Asia-Pacific Food Gifting Market Outlook, 2029
The APAC (Asia-Pacific) Food Gifting Market is rapidly becoming a central part of the region’s cultural fabric, where food holds deep symbolic meaning in festivals, celebrations, and daily life. In this diverse and vibrant region, food is not just sustenance—it is a gesture of goodwill, affection, and respect. The food gifting tradition stretches across numerous countries, each bringing its unique twist to the art of sharing food. From Japan's delicate tea and sweet gifts to India's rich, spice-laden treats, food gifts offer a personal and meaningful way to connect with loved ones. As the APAC region embraces modernity while honoring traditional practices, the food gifting market is booming, driven by a growing demand for high-quality, artisanal, and premium products. Local and international consumers alike are seeking gifts that not only satisfy the palate but also convey thoughtfulness and appreciation. The market is rich with variety—from traditional sweets and chocolates to gourmet hampers filled with exotic treats, fresh fruits, and regional specialties. Festivals such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas are key times for food gifting, with people from all walks of life seeking out the perfect food offerings to share. The rise of e-commerce and digital platforms has also played a significant role in expanding the reach of food gifting, making it easier for consumers to send special treats to loved ones, whether near or far. With its fusion of old customs and new innovations, the APAC food gifting market continues to evolve, creating a vibrant space where the tradition of gifting food meets the modern consumer's desire for quality and convenience.
According to the research report “Asia-Pacific Food Gifting Market Outlook, 2029,”published by Bonafide Research, the APAC Food Gifting market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.10% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The APAC Food Gifting Market has been witnessing several exciting trends that are shaping its evolution. The increasing preference for premium, personalized, and health-conscious food gifts is driving the demand for high-quality artisanal products. Consumers are leaning toward customized hampers and personalized gift boxes filled with locally sourced, organic, and specialty food items. There’s also a significant rise in demand for vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options, as more people embrace healthier lifestyles. Government policies in several APAC countries are encouraging local food gifting businesses through subsidies and incentives for producing high-quality, regionally sourced products. These policies not only promote local agriculture but also foster a sense of community, with many food gifting companies choosing to highlight regional specialties in their gift offerings. Technology is playing a crucial role in expanding the market, particularly through the rise of e-commerce platforms. Online food gifting services have made it easier than ever for consumers to order and send food gifts across countries and even continents, making the process more convenient and accessible. As for dominant companies in the market, several big players have carved out a niche for themselves by offering high-end food gifts, often combining luxury and convenience. While large multinational companies hold a share of the market, local and regional players are thriving by catering to specific cultural preferences and creating unique food gift experiences that resonate with local traditions. With food gifting becoming more personalized and accessible, the APAC region is poised for continued growth in this dynamic market.
Market Drivers• Cultural Importance of Gifting: In many APAC cultures, food gifting holds deep traditional significance, especially during major festivals and holidays. For instance, mooncakes are gifted during the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, and specialty foods are exchanged during Diwali in India. The cultural importance of these traditions supports year-round demand for food gifts, boosting market growth. Consumers continue to honor these customs by purchasing premium or traditional food items for gifting purposes, contributing to a steady market expansion across the region.
Market Challenges• Logistical and Delivery Issues: A major challenge for the food gifting market in APAC is the complexity of logistics, especially when it comes to delivering perishable items. Food gifts are often time-sensitive, and maintaining quality during transport can be difficult. Long distances, varying temperature conditions, and inefficient supply chains can compromise the quality of food products. Companies need to invest in advanced packaging and refrigeration technologies to ensure that food items reach their destination in optimal condition, which adds to operational costs and complexity.
Market Trends• Collaborations with Celebrity Chefs and Influencers: Collaborations between food gifting brands and celebrity chefs or influencers are growing in popularity in APAC. By partnering with well-known personalities, brands can enhance the appeal of their products and tap into a larger, more engaged audience. These collaborations often result in exclusive, limited-edition gift boxes or food hampers, elevating the perceived value of the gift. The influence of social media has amplified this trend, as consumers are more likely to purchase food gifts endorsed by celebrities they follow, making it an effective strategy for market growth.
Confectionery is the leading product segment in the APAC food gifting market due to its universal appeal and versatility. Confectionery is the leading product segment in the APAC food gifting market due to its universal appeal and versatility. Whether it's for personal celebrations, corporate gifting, or seasonal festivals, confectionery items like chocolates, candies, cookies, and sweets have become staple gifts in the region. This segment enjoys consistent demand across different age groups and cultural contexts, making it a popular choice for food gifting. In APAC, where gifting plays a significant cultural role, confectionery is often considered a thoughtful and easily accessible option, making it ideal for occasions ranging from birthdays to major festivals such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Christmas. The confectionery market is also supported by continuous innovation in product offerings, with manufacturers introducing healthier options like sugar-free or vegan chocolates to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Additionally, the ability to customize confectionery gift sets with personalized packaging and premium ingredients further elevates their appeal as high-end gifts. Confectionery also has a longer shelf life compared to other food categories, making it more suitable for gifting over long distances, particularly in the vast and diverse APAC region. With the growth of disposable income and increasing demand for luxurious food gifts, confectionery stands out as the dominant product type in the APAC food gifting market, driven by both tradition and innovation.
