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Spreads - China

China
  • Revenue in the Spreads Market is projected to reach US$1.84bn in 2025.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 5.53%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2.29bn by 2029.
  • With a projected market volume of US$1.84bn in 2025, most revenue is generated China.
  • In the Spreads Market, the number of users is expected to amount to 77.6m users by 2029.
  • User penetration will be 4.5% in 2025 and is expected to hit 5.6% by 2029.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$32.31.

Definition:

The eCommerce Spreads market refers to food products that are intended to be spread over other foods, such as bread. Spreads typically have a semi-solid or creamy texture and are available in a wide range of flavors, such as jam, marmalade, and peanut butter.

Structure:

The market consists out of several parts, namely: Jams & Marmalades, Chocolate Spreads, Peanut Butter. For more information on the definitions, please visit the respective market page.

Additional information:

eCommerce Spreads comprises revenues, users, average revenue per user, and penetration rates. Revenues are derived from annual filings, national statistical offices, Google- and Alibaba-Trends and industry knowledge. Sales Channels show online and offline revenue shares, as well as, desktop and mobile sales distribution. Revenues are including VAT. The market only displays B2C revenues and users for the above-mentioned markets, hence C2C, B2B and reCommerce is not included. Additional definitions can be found on each respective market page.

Key players in the market are companies, such as Ferrero, Darbo or Schwartau.

Market numbers for the total market sizes (online + offline) can also be found on the respective pages of the Consumer Market Insights.

In-Scope
  • Spreads, such as those available on Amazon
Out-Of-Scope
  • Offline revenues, such as sales in traditional grocery stores
Food eCommerce: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Food eCommerce: market data & analysis
Study Details

    Revenue

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Spreads eCommerce Market within the Food Market in China is witnessing considerable growth, fueled by increasing online shopping trends, a shift towards healthier options, and the popularity of premium spreads that enhance meal experiences among consumers.

    Customer preferences:
    Consumers in China are increasingly gravitating towards premium and artisanal spreads, reflecting a desire for quality and authenticity in their food choices. This trend is further amplified by the growing interest in health-conscious options, with many seeking natural sweeteners and organic ingredients. Additionally, younger demographics, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are leveraging social media to discover unique flavors and brands, resulting in a vibrant eCommerce landscape. The emphasis on convenience and personalization is also driving the popularity of subscription services for specialty spreads, catering to diverse taste preferences and dietary needs.

    Trends in the market:
    In China, the eCommerce market for spreads and sweeteners is rapidly evolving, driven by a surge in demand for premium, artisanal products that emphasize quality and authenticity. Consumers are increasingly opting for natural sweeteners and organic options, reflecting a broader health-conscious movement. Young consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are using social media to explore unique flavors and brands, enhancing brand visibility and engagement. This shift towards convenience and personalization is propelling subscription services for specialty spreads, promising significant implications for manufacturers and retailers to innovate and cater to diverse consumer preferences.

    Local special circumstances:
    In China, the eCommerce market for spreads and sweeteners is uniquely influenced by regional preferences and traditional culinary practices. The diverse geography fosters a variety of locally sourced ingredients, driving interest in indigenous flavors like red bean and sesame. Culturally, there is a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with traditional Chinese medicine principles guiding consumer choices towards natural and organic products. Additionally, regulatory support for eCommerce platforms enhances accessibility, enabling small-scale producers to reach wider audiences, thereby enriching the market landscape.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The Spreads and Sweeteners eCommerce market in China is significantly shaped by macroeconomic factors such as rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences. As the economy continues to expand, more consumers are willing to invest in premium and organic products, aligning with health-conscious trends. Additionally, government initiatives promoting digital commerce and infrastructure development enhance market accessibility and growth potential. The shift towards online shopping, driven by mobile penetration and social media influences, further accelerates this market, allowing niche products to thrive and catering to diverse regional tastes.

    Sales Channels

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Users

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    Data refers to B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the sale of physical goods via a digital channel to a private end consumer. This definition encompasses purchases via desktop computers (including notebooks and laptops) as well as purchases via mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets). The following are not included in the eCommerce market: digitally distributed services (see instead: eServices), digital media downloads or streams, digitally distributed goods in B2B markets, and the digital purchase or resale of used, defective, or repaired goods (reCommerce and C2C). All monetary figures refer to the annual gross revenue and do not factor in shipping costs.

    Modeling approach / Market size:

    Market sizes are determined by a combined top-down and bottom-up approach, based on a specific rationale for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Statista Consumer Insights Global Survey), data on shopping behavior (e.g., Google Trends, Alibaba Trends), and performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price/product). Furthermore, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations such as GDP, consumer spending, internet penetration, and population. 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 particular market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, internet penetration, and population.

    Additional Notes:

    The market is updated twice per year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The impact of the Russia/Ukraine war is considered at a country-specific level.

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    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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