The Pastry Industry: Why It’s Bigger (and Sweeter) Than Ever

What is the Current Status of the Industry?

The global pastry market is thriving, fueled by a growing appetite for premium baked goods, convenience foods, and indulgent treats. As of 2024, the industry is valued at over $275 billion and is expected to keep rising, driven by urbanization, changing consumer habits, and the increasing demand for both traditional and innovative pastries. 

Health-conscious consumers are also shaping the market, leading to the rise of gluten-free, vegan, and protein-packed pastries. Whether it’s a classic pain au chocolat or a high-protein muffin, the industry is baking up something for everyone.

What Are the Latest Developments in the Market?

The pastry industry isn’t just sticking to old recipes—innovation is at the heart of its growth. One of the biggest trends right now is hybrid pastries—think cruffins (croissant + muffin) or the viral crookie (croissant + cookie). Artisanal and handcrafted pastries are also in demand, as consumers seek high-quality ingredients and unique flavors. 

Meanwhile, sustainability is taking center stage, with bakeries reducing food waste and shifting toward eco-friendly packaging. Big names in the industry are also capitalizing on online ordering and delivery, making it easier than ever for customers to get their pastry fix.

Types of Pastries That Are Popular Globally

Pastries come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, and every region has its signature favorites.

• Croissant (France) – Buttery, flaky, and a breakfast staple worldwide.
• Danish Pastry (Denmark) – A sweet, layered delight often filled with jam, custard, or nuts.
• Baklava (Middle East & Greece) – Layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey create this iconic, syrupy pastry.
• Pastel de Nata (Portugal) – A creamy egg custard tart with a crisp, caramelized top.
• Churros (Spain & Latin America) – Fried dough sticks dusted with sugar and often served with chocolate sauce.
• Mooncakes (China) – A dense, sweet pastry traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Puff Puff (West Africa) – A deep-fried dough ball that’s slightly sweet and incredibly popular as a street food.

These pastries are beloved worldwide, but regional twists and fusion flavors are creating new favorites every year.

The Role of Pastry Equipment in Modern Production

Pastry equipment has become essential in meeting the growing demand for high-quality, consistent pastries. Whether for artisanal or large-scale production, advanced machinery enhances efficiency, precision, and product quality.

Automation and Efficiency

Automation has transformed pastry production, with machines like dough sheeters, mixers, and automatic cutters speeding up processes while ensuring consistent results. These innovations allow bakeries to produce pastries quickly and uniformly, improving both efficiency and quality control, especially in large-scale operations.

Precision in Baking

Modern equipment, such as temperature-controlled ovens and multifunctional mixers, provides precise control over the baking process. This ensures consistent texture, color, and rise, enabling pastry chefs to create a wide variety of products with ease.

Sustainability and Innovation

Energy-efficient equipment, like advanced ovens with heat recovery systems, helps reduce environmental impact while improving baking consistency. Eco-friendly materials, such as durable stainless steel, also promote sustainability by minimizing the need for harsh cleaning chemicals.

Consistency and Quality Control

Specialized equipment like enrobing machines and refrigeration units ensures uniformity in every batch. This helps bakeries meet consumer expectations, reduce waste, and maintain profitability, while consistently delivering high-quality products.

Opportunities for Growth in the Pastry Industry

The pastry industry has huge potential for expansion, thanks to shifting consumer preferences and global trends. 

One major opportunity lies in health-conscious baking, with demand for keto-friendly, sugar-free, and plant-based pastries continuing to rise. 

Frozen and ready-to-bake pastries are also becoming popular, catering to busy lifestyles and food service industries. 

Additionally, e-commerce and food delivery services have made it easier than ever for pastry brands to reach customers beyond their local bakeries. 

For businesses looking to enter the market, investing in quality ingredients, sustainable production, and digital sales channels can open doors to long-term success.

The Smart Way to Source Pastries: Torg’s Supplier Network

Finding the right pastry supplier can be a challenge, especially when quality, pricing, and reliability are top priorities. That’s where Torg comes in. 

Torg is a B2B marketplace that connects retailers, distributors, and food businesses with trusted pastry suppliers from around the world. Whether you need bulk orders of croissants, artisanal desserts, or gluten-free pastries, Torg helps streamline the sourcing process, ensuring competitive prices and reliable deliveries.

Defidu Bakery

Company Name – Defidu Bakery
Headquarters – Prague, Czech Republic
Core Products – Sweet and savory croissants, brioches, cookies, eclairs

Defidu Bakery is where buttery dreams come to life. Born in May 2020 from a mother-daughter duo, this Prague-based bakery has grown fast, earning fans with its small-batch, artisanal pastries that hit the sweet (and savory) spot. From flaky filled croissants to airy brioches and velvety eclairs, Defidu’s creations are all about indulgence, freshness, and bold creativity.

They bake multiple times a day to make sure every bite is peak perfection. No shortcuts, just premium Italian flour, real Belgian chocolate, organic olive oil, and doughs made from scratch. Their croissant process takes up to 3 days and it shows. Taste of Prague even ranked them among the best croissants in the city.

With two cozy shops in Žižkov and Vinohrady and growing partnerships across Prague, Defidu is baking their way into hearts, one pastry at a time.

Grezzo Raw Chocolate

Company Name – Grezzo Raw Chocolate
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Core Products: Raw pastries, raw chocolate, plant-based desserts

Grezzo Raw Chocolate is redefining Italian pastry by blending tradition with raw pastry techniques, creating desserts that are both indulgent and nourishing. Since 2014, Grezzo has pioneered the world’s first raw pastry and ice cream shop, crafting handcrafted, high-quality sweets made with organic, plant-based ingredients.

Their raw pastries are entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free, preserving the pure flavors and nutrients of their premium ingredients. Using low-temperature drying and cold processing, Grezzo ensures each dessert maintains its natural taste and health benefits.

With a philosophy rooted in mindful indulgence, Grezzo’s pastries deliver a one-of-a-kind experience—where rich flavors meet clean, conscious eating. Whether it’s a decadent chocolate tart or a delicate fruit-based creation, each bite is designed to be savored.

Palmelita

Company Name – Palmelita
Headquarters – Tenerife, Spain
Core Products – Tropical fruit jams, artisanal pastries, cakes, sweets, ice creams

Since 1968, Palmelita has been a staple of artisanal craftsmanship in Tenerife, blending tradition with exceptional quality. While renowned for its pastries and confections, Palmelita has also perfected the art of jam-making, specializing in vibrant tropical flavors. Their Passion Fruit Jam, Guava Jam, and Mango Jam are standout offerings, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to preserve the authentic taste of the Canary Islands. They also produce one of the finest orange jams on the market, known for its rich, natural flavor.

With over 56 years of expertise, Palmelita remains dedicated to time-honored techniques, ensuring every jar captures the essence of premium fruit. Their products bring a touch of indulgence to any table, whether enjoyed on fresh bread, paired with cheese, or as a sweet treat. A commitment to quality and tradition makes Palmelita a trusted name for those who appreciate gourmet flavors.