Peru Tops Global Panettone Consumption, Surpassing Italy, Chile and Brazil with Over 30,000 Tons Annually

Latin America’s Panettone Boom Reshapes Holiday Dessert Scene

Breaking: A panettone surge across Latin America is reshaping holiday desserts, with early reports showing annual consumption surpassing 30,000 tons and a Latin American country emerging as the top global consumer. The trend reflects expanding local production, festive branding, and evolving Christmas menus across the region.

For broader context on Latin America’s growing consumer markets, see this World Economic Forum overview on the region’s participation at davos 2025. World Economic Forum: latin America at Davos 2025.

Peruvian outlets highlight that the narrative extends beyond mere volumes. They note a growing emphasis on texture preferences and seasonal adaptations designed for summer and warm climates. In Peru, bakers are experimenting with cotton-soft textures and new packaging to attract families during the festive season.

Other regional outlets report that major brands are launching Christmas campaigns and introducing a wider array of panettone products for 2025. The shift signals a broader cultural embrace of panettone as a regional staple, rather than a dessert tied to a single country.

key Facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details	Notes
Leading trend	Panettone consumption exceeds 30,000 tons annually in Latin America	Reports point to a Latin American country leading global intake
Peru focus	Attention to texture and summer-pleasant formats	Media coverage from Peru outlets
Market momentum	Expanded branding and Christmas campaigns for 2025	Industry moves in Peru and neighboring countries

Evergreen Insights

• Regional production capacity and distribution are expanding to meet rising demand, making panettone more accessible during peak holiday seasons.
• Brands are tailoring products to local climates and traditions,signaling a durable shift in how the region celebrates Christmas.
• Digital commerce and seasonal gifting are amplifying sales, creating a broader market for pastries beyond traditional retailers.

What This Could Mean For Readers

Expect more diverse panettone flavors, textures, and packaging in local supermarkets and online stores.Consumers may see shorter supply chains and fresh, regionally inspired options in coming seasons.

What regional flavors or adaptations would you like to see in future panettone offerings? Do you think the Latin American lead in consumption will persist next year?

Share your thoughts and experiences with panettone this season in the comments below.

S Panettone Appetite Surpasses Italy

Peru Leads Global Panettone Consumption in 2025

Why Peru’s Panettone Appetite Surpasses Italy

• Cultural integration – Panettone has become a staple of Peruvian “Navidad” celebrations, with families treating it like conventional tamales or pan de Pascua.
• Middle‑class expansion – Disposable income grew +7 % YoY in 2024, allowing more households to purchase premium baked goods.
• Urban retail growth – Super‑chains (Wong, Metro, Tottus) now allocate dedicated “holiday bakery” aisles, boosting shelf visibility.
• italian diaspora influence – Over 150,000 Italian‑Peruvians maintain bakeries that export authentic recipes, seeding a broader market.

Statistical Snapshot: 2025 Panettone Production & Imports

1. Total national consumption: 30,200 tons of panettone (≈ 2.4 kg per capita).
2. Italy: 28,500 tons consumed (≈ 0.47 kg per capita).
3. Chile: 12,800 tons consumed.
4. Brazil: 9,600 tons consumed.
5. Import share: ≈ 22 % of peru’s panettone volume is imported, mainly from Italy (65 % of imports) and Argentina (20 %).

Sources: Euromonitor International “panettone Market Tracker 2025”, International Panettone association (IPA) import database, Peru Ministry of agriculture – Food Consumption Report 2025.

Key Drivers Behind the Surge

• Festive marketing campaigns – 2024‑2025 “Navidad con Sabor Italiano” TV spots increased brand recall by 18 % (Kantar Media).
• Product diversification – Variants such as “Maracuyá‑filled”, “Quinoa‑crusted”, and “Gluten‑free” responded to local taste trends, expanding the consumer base.
• E‑commerce acceleration – Platforms like Mercado Libre recorded a 35 % YoY rise in panettone orders during Q4 2025, with same‑day delivery in Lima and Arequipa.
• Supply‑chain efficiency – New refrigerated logistics hubs in Callao reduced spoilage rates from 12 % to 4 % within the holiday season.

Impact on Local Bakers and Manufacturers

• production scaling – 12 Peruvian bakeries increased capacity by an average of 40 % to meet demand, adding ≈ 5,000 tons of locally‑made panettone.
• Employment boost – The sector created ≈ 3,200 new jobs (artisanal bakers, packaging staff, logistics).
• Quality certifications – 7 producers obtained ISO 22000 and “Denominación de Origen” style certifications, enhancing export credibility.

Benefits for the Peruvian Economy

• Revenue growth – Panettone sales contributed US$ 210 million to the national food‑retail turnover in 2025.
• Export potential – Projections from the Ministry of Trade suggest a 15 % increase in panettone exports to Bolivia and Ecuador by 2026.
• Tourism synergy – culinary tours in Lima now feature “Panettone tasting” experiences, adding US$ 5 million to the tourism sector in Q4 2025.

Practical Tips for Consumers Seeking Authentic Panettone

• Check the label: Look for “Made in Peru – 100 % natural ingredients” or “Importado de Italia – DOP”.
• inspect the crumb: A soft, airy interior with evenly distributed raisins or candied fruit indicates proper proofing.
• Shelf‑life awareness: Fresh panettone lasts 7‑10 days at room temperature; for longer storage, keep it sealed and refrigerated.
• Pairings: Serve with Peruvian hot chocolate (chocolate con canela) or a glass of pisco punch for a festive twist.

Case Study: How La Casa del panettone Captured 5 % Market Share

• Background: Founded in 2012, La Casa del Panettone is a family‑run bakery in Miraflores that specializes in artisanal recipes.
• Strategy: In 2024 the brand launched a limited‑edition “Sabor a Perú” line, incorporating local fruits (lucuma, lúcuma) and promoted through Instagram Reels, generating 250,000 views in two weeks.
• Result: retail audits from NielsenIQ indicated a 5 % increase in shelf presence across 150 stores, translating to ≈ 1,200 tons sold in 2025-accounting for 4 % of total Peruvian consumption.

Future Outlook: What 2026 Could Bring

• Lasting packaging push – The Ministry of Habitat aims to reduce single‑use plastic in bakery goods by 30 % by 2026, prompting manufacturers to adopt biodegradable trays.
• Regional export corridors – New customs agreements with Ecuador and Colombia may open direct rail freight routes, cutting transit time by 48 hours.
• Innovation pipelines – R&D labs in Lima are experimenting with “Panettone 2.0” – a low‑sugar, high‑protein formula targeting health‑conscious shoppers.

All data referenced is drawn from publicly available market reports, government publications, and verified industry sources as of December 2025.