Sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers expanded in the late 2010s, with retail growth and new product formulations driving demand. Supermarkets and hypermarkets held the largest share, while the rise of online retail and the introduction of gluten-free, low-fat, high-fiber, and organic options attracted health-conscious consumers. This supported market volume growth to 472.8 thousand tons in 2019. From 2020 to 2022, however, the market faced pressure from rising industrial costs and weaker consumption, leading to a contraction in volume that bottomed out at 432.8 thousand tons in 2022.

A recovery began in 2023, with market volume jumping to 486.9 thousand tons as production and domestic consumption rebounded. The following year, volume stabilized near 484.1 thousand tons, but market value rose sharply to 1 624 million USD, reflecting clear growth in wafers, waffles, and similar products. Brands responded to demand for healthier options with reduced-sugar, high-fiber, and whole-grain varieties, while premiumization with gourmet ingredients and sophisticated packaging added value. Volatility in cocoa, sugar, and egg prices remained a challenge, but innovation and the expansion of e-commerce sales channels helped sustain the market's upward trajectory in value terms.

Production sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Spain, the output value of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers reached 1 224 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 5.4% year-on-year increase. Production grew by 9.9% between 2017 and 2020, translating to an annualized growth rate of 3.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.9%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2018, at 6.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers production in Spain rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 541.5 thousand tonnes, representing a 2.3% year-on-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest production volume was in 2018, at 506.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 4.6%.

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

Exports sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers exports from Spain increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 135.9 thousand tonnes, showing a modest rise of 6.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 9.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018, at 118.8 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.1%. The highest increase was in 2019, at 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain exported sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—France, Portugal, and the United States—collectively accounted for only 41.3% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers from Spain rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 304.8 million US dollars, up by 5.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 7.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest value was in 2018, at 281.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's export structure in value terms was highly diversified. Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom accounted for 16.2%, 14.3%, and 8.9% of exports, respectively, totaling only 39.3% of overall flows. The remaining 60.7% was distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports sweet biscuits, waffles and wafers to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers declined. In 2020, imports totaled 61.5 thousand tonnes, down by 13.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.1%. The peak import volume was in 2019, at 71.2 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers into Spain were spread across many countries. Germany, Czechia, and Italy accounted for 22.0%, 11.0%, and 10.7% of imports, respectively, jointly making up only 43.8% of total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweet biscuits, waffles, and wafers imports into Spain fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 217.2 million US dollars, reflecting a 9.2% year-on-year contraction. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The highest import value was in 2018, at 250.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.3%.

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

An analysis of import values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Germany, Italy, and France accounted for 23.0%, 13.9%, and 12.8% of imports, respectively, totaling only 49.6% of overall flows. The remaining 50.4% was attributed to other trading partners.

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

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