Asia-Pacific Sweet Biscuits Market Trends and Insights
Rising Demand for Indulgent Snack Occasions
In the Asia-Pacific region, snacking is no longer just about satisfying hunger; it has become a way for people to find emotional comfort and connect socially. This behavior change has significantly increased the demand for premium sweet biscuits, even as inflation affects consumer spending. Many consumers are opting for indulgent varieties like chocolate-coated, cream-filled, and artisanal biscuits as a way to treat themselves or give as gifts. According to Mondelēz International’s 2024 State of Snacking report, 58% of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region look forward to snacks more than their main meals. Seasonal flavors, such as matcha or sakura variants in Japan, are also gaining popularity as they cater to local tastes and preferences. Brands are leveraging this trend by introducing culturally relevant and limited-edition flavors that resonate with consumers. For instance, Oreo (Mondelēz) launched its “Oreo Blackpink Limited Edition” in Southeast Asia, featuring berry-flavored cream and collectible packaging, which quickly became popular on social media and encouraged impulse buying.Growing Middle Class and Increased Spending Power
In the Asia-Pacific region, countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are seeing a fast-growing middle-class population, which is leading to higher spending on packaged and indulgent food products, including sweet biscuits. As more people have extra income to spend, they are choosing better-quality and well-known biscuit brands, creating a clear trend toward premium products, even with rising costs. According to the USDA, the Southeast Asia population is projected to increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which will significantly increase the demand for branded snacks. To meet this demand, companies like Mondelez are building local factories to produce biscuits. For example, Mondelez’s factory in Vietnam makes Oreo and LU biscuits that are customized to match local tastes and budgets, making these products more appealing and accessible to a wider range of people. The disposable income in the Asia-Pacific region, measured as GDP per capita in terms of purchasing power parity, is around USD 21.59 thousand. This growing income level means that more consumers can afford to spend on premium snacks, allowing them to enjoy high-quality, indulgent products like sweet biscuits more often.Sugar-Reduction Regulations Hampering Growth
Across Asia-Pacific, governments are taking stronger steps to reduce sugar consumption, introducing regulations that are creating challenges for the sweet biscuits market. Countries like Singapore, with its Nutri-Grade labeling system, Thailand, which has implemented a sugar tax, and Indonesia, which is considering front-of-pack warnings, are leading these efforts. These regulations aim to tackle public health issues like obesity and diabetes by setting limits on sugar content and requiring clear labeling. The International Diabetes Federation reported that Japan's adult diabetic population reached 93.2 million in 2024. As a result, manufacturers are being pushed to reformulate their products to meet these new standards. This often involves using alternative sweeteners or reducing the sugar content, which can increase production costs. These changes can affect the taste of the biscuits, which is a major factor influencing consumer purchases in this category. According to reports from the USDA and local health agencies, these policies are putting pressure on brands to find a balance between meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining the taste that consumers expect. This balancing act could slow down innovation and limit growth in a market where taste plays a critical role in driving demand.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Children-Centric and Family-Oriented Marketing
- Gifting Culture Boosts Demand for Sweet Biscuits
- Competition from Traditional Savory Snacks
Segment Analysis
In 2025, cookies accounted for 37.78% of the sweet biscuits market, driven by their widespread appeal and strong brand recognition from popular products like Oreo. These cookies have become a staple snack due to their consistent taste and quality, making them a favorite among consumers of all ages. Sandwich biscuits, which feature cream or chocolate fillings, are expected to grow faster than other formats, with a projected CAGR of 6.86%. Manufacturers are focusing on creating unique flavor combinations, such as coffee-flavored creams or layered textures, to appeal to adults seeking indulgent snack options. This strategy aligns with trends seen in the confectionery market, where innovation drives consumer interest.Plain biscuits remain a key choice in price-sensitive regions, ensuring steady sales volumes, while chocolate-coated biscuits are gaining popularity in urban areas, supported by advancements in temperature-resistant coatings. Newer formats like protein-enriched, gluten-free, and functional biscuits are gradually carving out a niche in health-focused aisles. Although these emerging categories currently hold less than 2% of the market share, they are gaining attention as consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness. This shift presents opportunities for manufacturers to diversify their offerings and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Flexible plastic dominated the packaging market with a 40.65% share in 2025, mainly because it is cost-effective and provides strong protection against moisture, which is essential in Asia-Pacific's humid climate. However, increasing environmental concerns and stricter regulations on single-use plastics are pushing manufacturers to adopt more sustainable packaging options. Fiber-based boxes are gaining popularity and are expected to grow at a 6.98% CAGR, as they meet retailer sustainability standards and help companies avoid eco-taxes. For example, Mondelēz and Saica Group have introduced recyclable paper solutions that reduce virgin plastic usage by up to 25% per multipack, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly packaging in the industry.
Metal tins, on the other hand, continue to play a significant role in the market, especially for gifting purposes. These tins are particularly popular during festive seasons as they offer a premium and reusable packaging option, allowing manufacturers to charge higher prices. The shift toward sustainable packaging is not only driven by regulations but also by the growing demand from environmentally conscious consumers. As a result, the industry is increasingly focusing on innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer preferences.
Complete Report Scope:
- By Product Type
- Plain Biscuits
- Cookies
- Sandwich Biscuits
- Chocolate-Coated Biscuits
- Others
- By Packaging Type
- Boxes
- Plastic Packets/On-the-Pouches
- Others (tins, jars, etc.)
- By Ingredient Base
- Wheat
- Oat
- Others
- By Flavor Profile
- Plain
- Flavored
- By Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Specialty and Gourmet Stores
- Online Retail
- Other Distribution Channels
- By Geography
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Mondelez International Inc.
- Ravi Foods Pvt. Ltd
- ITC Limited
- Britannia Industries Ltd.
- Parle Products Pvt. Ltd.
- Fujiya Co. Ltd.
- Arnott's Group
- Meiji Co., Ltd.
- Lotte Co., Ltd.
- Orion Corp.
- Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd.
- Ito Biscuits Co., Ltd.
- PT Mayora Indah Tbk
- Bourbon Corporation
- Universal Robina Corporation (URC)
- Unibic Foods India Private Limited
- Surya Food & Agro Ltd.
- Guangdong Jiashili Food Group Co., Ltd.
- Nabati Group
- SAJ Food Products Pvt Ltd.
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Mondelez International Inc.
- Ravi Foods Pvt. Ltd
- ITC Limited
- Britannia Industries Ltd.
- Parle Products Pvt. Ltd.
- Fujiya Co. Ltd.
- Arnott's Group
- Meiji Co., Ltd.
- Lotte Co., Ltd.
- Orion Corp.
- Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd.
- Ito Biscuits Co., Ltd.
- PT Mayora Indah Tbk
- Bourbon Corporation
- Universal Robina Corporation (URC)
- Unibic Foods India Private Limited
- Surya Food & Agro Ltd.
- Guangdong Jiashili Food Group Co., Ltd.
- Nabati Group
- SAJ Food Products Pvt Ltd.

