Biscuit Industry in Pakistan: Popular Brands, Production, and Growing Market
Biscuit is one of the most consumed snack items in Pakistan, enjoyed by people of all ages. From breakfast tea to evening snacks, biscuits are a staple in every household. Over the past few decades, the biscuit industry in Pakistan has seen significant growth due to increasing demand, urbanization, and rising disposable income. The country now has numerous local and multinational biscuit manufacturing companies producing a wide range of flavors and types to cater to diverse tastes.
Overview of the Biscuit Industry in Pakistan
The biscuit industry in Pakistan includes both large-scale industrial production and small-scale local manufacturers. Modern factories are equipped with automated machines, ensuring consistent quality and hygiene. Biscuits are produced in various categories, including:
- Cream biscuits – layered biscuits with cream filling, e.g., Peek Freans Sooper, Treat, and Gluco.
- Marie biscuits – plain, lightly sweetened biscuits, e.g., Sooper Marie and English Biscuits Marie.
- Chocolate biscuits – coated or filled with chocolate, e.g., Perk, Munch, and Treat Choco.
- Glucose biscuits – nutritious biscuits with high energy content, e.g., Gluco, Sooper Gluco, and Peek Freans Gluco.
- Sugar-free and health biscuits – targeting health-conscious consumers, e.g., Horlicks Lite Biscuits.
Major Biscuit Manufacturers and Their Products
- Peek Freans (Unilever Pakistan)
Peek Freans is one of the oldest and most trusted biscuit brands in Pakistan. Its popular products include:- Sooper – A high-energy glucose biscuit, available in original, choco, and family packs.
- Gluco – A nutritious biscuit for children and adults.
- Sooper Marie – A plain, lightly sweetened biscuit suitable for tea and snacks.
- Treat – Cream-filled biscuits available in choco and vanilla flavors.
- English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM)
EBM produces a wide range of biscuits and is famous for:- TUC – Savory crackers enjoyed as snacks or with tea.
- Tea Time – Simple biscuits often paired with hot beverages.
- Sooper Marie – One of the classic Marie biscuits in the market.
- LU Biscuits (Danone Pakistan)
LU biscuits are known for:- Perk – Chocolate-filled biscuit bars popular among teenagers.
- Munch – Crunchy chocolate wafer bars.
- Petit Beurre – Classic plain biscuits for light snacks.
- English Biscuit Company (Nabisco / now part of EBM)
- Marie Gold – Very popular plain biscuit for tea.
- Choco Treat – Chocolate cream-filled biscuit.
- Hilal Foods
Hilal Foods has been producing biscuits for decades, including:- Glucovita – Energy and glucose biscuits for children.
- Choco Bite – Chocolate cream biscuits.
- English Biscuit & Confectionery Local Brands
Several local manufacturers produce biscuits like:- Horlicks Lite Biscuits – Sugar-free option for health-conscious consumers.
- Bake Parlor – Offering a variety of cream and chocolate biscuits.
- Kashmir Biscuits – Popular in local markets for affordability and taste.
Consumer Preferences and Market Trends
- Growing Demand for Cream Biscuits
Biscuits with cream filling, like Treat and Sooper, are particularly popular among children and teenagers. Families also prefer them for snacking and gifting purposes. - Health-Conscious Options
Increasing awareness of sugar intake and obesity has led to the introduction of sugar-free and low-calorie biscuits. Brands like Horlicks Lite and Gluco Lite target this growing segment. - Innovative Flavors
Companies regularly launch new flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and nuts to attract customers. Limited edition flavors and packaging often boost sales during festive seasons. - Rural Market Growth
Biscuit manufacturers are expanding their distribution to rural areas, where demand is increasing due to rising awareness and disposable income. - Packaging and Convenience
Individual packs and family packs have become popular for on-the-go consumption, school lunch boxes, and office snacks.
Economic Contribution of Biscuit Industry
The biscuit industry in Pakistan contributes significantly to the economy:
- Employment Opportunities – Factories provide jobs to thousands of people, including workers, managers, and delivery personnel.
- Exports – Some brands export biscuits to the Middle East and Europe, generating foreign exchange.
- Supporting Agriculture – Flour, sugar, and milk industries benefit from the raw material demand for biscuits.
Challenges Facing the Industry
- Raw Material Prices – Fluctuations in wheat, sugar, and milk prices affect production costs.
- Competition – Both local and multinational brands compete for market share.
- Quality Control – Ensuring consistent quality across factories and distribution networks remains challenging.
- Changing Consumer Preferences – Increasing demand for healthier snacks puts pressure on traditional biscuit manufacturers.
Future Outlook
The future of Pakistan’s biscuit industry looks promising. With growing urbanization, increased disposable income, and expansion into rural areas, demand is expected to rise. Companies are also investing in research and development to create innovative flavors, healthier options, and attractive packaging to meet consumer expectations. E-commerce platforms and online grocery delivery services further enhance market reach.
Conclusion
Biscuits have become an integral part of Pakistani households, with brands like Peek Freans, Sooper, Gluco, Treat, Perk, Munch, TUC, and Marie dominating the market. The industry continues to grow due to innovation, health-conscious products, and rural expansion. Despite challenges such as raw material costs and competition, Pakistan’s biscuit industry remains a vibrant sector that contributes significantly to the economy, employment, and daily life of millions of consumers.
