Snack Food - Southern Europe | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Snack Food market amounts to US$19.20bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.41% (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$81.14 are generated in 2024.
In the Snack Food market, volume is expected to amount to 2.86bn kg by 2029. The Snack Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.3% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Snack Food market is expected to amount to 11.0kg 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.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

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 Southern Europe is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as the increasing adoption of online shopping, changing consumer preferences, and the convenience of digital platforms. Despite the slow growth, the market for Tortilla Chips, Flips & Pretzels, Potato Chips, and Cookies & Crackers remains competitive due to the rising demand for healthier snack options and the availability of new flavors and varieties.

Customer preferences: As the popularity of healthy snacking continues to rise, consumers in Southern Europe are gravitating towards snack options that offer nutritional benefits. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the desire for convenient, on-the-go options that fit into busy lifestyles. As a result, manufacturers are incorporating more functional ingredients and superfoods into their snack products, catering to the demand for healthier alternatives. This shift towards health-centric snacking is also influenced by a preference for clean label and natural ingredients, as well as a growing interest in plant-based and vegan options.

Trends in the market: In Southern Europe, the Snack Food Market is seeing a rise in demand for healthier snack options, such as plant-based and organic snacks. This trend is driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and a growing preference for clean label products. As a result, manufacturers are incorporating more natural and functional ingredients into their snacks. This trajectory is significant as it presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into the growing demand for healthier snacks. However, it also poses challenges for traditional snack brands to adapt and compete in this evolving market.

Local special circumstances: In Southern Europe, the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's rich culinary traditions and strong emphasis on local ingredients. For example, Spain's famous tapas culture has paved the way for a thriving market for artisanal snacks made with traditional ingredients like olives, cured meats, and cheeses. In Italy, the market is driven by the demand for high-quality, authentic snacks such as bruschetta, taralli, and biscotti, which are deeply rooted in the country's food culture. These unique local factors contribute to the diverse and dynamic nature of the Snack Food Market in Southern Europe, making it a highly sought-after market for both local and international snack brands.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, disposable income, and trade policies. Countries with strong economic growth and a stable political environment, such as Germany and France, are experiencing higher demand for snack foods due to increased purchasing power and favorable trade agreements. On the other hand, countries with weaker economies and high inflation rates, such as Greece and Portugal, are facing challenges in the snack food market due to limited consumer spending and rising production costs. Overall, the performance of the Snack Food Market is closely tied to the overall economic health of the given country.

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.