Brazil Biscuit Market By Type (Crackers & Savory Biscuits, Sweet Biscuits, Wafers, Functional/Energetic Biscuits, Others), By Packaging (Pouches/Packets, Boxes, Cans/Jars, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialist Retailers, Online, Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Brazil Biscuit Market was valued at USD 3.02 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.41 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.57% during the forecast period. The demand for biscuits has risen due to urbanization and the global increase in the working population, leading to a higher need for ready-to-eat food products. Additionally, the growth of the retail sector, including the rise in hypermarkets, supermarkets, and retail stores, has further driven the biscuit market in the country.

In the first half of 2024, Brazil exported 31,000 tons of biscuits, valued at USD 71.2 million, to 115 countries. The United States, Paraguay, and Uruguay were the leading destinations, accounting for 51% of the total exports. Brazil is the primary supplier of biscuits to Paraguay, making up almost 60% of its imports, and ranks second in Uruguay with 50%. Wafers were the most significant export, with 12,100 tons worth USD 36.8 million, reflecting a 4% increase in value compared to the previous year. Traditional biscuits like cream crackers and filled varieties contributed USD 31.1 million, with 17,400 tons exported.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Disposable Income

The rising disposable income in Brazil is one of the primary drivers of the biscuit market. As the economy improves and the middle class expands, Brazilian consumers have more purchasing power to spend on processed and packaged food products, such as biscuits. A growing number of people can afford to buy snacks as part of their regular consumption, contributing to the increased demand for biscuits. Furthermore, biscuits are seen as an affordable snack option that appeals to people of all age groups. In urban areas, where lifestyle changes and hectic work schedules prevail, people often prefer convenient and ready-to-eat snacks like biscuits, driving up their consumption. With more disposable income, consumers are willing to spend on premium or innovative biscuit variants, such as organic, low-sugar, or gluten-free options, which are gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals. As Brazil continues to see improvements in the economic conditions, the demand for biscuits is expected to grow, encouraging both local and international brands to innovate and introduce new products into the market. This trend has been further accelerated by rising retail access and online shopping, where people can conveniently purchase a variety of biscuit products, increasing market reach and consumer consumption.

Urbanization and Changing Lifestyles

Urbanization in Brazil has significantly influenced the demand for packaged snacks, especially biscuits. As more people migrate to cities for better employment and education opportunities, urban lifestyles often require convenience in food choices. Busy work schedules, long commutes, and the fast pace of city life have led consumers to look for quick, easy-to-consume snack options that require little preparation. Biscuits fit perfectly into this lifestyle, as they are portable, shelf-stable, and widely available. Additionally, urban dwellers are more exposed to global trends and international food options, further driving the popularity of biscuits. The convenience factor is particularly significant in Brazil's fast-growing retail sector, where supermarkets and convenience stores play a vital role in providing a wide range of biscuits, catering to the needs of urban consumers. Moreover, these products are not just snacks but are increasingly being used for occasions like breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. With the urban population continuing to rise, the demand for biscuits as an everyday snack is expected to increase, ensuring sustained market growth.

Growing Demand for Health-Conscious Snacks

Health-conscious consumers in Brazil are gradually shifting toward healthier snack options, which has led to a rise in demand for specialized biscuit products. While traditional biscuits, often loaded with sugar and fats, have faced criticism for contributing to obesity and other health issues, there has been a marked increase in demand for biscuits with healthier ingredients. This shift has prompted manufacturers to innovate and offer biscuits with low sugar, high fiber, gluten-free, or organic ingredients, catering to the growing segment of health-conscious individuals. As people become more aware of the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, they are seeking out biscuits that are not only convenient but also align with their health goals. This trend is particularly strong among younger generations and those with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegans or individuals with gluten intolerance. Brands are also leveraging this demand by incorporating superfoods like chia seeds, oats, and quinoa into their biscuits to attract health-conscious consumers. The increasing availability of such healthy biscuits in mainstream retail outlets has made it easier for consumers to make healthier snack choices. The Biscuit People Conference 2024 in Curitiba, Brazil, highlighted the latest trends, innovations, and challenges within the biscuit industry. Key discussions focused on sustainable practices, new product development, and the growing demand for healthier, more premium biscuits. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving consumer preferences, such as the increasing shift toward plant-based and gluten-free options. The conference also addressed advancements in biscuit manufacturing technology and the need for greater efficiency and quality control in production.

