Indian Toffee Exports to Italy Experience Significant Surge Following Pandemic

India's Toffee Exports Surge to Highest Level in Eight Years

India's toffee exports have seen a significant surge in recent years, with the country emerging as one of the top confectionery exporters globally. A Moneycontrol analysis of commerce ministry data reveals that India's toffee exports to Italy have risen sharply, making it one of the most notable shifts in the country's confectionery export story.

India's toffee exports rose nearly 40 percent in FY26 to $14.87 million, the highest level in eight years, compared with $10.82 million in FY25. This significant increase in exports is a testament to the growing demand for Indian confectionery in international markets. Italy's rise as a major buyer of Indian toffees is particularly noteworthy, with exports to the country increasing from almost negligible levels before FY20 to $0.01 million in FY18 and FY19.

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The pandemic played a significant role in changing the dynamics of India's confectionery exports. Shipments to Italy jumped to $1.57 million in FY21 and peaked at $2.44 million in FY23, before moderating to $0.57 million in FY26. Despite this moderation, Italy continues to be among the top destinations for Indian toffees.

While Europe has emerged as a growing market for Indian confectionery, West Asia still dominates the country's exports. Saudi Arabia became the largest buyer of Indian toffees in FY26, importing $2.88 million worth – more than double the previous year's $1.36 million. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait also saw significant increases in exports, with shipments to the former rising to $1.39 million and to the latter climbing to $0.5 million.

African markets have also contributed to the recovery of India's confectionery exports. Exports to Benin rebounded sharply to $1.53 million in FY26 from $0.41 million a year earlier, making it India's second-largest export destination for toffees.

The rebound follows several difficult years for exporters, with India's toffee exports falling from $18.92 million in FY18 to just $10.03 million in FY22 before beginning a gradual recovery. Traditional markets such as Nepal and Nigeria have weakened over time, pushing exporters to diversify into newer geographies.

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The growing acceptance of Indian confectionery in European markets such as Italy suggests that exporters are increasingly moving beyond low-income destinations toward premium and diaspora-driven demand centres.