

During 2018–2021, Poland, Belarus, and Kazakhstan were the primary sources for Russia's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in volume terms. Poland contributed 21.7% of imports, Belarus 16.5%, and Kazakhstan 12.8%, together representing 51.0% of total import volume.

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 decrease, Russia's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms rebounded in 2021. Imports reached 131.4 million US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 29.1% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 19.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 101.8 million US dollars, after a decline of 4.0% in 2019.

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

In the 2018–2021 period, Russia's supplier base for sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers in value terms was diverse. Poland, Italy, and Germany were notable contributors, with Poland accounting for 27.5% of imports, Italy for 9.0%, and Germany for 8.9%, together making up 45.5% of total import value. Many other countries held smaller but significant shares.

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

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