Festive and seasonal gifting holds a dominant position in the APAC food gifting market, driven by the rich cultural significance of gift-giving during major holidays and festivals. Festive and seasonal gifting holds a dominant position in the APAC food gifting market, driven by the rich cultural significance of gift-giving during major holidays and festivals. In APAC, festivals such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid, and the Mid-Autumn Festival are not just religious observances but also times of social and familial bonding, where gifting plays a key role. During these occasions, food gifts, particularly premium confectionery, packaged snacks, and regional delicacies, are exchanged as tokens of goodwill, appreciation, and celebration. Festive gifting is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, which makes it a highly predictable and recurring demand throughout the year. In countries like China and India, food gifts are seen as a symbol of prosperity, blessings, and hospitality. The growing trend of gifting high-quality, customized food hampers during festive seasons has amplified this segment’s growth. The personalization and premium nature of food gifts further appeal to consumers, who are increasingly willing to spend on these festive indulgences. Additionally, the rise of online shopping platforms has expanded the reach of festive food gifting, enabling consumers to send gifts across borders, making it even more convenient to participate in cultural traditions. The appeal of seasonal gifting, coupled with the emotional connection to traditions and celebrations, ensures that this occasion-focused segment remains a driving force in the APAC food gifting market.
Offline retail remains the most prominent distribution channel for the APAC food gifting market. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores, including supermarket. Offline retail remains the most prominent distribution channel for the APAC food gifting market. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores, including supermarkets, department stores, and specialized gifting outlets, provide consumers with a tactile, in-person shopping experience that online platforms often cannot replicate. In countries with a deep cultural attachment to food gifting, such as Japan, South Korea, and India, consumers prefer to hand-pick their food gifts, ensuring they align with personal tastes and cultural preferences. Offline stores also offer the advantage of instant gratification, where customers can immediately take their gifts home or have them delivered on the same day, particularly useful during peak seasons like festive gifting periods. The sensory experience of browsing through a range of high-quality food products, from exotic chocolates to luxury hampers, adds to the allure of shopping offline. Furthermore, retail stores often provide attractive gift packaging and curated collections tailored to specific occasions, enhancing the overall gifting experience. In regions with limited access to reliable internet connectivity or where digital payment methods are less common, offline distribution remains crucial. This makes offline retail a strong contender in the APAC food gifting market, contributing significantly to its growth, especially in rural or semi-urban areas where e-commerce adoption may be slower. The ability to engage in direct interactions, the availability of seasonal promotions, and the assurance of product quality make offline stores an essential component of the food gifting ecosystem in APAC.
China is the dominant force in the APAC food gifting market due to a combination of cultural significance, economic strength. China is the dominant force in the APAC food gifting market due to a combination of cultural significance, economic strength, and rapidly changing consumer preferences. Gift-giving holds immense cultural importance in China, particularly during major festivals such as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival. During these times, food gifts, especially premium offerings like specialty teas, mooncakes, chocolates, and other delicacies, are exchanged among family members, friends, and colleagues. This tradition of gifting is deeply rooted in the Chinese cultural ethos, where food symbolizes prosperity, good health, and respect. The country’s rapid economic growth has also played a pivotal role in the expansion of the food gifting market. As disposable incomes rise, particularly among the urban middle class, Chinese consumers are increasingly looking for high-quality, premium food gifts. Confectionery items such as chocolates, health-focused snacks, and luxury hampers are in high demand, with consumers willing to spend on indulgent and personalized gifts. This shift is supported by a growing trend of gifting not just for traditional holidays, but also for corporate and personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. China's booming e-commerce sector has further fueled the growth of the food gifting market. Online platforms like Alibaba’s Tmall and JD.com have made it easier for consumers to purchase and send food gifts to loved ones, irrespective of geographic boundaries. This convenience has spurred a rise in online food gifting, especially among younger generations who prefer the ease of online shopping, Its vast geographic and cultural diversity has led to a wide range of regional food preferences, enabling food gifting companies to create tailored and localized offerings that appeal to a broad consumer base. The combination of deep cultural traditions, rising incomes, and the e-commerce boom ensures that China remains the leading country in the APAC food gifting market.
Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029
Aspects covered in this report
• Food Gifting Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & country wise Food Gifting market analysis
• Application wise Food Gifting distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Product type
• Confectionery
• Fresh & Dried Fruits (Healthy and Organic Foods)
• Bakery & Pastry/sweets Products
• Beverages (Wines, Tea, Coffee, etc)
• Others
By Occasion
• Festive/seasonal Gifting
• Corporate Gifting
• Birthday & Anniversaries
• Others
By Distribution Channel
• Offline
• Online
The approach of the report:This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audienceThis report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
***
Please Note: It will take 48 hours (2 Business days) for delivery of the report upon order confirmation.