Global Wafer Biscuits Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Cream-Filled Wafer Biscuits, Chocolate-Coated Wafer Biscuits, Plain Wafer Biscuits, Fruit-Filled Wafer Biscuits), By Consumer (Children, Teenagers, Adults), By Packaging Type (Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging, Bulk Packaging), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Specialty Stores) and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033.

Global Wafer Biscuits Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Wafer Biscuits Market Size was estimated at USD 105.74 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 3.15% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Wafer Biscuits Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 144.12 Billion by 2033
• Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The global wafer biscuits market size was worth around USD 105.74 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 144.12 billion by 2033 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.15 % between 2023 and 2033. The wafer biscuits market is being driven by increasing demand for convenient snacks, changing consumer preferences, product innovation, variety, marketing, and branding and Asia Pacific is an emerging key growth region.

Market Overview

The wafer biscuits industry is the category in the food industry that deals with the processing, distribution, and consumption of wafer biscuits. They are made up of several thin sheets of baked dough positioned one over the other with layers of sweet fillings, e.g., cream, chocolate, or sometimes even fruit-flavored pastes that make them versatile as well as a luxurious snack option. The unique texture of wafer biscuits is owed to their low water content and the painstaking baking process that gives them their signature airy crunch. Wafer biscuits can be combined with other bakery products, including cakes, pastries, and ice cream. The market consists of a range of wafer biscuits, from single-layer to multi-layer types, and encompasses a broad range of packaging and price options. One of the key opportunities in the wafer biscuits market is the increasing demand for healthier and more nutritious snacks. Consumers are looking for snacks that provide indulgence as well as health benefits. Moreover, brands are now introducing new products that contain novel ingredients, including exotic fruits, flavorful spices, and even healthy alternatives like protein-fortified wafers. This diversification is not only more appealing to a wider clientele but also evokes interest in curious consumers in pursuit of unique snacking experiences.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the wafer biscuits market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the wafer biscuits market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the wafer biscuits market.

Driving Factors

As consumers lead increasingly busy lifestyles, the demand for snacks that can easily be taken and devoured has grown more significant. Wafer biscuits, being light in texture and with a desirable flavor, present the ideal option for those looking for convenient, filling snacks that can be consumed at any time and place. Moreover, manufacturers keep innovating with new textures, fillings, and flavors to appeal to a wider group of consumers. New forms such as chocolate-filled, cream-filled, or even healthier versions with reduced sugar or whole grains are driving market growth.

Restraining Factors

Growing awareness of certain health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases, some consumers are parting with sugary or processed snacks such as wafer biscuits. The high sugar content and very little nutritional value of traditional wafer biscuits are likely to discourage health-conscious consumers.

Market Segmentation

The wafer biscuits market share is classified into product type, consumer, packaging type, and distribution channel.

• The chocolate-coated wafer biscuits segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the product type, the wafer biscuits market is divided into cream-filled wafer biscuits, chocolate-coated wafer biscuits, plain wafer biscuits, and fruit-filled wafer biscuits. Among these, the chocolate-coated wafer biscuits segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to chocolate being a flavor enjoyed worldwide, and pairing it with wafer biscuits produces a product that is enjoyed by children and adults alike. The crunchy texture of the wafers paired with a rich chocolate coating not only adds to the flavor but also creates a visually pleasing product that will catch the eye of store shelves.

• The children segment accounted for the majority share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the consumer, the wafer biscuits market is divided into children, teenagers, and adults.  Among these, the children segment accounted for the majority share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by wafer biscuits, particularly with chocolate coating and cream filling, which are very attractive to children due to their sweet, indulgent taste and playful textures. Most wafer biscuit companies market their products to children by employing successful promotional campaigns, colorful packaging, cartoon characters, and television advertising for children's programs. These advertisements shape the choice of children.

• The flexible packaging segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the packaging type, the wafer biscuits market is divided into flexible packaging, rigid packaging, and bulk packaging. Among these, the flexible packaging segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to flexible packaging, which is generally less expensive relative to rigid packaging for the manufacturers. Production and transport costs are less so, it has become the preferred option for many mass-market wafer biscuit manufacturers. Flexible packaging, if properly executed using the right materials, can also offer an effective barrier to air and moisture, thus maintaining the freshness and crunch of wafer biscuits.

• The supermarket and hypermarket segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the distribution channel, the wafer biscuits market is divided into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and specialty stores. Among these, the supermarket and hypermarket segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to these retail channels stocking a variety of wafer biscuit brands and product types, ranging from premium to economy. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have offers, promotions, and bundle deals that can boost sales of wafer biscuits. Multi-pack promotions or bulk-buying options are also convenient for frugal families.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Wafer Biscuits Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Europe is anticipated to hold the largest share of the wafer biscuits market over the predicted timeframe.

Europe is anticipated to hold the largest share of the wafer biscuits market over the predicted timeframe.  This is attributed to the historical practice of eating biscuits and snack foods in the region. European nations, particularly those in Western Europe, possess well-developed markets for wafer biscuits, with high demand for both traditional and new forms. With innovations in the products and the use of very high-quality ingredients, the market has witnessed an impressive demand for wafer biscuits.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR in the wafer biscuits market during the forecast period. Growing demand for convenience foods, growing middle-class populations, and increasing disposable incomes in India, China, and Southeast Asian markets are propelling the growth of the market. Local manufacturers are also innovating with regional flavor profiles, creating more interest and boosting consumer coverage.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the wafer biscuits market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Nestle SA
• Mars
• Mondelez International
• United Biscuits
• Hershey Food Corp
• Antonelli Bros
• Artisan Biscuits
• Bolero
• Dukes
• Kellogg
• Lago Group
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs) 

Recent Development

• In January 2025, McVitie's has extended its Gold Billions wafer portfolio with the launch of the new Chocolate & Hazelnut flavour. The new variant will be sold only in impulse channels for six months.

• In September 2024, Hostess's Voortman brand, a U.S. seller of crème wafers, introduced a new snack-size version of its popular fan wafer cookies in vanilla and chocolate flavors. Voortman Snack Size Wafers consist of the company's classic, crunchy vanilla- and chocolate-flavored crème wafers in a convenient on-the-go snacking package.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the wafer biscuits market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Wafer Biscuits Market, By Product Type

• Cream-Filled Wafer Biscuits
• Chocolate-Coated Wafer Biscuits
• Plain Wafer Biscuits
• Fruit-Filled Wafer Biscuits

Global Wafer Biscuits Market, By Consumer

• Children
• Teenagers
• Adults

Global Wafer Biscuits Market, By Packaging Type

• Flexible Packaging
• Rigid Packaging
• Bulk Packaging

Global Wafer Biscuits Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Specialty Stores

Global Wafer Biscuits Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa