While value sales for snacks are set to increase in Bolivia in 2025, there is expected to be a significant fall in volume sales. An economic crisis is unfolding as the country runs out of its own supply of natural gas, which in turn is significantly reducing exports. With less revenue from exports, foreign currency reserves are falling, leading to a shortage of US dollars, and driving up costs. As a result, inflation is surging, with many consumers even struggling to afford basis food stuffs. As well as inflation, this is leading to product shortages, with imports in particular being impacted. Consumers are prioritising brands that offer affordability and availability, over established brand equity, leading to a noticeable decline in imported products, especially in price-sensitive segments such as puffed snacks, sweet biscuits and chocolate confectionery. Local companies are responding with adaptive pricing, smaller pack sizes, and increasing distribution in small local grocers, as consumers are shopping more frequently, but spending less per trip. Simultaneously, a decline in local milk production is also impacting supply chains, most notably in ice cream, and forcing leading players to reassess portfolios.
While overall, it is a bleak picture for snacks in 2023, there are some products that are performing well. One being gummies, where new players are entering, and there is also continuing innovation. One recent arrival is the Spanish company Fini Golosinas which has expanded its offerings and also widened its distribution. At the same time, leading player in gummies, Arcor, with its Mogul brand, is significantly increasing its visibility at checkouts, and specifically in modern grocery retailers. The Mogul brand is also supported by a wide variety of pack formats, along with appealing designs and colours and also varying price levels.
Regional multinational, Arcor Alimentos Bolivia SA, continues to lead the competitive landscape. However, it loses slight value share in 2025. Its Cofler brand leads in chocolate confectionery and it has expanded Cofler’s presence across points-of-sale and increased product displays, particularly in the modern retail channel. The brand stands out for its combination of milk chocolate and peanuts, offering a wide range of sizes for varying budgets.
Small local grocers continue to be the leading channel in 2025, accounting for over three-quarters of value sales and gaining further value share in 2025. Due to the high inflation, consumers are shopping more frequently, but spending less per trip, and this is benefitting small local grocers. However, the vastness and informality of the traditional channel also make it highly susceptible to contraband, with smuggled products often present on shelves. That being said, in 2025, a sharp increase in the prices of smuggled goods has led to a decline in their availability, creating new opportunities for legal brands to regain share.
There is a lot of uncertainty over the forecast period. If the economy continues to struggle and prices continues to rise, there will be a further marginal fall in volume sales. In addition, continuing shortages of the US dollar will continue to have a negative impact on imported brands. That being said, international companies with big budgets, will be able to absorb the rising prices more easily. For instance, Spanish company Fini Golosinas has set up a local operation to have greater control. However, well-established local players with strong distribution networks and consistent investment in innovation will be well better positioned to sustain and grow sales. In addition, it will give local brands an opportunity to expand into segments that were traditionally dominated by international brands. Looking ahead, the launch of new local brands will be inspired by local flavours. For instance in savoury snacks, there will be increasing visibility of cuñapé (cheese puffs) and chipilo (fried yucca), with added spicy notes appealing to local tastes.
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