Global Doughnuts Market size to grow by USD 5.54 billion during 2024-2029- Technavio

Market Segmentation: A Detailed Breakdown

The doughnuts market is segmented by type, distribution channel, and geography, offering a clear perspective on its diverse segments and growth opportunities. This segmentation framework aligns with Technavio’s established methodology, tailored to reflect the unique dynamics of the doughnuts industry:

By Type: The market includes yeast doughnuts, cake doughnuts, and specialty doughnuts.

• Yeast Doughnuts: This segment dominates, driven by their light, fluffy texture and popularity in classics like glazed and filled varieties, appealing to a broad consumer base in North America and Europe where traditional doughnut shops thrive.
• Cake Doughnuts: Known for their denser, crumbly texture and versatility in flavors like cinnamon or chocolate, this type is gaining traction, fueled by demand for portable, hearty options that pair well with coffee, especially in APAC.
• Specialty Doughnuts: Featuring gourmet, artisanal, or innovative creations like cronuts and vegan options, this segment is experiencing rapid growth, catering to consumers seeking unique, premium indulgences amid rising foodie trends globally.

By Distribution Channel: Offline channels—doughnut shops, bakeries, and supermarkets—lead the market, reflecting a preference for in-person purchases where consumers can enjoy fresh, made-to-order doughnuts or pick up packaged options, consistent with established buying patterns. Online channels are surging, driven by e-commerce platforms like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and bakery websites, offering convenience and access to a broad range of doughnuts through delivery and subscription models.

By Geography: APAC holds a 45% growth share by a strong doughnut culture in the U.S. and Canada, followed by Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. Europe’s growth is notable, tied to bakery traditions in countries like the UK and Germany, while APAC shows promise with rising urbanization and Western snack trends in markets like China and India.

This market segmentation equips stakeholders with insights to target high-growth areas, such as the booming specialty doughnuts segment or the expanding online distribution channel, optimizing their strategies in the doughnuts market.

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Key Companies Driving the Doughnuts Market

The Technavio report highlights leading players shaping the competitive landscape of the doughnuts market:

• Krispy Kreme Inc.: A global leader, Krispy Kreme dominates with yeast doughnuts, offering its signature glazed variety and innovative seasonal flavors, maintaining a strong presence in North America and expanding internationally.


• Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.: Known for its Dunkin’ Donuts chain, Dunkin’ excels in yeast and cake doughnuts, targeting convenience-driven consumers with a vast network of stores and packaged offerings worldwide.


• Tim Hortons (Restaurant Brands International): A Canadian powerhouse, Tim Hortons drives growth with yeast and specialty doughnuts like Timbits, appealing to North American consumers with a focus on quick-service indulgence.


• Shipley Do-Nuts: A US-based chain, Shipley specializes in yeast doughnuts, serving regional markets with fresh, made-to-order options that resonate with traditional doughnut lovers in the South and beyond.


• Greggs PLC: A UK leader, Greggs offers cake and specialty doughnuts, capitalizing on Europe’s bakery culture with affordable, innovative treats that cater to on-the-go consumers.

These companies are innovating with plant-based options, seasonal flavors, and enhanced delivery services to meet the rising demands of the doughnuts market.

Growth Drivers Boosting the Doughnuts Market

The global doughnuts market is thriving by several key drivers. “Doughnuts are the ultimate indulgent snack for today’s busy, flavor-seeking consumers,” noted a Technavio analyst. Notable factors include:

• Rising Demand for Indulgent Snacks: Increased snacking occasions and a desire for sweet treats drive demand for yeast and cake doughnuts, particularly in North America and Europe where doughnuts are a breakfast and anytime favorite.


• Convenience and Portability: The appeal of doughnuts as quick, handheld snacks boosts all segments, with specialty doughnuts adding a gourmet twist for consumers seeking indulgence on the go, especially in urban markets.


• Coffee Pairing Trends: The strong association of doughnuts with coffee fuels market growth, with yeast and cake varieties leading as perfect companions to morning brews and afternoon pick-me-ups worldwide.

The online retail enhances accessibility, with doughnut brands leveraging e-commerce platforms, delivery apps, and subscription models to reach a broader audience of snack enthusiasts globally.

Opportunities and Innovations

The doughnuts market offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation:

• Plant-Based Doughnuts: Vegan and gluten-free specialty doughnuts cater to dietary trends, driving growth in APAC and North America where health-conscious indulgence is on the rise.


• Gourmet and Limited Editions: Specialty doughnuts with unique fillings, toppings, or hybrid formats (like cronuts) target upscale markets, appealing to foodies and social media-savvy consumers seeking Instagrammable treats.


• Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly boxes and wrappers resonate with environmentally conscious buyers, opening new avenues for brand differentiation in the doughnuts market.

Challenges Facing the Doughnuts Market

Despite its outlook, the doughnuts market faces challenges. Fluctuating raw material costs—such as flour, sugar, and oil—due to supply chain disruptions and climate variability can increase production expenses, impacting affordability across segments. Health concerns over high sugar and fat content pressure brands to innovate with lighter or plant-based options, particularly in health-focused regions. Additionally, competition from alternative snacks like pastries or energy bars challenges market share, requiring strong branding and flavor innovation. The report advises companies to diversify sourcing, enhance healthier formulations, and doughnuts’ indulgent appeal to sustain momentum in the doughnuts market.

Why This Report Matters

For stakeholders in the doughnuts market, this Technavio report is a strategic asset. From in-depth market segmentation to profiles of key companies, it provides a roadmap to seize a USD 5.23 billion growth opportunity. Whether you’re a producer exploring specialty doughnut trends or a retailer enhancing online platforms, these insights are critical for staying competitive in this dynamic industry.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory firm, delivering actionable market insights to drive business success. With over 17,000 reports spanning 800 technologies across 50 countries, Technavio serves enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. Its expert analysts blend primary and secondary research to forecast market trends with precision.