PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1819664
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1819664
European Savory Snacks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Extruded Snacks, Potato Chips, Nuts & Seeds, Meat Snacks, Popcorn, and Others), and by Distribution Channel (Conventional Stores (Offline) and Online Retail), Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
European savory snacks market was valued at $47.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $75.3 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The European savory snack market is driven by consumers' shifting eating habits and growing desire for tasty, convenient food. Manufacturers have been creating innovative products using local recipes, shapes, flavorings, and healthier preparation techniques. Manufacturers invest in advanced processing technology to improve processing efficiency and provide a more consistent product to increase overall market competitiveness. Distribution provides that products are available across both urban and rural markets through supermarkets, convenience stores, and online.
Market Dynamics
Premiumization of Snack Offerings
A fraction of European consumers is more selective is demanding more upscale savory snacks made with premium ingredients and artisanal methods. Consumers' willingness to pay more for perceived quality has motivated manufacturers to develop more extensive premium ranges. This premiumization of the snacking landscape reflects wider lifestyle trends based on indulgence and authenticity.
Various brands, such as Intersnack and its brand Tyrrells, have facilitated this by offering hand-cooked potato crisps of specific varieties of potato, commonly set apart by unique seasoning mixes and less processing, which have proven attractive to particular consumers. Seasonally limited batches of flavors have allowed brands to create exclusivity and repeat sales.
Expansion of Plant-Based Snack Varieties
The plant-based trend is shaping innovation in the savory snacks segment with more products being based on legumes, grains, and vegetables. For instance, PepsiCo's Off The Eaten Path portfolio includes pea- and bean-based crisps that suit flexitarians and vegans alike.
These types of products appeal to health-conscious consumers who are looking for easy snacking without animal ingredients. Improvements in flavor technology and the ability to recreate the taste profile of a regular product have aided some consumer acceptance and ultimately adoption. Additionally, conventional snack brands have helped to normalize plant-based snacks as part of the overall shopping habits. This growth shows a convergence of consumer values and new product portfolios.
Market Segmentation
Potato Chips Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share
The potato chips variety remains a key component in Europe's savory snack market, due to the strong consumer demand for readily consumable, ready-to-eat snacks. Product exposure in both urban and rural markets has increased well-designed packaging and successful marketing campaigns. As a result, both large and small manufacturers benefited from improved supply chain efficiency brought about by local potato sourcing.
Companies such as PepsiCo, by way of its Lay's and Walkers brands, have remained competitive by launching region-specific flavors and enhancing the quality of products. Increasing demand for baked and low-fat variants is an indicator of changing health consciousness among European consumers.
Conventional Stores (Offline): A Key Segment in Market Growth
Conventional traditional bricks-and-mortar outlets remain a major snacking sales channel in Europe as they enable consumers direct access to products and range. Offline channels offer brands an opportunity to conduct targeted sampling exercises, driving trial among new consumers. Additionally, physical touch shopping provided by traditional stores still appeals to a fraction of the populace that is used to product inspection at the physical level before buying.
For instance, retail chains like Carrefour and Tesco have maximized their shelf space to offer a wide array of domestic and international brands. Promotional shelf point-of-sale promotions and seasonal promotions are designed to facilitate impulse buying and, ultimately, stimulate category sales directly.
The European savory snacks market is further divided by countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe.
UK Dominates the Market with Major Share
The UK is one of the most vital markets for European savory snack foods, driven by a strong snacking culture and a tendency to try new tastes. Premiumization trends, particularly among hand-cooked and artisanal snack brands, are among the fastest-growing trends for customers looking for premium tastes. Moreover, initiatives on salt reduction and healthier nutrition by governments have prompted manufacturers to invest in reformulation without compromising taste.
For instance, Brands like KP Snacks, with their McCoy's and Hula Hoops products, have been able to appeal to both established tastes as well as new health-conscious trends. The UK market is supported by a well-established retail infrastructure comprising supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail integrations.
The major companies operating in the European savory snacks market include Associated British Foods plc, Calbee Group UK Ltd., Conagra Brands, Inc., General Mills Inc., and PepsiCo, Inc., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments