Snack Food - Central America | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Snack Food market amounts to US$1.79bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.37% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$52bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$33.96 are generated in 2024.
In the Snack Food market, volume is expected to amount to 254.00m kg by 2029. The Snack Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.1% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Snack Food market is expected to amount to 4.4kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Snack Food market covers food products that are typically eaten in between meals or as a quick bite. These meals are frequently created to be portable, simple to prepare, and easy to consume. Snack foods can be either salty or sweet. This market is divided into three submarkets: cookies and crackers, potato chips, tortilla chips, flips, and pretzels.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

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Potato chips
Extruded and expanded snacks (e.g. Cheetos, Wotsits)
Cookies and crackers
Pretzels

Dried fruit snacks
Nuts
Out-of-home consumption

The Snack Food Market in Central America is experiencing minimal growth due to various factors. These include changing consumer preferences, increasing health consciousness, and the convenience of online sales. Additionally, the sub-markets of Tortilla Chips, Flips & Pretzels, Potato Chips, and Cookies & Crackers also influence the overall market. Despite the slow growth, the market is expected to continue expanding as more consumers seek healthier snacking options.

Customer preferences: As consumer demand for healthier snacking options continues to rise, manufacturers are responding by introducing a wider range of plant-based and functional snacks. This trend is driven by a growing interest in plant-based diets and a desire for snacks that provide added health benefits, such as increased energy or improved digestion. Additionally, with a rise in health-conscious younger consumers, there is also a push towards snacks that are free from artificial ingredients and preservatives, further driving the popularity of plant-based and functional snacks in the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market.

Trends in the market: In Central America, the Snack Food Market within the Confectionery & Snacks Market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier snack options. This trend is driven by the growing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the rise of health-conscious consumers. As a result, manufacturers are introducing new products with natural and organic ingredients, and retailers are expanding their selection of healthier snacks. This trend is expected to continue, as consumers are increasingly seeking nutritious yet convenient snack options. The shift towards healthier snacks presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into this growing market and cater to the evolving consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances: In Central America, the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse cultural heritage. The use of local ingredients and traditional flavors in snack products is a key differentiating factor. Additionally, regulatory policies favoring locally-produced goods have led to a rise in domestic snack brands. The region's strong tourism industry has also contributed to the growth of the market, with an emphasis on offering unique and authentic snack experiences to visitors.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is greatly impacted by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and financial indicators. Countries with stable and growing economies, supportive fiscal policies, and increasing investments in the food industry are experiencing significant growth in the snack food market. On the other hand, regions with economic instability, weak fiscal policies, and limited investments in the food sector are facing challenges in market growth. Additionally, the rising demand for healthy and convenient food options, driven by changing consumer preferences and lifestyles, is also influencing the performance of the snack food market in Central America.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.