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Key Market Challenges

Health Concerns and Increasing Health Consciousness

One of the major challenges facing the Brazil Biscuit Market is the growing awareness of health issues associated with the consumption of processed foods, including biscuits. Many traditional biscuits are high in sugar, fats, and preservatives, which has led to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and other health-related problems among consumers. As the Brazilian population becomes more health-conscious, especially among younger generations, there is a rising demand for healthier alternatives to traditional snacks. In response to these concerns, many consumers are shifting toward low-sugar, low-fat, gluten-free, organic, and high-protein options, which require biscuit manufacturers to invest in reformulation and product innovation. However, this comes with its own set of challenges, including higher production costs and the complexity of ensuring that healthier versions of biscuits still maintain the taste and texture that consumers expect. For companies that produce traditional biscuits, meeting this demand for healthier options while maintaining their current consumer base can be difficult. Additionally, regulations around food labeling and nutritional content have become stricter, meaning manufacturers must stay compliant with evolving health and safety standards. The challenge is balancing consumer preferences for indulgent snacks with the growing need for healthier products, which requires constant innovation, marketing, and investment in R&D.

Rising Raw Material Costs

Another significant challenge facing the Brazil Biscuit Market is the fluctuation in raw material costs, particularly wheat, sugar, and fats, which are crucial ingredients in biscuit production. Brazil, like many countries, is affected by global supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and climatic conditions that impact the availability and cost of these raw materials. For instance, wheat prices can fluctuate based on international trade agreements, crop yields, or weather-related disruptions, such as droughts or floods. Sugar prices may rise due to changes in government policies, such as taxes or subsidies. In addition, fluctuations in the cost of oils and fats, essential for producing biscuits with the right texture and shelf life, can add to the overall production costs. When these raw material prices increase, biscuit manufacturers face the challenge of either absorbing the extra cost or passing it onto consumers through higher product prices. This situation can have significant consequences for small and medium-sized biscuit producers, who may lack the resources to mitigate these price hikes. Larger companies may also struggle to maintain profitability if costs continue to rise. In an environment of intense competition, price increases can deter price-sensitive consumers, leading to a decline in sales. Hence, managing raw material costs effectively is a critical challenge for companies operating in the Brazil Biscuit Market.

 Key Market Trends

Growing Demand for Healthier Biscuits

A major trend in the Brazil Biscuit Market is the growing consumer preference for healthier biscuit options. As awareness of the health risks associated with high sugar, fat, and artificial additives rises, Brazilian consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer better nutritional profiles. Health-conscious consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are opting for biscuits that are lower in sugar, high in fiber, organic, or gluten-free, as part of a broader shift towards healthier eating habits. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by reformulating existing products and launching new lines of biscuits that cater to the demand for healthier ingredients. For instance, biscuits made with whole grains, oats, quinoa, or even functional ingredients like chia seeds and protein are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, products with reduced sugar content or those that utilize natural sweeteners like stevia are gaining traction among health-focused individuals. The rise of gluten-free and vegan biscuits also reflects the increasing number of people with dietary restrictions or those choosing plant-based diets. This trend is not only driven by consumer preferences but also by regulatory pressures and the increasing focus on health and wellness in Brazil. As more consumers become aware of the negative effects of traditional, heavily processed biscuits, they are seeking options that are perceived as more aligned with their health goals.

Premiumization and Product Innovation

Another key trend in the Brazil Biscuit Market is the growing demand for premium biscuits. As disposable income increases, Brazilian consumers are increasingly willing to spend on high-quality biscuits that offer unique flavors, textures, and ingredients. This trend toward premiumization is particularly evident in urban areas, where consumers are more exposed to global trends and are willing to pay a premium for gourmet or specialty biscuits. Premium biscuits often feature high-end ingredients such as Belgian chocolate, natural fruit fillings, or exotic spices, catering to consumers who are looking for indulgent yet distinctive snack experiences. Additionally, brands are introducing innovative flavors and combinations, such as matcha, salted caramel, or gluten-free options, to stand out in a competitive market. The rise in gourmet biscuits reflects broader consumer preferences for unique, artisanal, and crafted food products over mass-produced, generic snacks. For companies, the premiumization trend provides an opportunity to tap into a higher-margin market segment, but it also requires careful attention to quality, branding, and consumer perceptions of value. Premium biscuits often rely on packaging that highlights the product's premium nature, such as eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, or recyclable packaging that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. However, producing premium biscuits can come with higher production costs, requiring companies to strike the right balance between quality and price.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

In the Brazil Biscuit Market, Sweet Biscuits dominate the market segment due to their widespread popularity among a diverse range of consumers. These biscuits are favored for their indulgent taste and versatility, making them a go-to snack for various occasions, including breakfast, tea time, or as a casual snack. Sweet biscuits are typically enjoyed by people of all age groups, particularly children and adults, who seek a quick, satisfying treat. The dominance of sweet biscuits is also driven by their wide range of flavors and variants. From chocolate and cream-filled biscuits to fruit-flavored and shortbread varieties, the vast array of options appeals to different consumer tastes. Moreover, sweet biscuits are often marketed as comfort foods, which adds to their appeal in Brazilian culture, where snacking plays an important role in daily life. Additionally, the increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks further boosts the consumption of sweet biscuits. With the rise of urbanization and busy lifestyles, consumers tend to gravitate toward products that are easy to consume on-the-go, and sweet biscuits fit this demand perfectly. Given their popularity, sweet biscuits continue to hold the largest share of the market, with manufacturers focusing on innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences, including the introduction of healthier options and premium variants.

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Regional Insights

The South-East region of Brazil was the dominant region in the Brazil Biscuit Market, accounting for a significant share of the overall market due to its large population, higher income levels, and urbanized cities. This region includes major economic hubs like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, which are not only densely populated but also have higher purchasing power compared to other regions of the country. As a result, there is a greater demand for both mass-market and premium biscuit products. The South-East is Brazil's industrial and commercial heartland, contributing to its dominant position in the biscuit market. The concentration of supermarkets, convenience stores, and modern retail formats in urban areas makes biscuits easily accessible to consumers. Additionally, the region’s growing consumer awareness of food trends, such as health-conscious eating, has driven manufacturers to innovate and offer a wide range of biscuit options, including healthier and premium varieties. Moreover, the South-East is home to a large number of food manufacturers and distributors, facilitating smooth production, distribution, and availability of biscuit products across the region. The combination of economic prosperity, urbanization, and a strong retail infrastructure makes the South-East the key driver of the Brazil Biscuit Market.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Nestle announced a major investment boost in Brazil’s confectionery production, committing USD 550.8 million over the next three years. This announcement follows Nestlé’s acquisition of the renowned Brazilian chocolate brand, Garoto. The company plans to accelerate product development and enhance sustainable sourcing through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, which has been promoting regenerative agriculture in the cocoa supply chain since 2010.
• In 2024, Coca-Cola and OREO brands announced a collaboration, introducing two limited-edition products: the OREO Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and the Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition beverage. These offerings combine the iconic flavors of both brands, featuring unique designs and packaging that celebrate their partnership. The products are available in select markets, including Brazil, offering consumers a chance to experience this exciting collaboration.
• In 2023, Marilan, Brazil's largest biscuit manufacturers, partnered with Nickelodeon Brasil to launch a range of nutritious PAW Patrol-branded biscuits for children. These biscuits combine fun, flavor, and nutrition, making them an ideal choice for both kids and parents. Marilan, established 59 years ago, is the second-largest biscuit manufacturer in Brazil, with its plant located in Marília, São Paulo State.  

Key Market Players

• Mondelez Brasil LTDA
• Nestlé Brasil Ltd.
• M. Dias Branco S.A.
• Marilan Alimentos S/A
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Bauducco Foods, Inc.
• Germani Alimentos LTDA
• Biscobom Alimentos LTDA
• Bagley do Brasil Alimentos LTDA
• Casa Bauducco

Report Scope:

In this report, the Brazil Biscuit Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Brazil Biscuit Market, By Type:

o   Crackers & Savory Biscuits

o   Sweet Biscuits

o   Wafers

o   Functional/Energetic Biscuits

o   Others

• Brazil Biscuit Market, By Packaging:

o   Pouches/Packets

o   Boxes

o   Cans/Jars

o   Others

• Brazil Biscuit Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

o   Convenience Stores

o   Specialist Retailers

o   Online

o   Others

• Brazil Biscuit Market, By Region:

o   North

o   North-East

o   South

o   Central-West

o   South-East

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Brazil Biscuit Market.

Available Customizations:

Brazil Biscuit Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).