Snacks in 2025: The big picture
Value sales of snacks in Sri Lanka rose in 2025. Lifestyle changes, product format innovation, and increased consumer interest in both decadent and practical snacking all contributed to the snacks market's overall performance. Global brands entering new countries and emerging markets demonstrated increased demand for easily accessible, delicious, and convenient snack options, providing significant momentum. Additionally, the industry profited from changing eating patterns, as snacks progressively took the place of complete meals, particularly among younger populations and busy metropolitan consumers. Consumers looking for both fun and purpose in their purchases responded favourably to emerging trends like plant-based formulations, flavours influenced by culture, and packaging that prioritises sustainability. Furthermore, viral advertising and digital interaction were crucial in promoting new product releases and brand experiences, increasing the category's vibrancy.
Key trends in 2025
As health-conscious consumers looked for snacks with clean labels, plant-based ingredients, and added health benefits such as protein, fibre, or probiotics, functional and natural snacks gained popularity. Growing awareness of wellbeing, particularly in the post-pandemic context where immunity and gut health were priorities, hastened this shift. In response, businesses came out with novel fruit-based snacks, legumes, seeds, and ancient grains that not only satisfied consumers' palates but also complemented their health objectives. This trend also helped firms stand out in a crowded market by offering seemingly healthier alternatives to conventional high-fat or high-sodium products.
Competitive Landscape
Ceylon Biscuits Ltd retained its leadership in Sri Lanka’s snacks market in 2025, leveraging its strong presence in sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks, and savoury snacks. Its continued dominance can be attributed to deep market penetration, widespread consumer trust in its flagship Munchee brand, and an extensive distribution network that spans both urban and rural regions. The company’s consistent introduction of flavour innovations and affordable product formats helped maintain relevance across demographics. Local sourcing, recognisable branding, and competitive pricing further supported its leading position in a competitive and increasingly health-conscious market.
Channel developments
In terms of snack distribution, supermarkets and hypermarkets ranked first overall in 2025, and their value share increased over the course of the year. These stores were a favourite with snack consumers because they provided a large selection, affordable prices, and special offers. Broad customer appeal was guaranteed by their capacity to carry both local and international brands, including private labels. Impulsive purchases were promoted by in-store displays and cross-promotions with beverages or prepared meals. In order to meet changing consumer expectations, supermarkets also improved the shopping experience by prominently displaying healthier and environmentally friendly snack options.
What next for snacks?
Value sales of snacks are set to rise over the forecast period. Stronger brand innovation, broader distribution, and a greater variety of products are anticipated to propel growth. Although snack categories are mature in many regions, they are still being driven by increased consumption situations, flavour innovation, and dynamic product releases. Demand will also be influenced by growing consumer knowledge, especially in relation to sustainability and health. Both expensive, decadent snacks and more affordable products will coexist in the market as premiumisation and affordability trends continue to grow. Additionally, smaller, local retail formats and increased availability through digital platforms will help growth.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Snacks industry in Sri Lanka with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Snacks industry in Sri Lanka, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Snacks in Sri Lanka report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Snacks in Sri Lanka?
- Which are the leading brands in Snacks in Sri Lanka?
- How are products distributed in Snacks in Sri Lanka?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Snacks?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Sri Lanka?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Snacks in Sri Lanka
Snacks in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive Landscape
Channel developments
What next for snacks?
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Steady recovery in a value-conscious market
Portfolio repositioning in a competitive landscape
Modern retail and e-commerce reshape access
Prospects and Opportunities
Resilient growth driven by cultural relevance and urbanisation
Digital tools and local manufacturing bolster innovation
Health, regulation, and sustainability shape future offerings
Category Data
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Economic recovery and changing snacking habits support category growth
Brand loyalty challenged by regional entrants and targeted innovation
Digital platforms and e-commerce extend distribution reach
Prospects and Opportunities
Continued growth driven by evolving preferences and urban access
Digital and product innovation reshape category dynamics
Health trends and sustainability influence reformulation and packaging
Category Data
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Affordable indulgence supports steady value growth
Brand diversification and retail strength shape competitive landscape
Modern trade and convenience retail drive access and availability
Prospects and Opportunities
Format diversification and cultural occasions underpin forecast growth
Digital marketing and cold chain upgrades enhance category reach
Better-for-you products and sustainable practices gain ground
Category Data
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Affordability and flavour innovations drive gradual growth
Local leaders retain dominance while smaller brands gain momentum
General trade supports reach, while e-commerce makes modest gains
Prospects and Opportunities
Affordability and flavour innovation to drive forecast growth
Technology upgrades enhance production, packaging, and outreach
Sustainability and health trends shape product innovation
Category Data
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Snacks
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
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- Bubble Gum
- Chewing Gum
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- Boiled Sweets
- Chewy Candies
- Gummies and Jellies
- Liquorice
- Lollipops
- Medicated Confectionery
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- Power Mints
- Standard Mints
- Toffees, Caramels and Nougat
- Other Sugar Confectionery
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- Frozen Yoghurt
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- Single Portion Dairy Ice Cream
- Single Portion Water Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Unpackaged Ice Cream
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- Bulk Dairy Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Desserts
- Multi-Pack Dairy Ice Cream
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- Bulk Water Ice Cream
- Multi-Pack Water Ice Cream
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
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- Potato Chips
- Tortilla Chips
- Puffed Snacks
- Rice Snacks
- Vegetable, Pulse and Bread Chips
- Savoury Biscuits
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Dried Fruit
- Processed Fruit Snacks
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- Cereal Bars
- Protein/Energy Bars
- Fruit and Nut Bars
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- Chocolate Coated Biscuits
- Cookies
- Filled Biscuits
- Plain Biscuits
- Wafers
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This report originates from Passport, our Snacks research and analysis database.
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