Cookie & Cracker Manufacturing Industry Profile

Companies in this industry make cookies, crackers, ice cream cones, and similar bakery products. Major companies in the US include Kellogg's US Snacks Division, Mondelez International, Pepperidge Farm, and Snyder's-Lance; other leading firms include ARYZTA (Switzerland), Britannia Industries (India), Parle Biscuits (India), United Biscuits (UK), and Want Want Holdings (China).

Global sales of biscuits -- including cookies, crackers, and related sweet and savory snack products -- are expected to rise to $125 billion by 2022, according to Mordor Intelligence. The US, China, and India are the world's largest biscuit producers. Europe is the largest regional market, ahead of North America. The Asia/Pacific market, paced by China and India, is showing the strongest growth.

The US cookie and cracker manufacturing industry includes about 400 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $12 billion.

Companies that manufacture such food items as snack chips, fresh-baked cookies or breads, hard or soft pretzels, or refrigerated dough mixes are covered in separate industry profiles.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by population growth, consumer tastes, and health considerations. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations, effective marketing, and a strong sales force. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, distribution, and marketing. Small operations can compete effectively by manufacturing allergen- and sugar-free products, high-end cookies and crackers, or products containing unusual ingredients. The US industry is highly concentrated: the top ...