Food - Africa

Africa

Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$775.20bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 10.06% (CAGR 2024-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Meat with a market volume of US$145.10bn in 2024.
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (US$1,601bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$589.70 are generated in 2024.
In the Food market, 0.6% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2024.
In the Food market, volume is expected to amount to 233.60bn kg by 2029. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.3% in 2025.
The average volume per person in the Food market is expected to amount to 149.10kg in 2024.

Key regions: United States, Canada, China, India, South Korea

Definition:

The food market covers all edible products that are bought and consumed for nutrient-based purposes. The market includes both fresh and processed foods.

Structure:

The market consists of 13 different markets:

The Dairy products & Eggs market covers animal products, such as milk, eggs and products made from mammal’s milk and non-animal products, such as milk substitutes. This market is divided into six subsegments that include milk, milk substitutes, yogurt, cheese, eggs and other dairy products and eggs.
The Meat market covers animal products, such as pork, poultry, and free-from meat products, such as meat substitutes. This market is divided into three submarkets: fresh meat, processed meat, and meat substitutes.
The Fish & Seafood market covers products made from fish and seafood. This market is divided into three submarkets: fresh fish, fresh seafood, and processed fish & seafood.
Fruits & Nuts cover edible fruits and nuts. This market is divided into three submarkets: fresh fruits, processed & frozen fruits, and nuts.
The Vegetables market covers edible plants. This market is divided into two submarkets: fresh vegetables, processed & frozen vegetables.
The Bread & Cereal products market covers baked goods made from dough. Dough is made using flour, water, a leavening agent, and other optional ingredients. This market also covers products made from cereals that are usually used as part of a main meal. This market is divided into five submarkets: bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals and other cereal products.
The Oils and Fats market covers both edible oils and fats made from animals and plants. This market is divided into four submarkets: butter, margarine, edible oils, and other oils & fats.
The Sauces and Spices market covers additional ingredients used during the food preparation process and is divided into three submarkets: tomato ketchup, other sauces, and spices & culinary herbs.
The Convenience food market covers prepared food and meals that require little effort to prepare. This market is divided into two subsegments, soups and ready-to-eat meals.
The Spreads and Sweeteners market covers spreads and ingredients added to food or beverages to give it a sweet flavor. This market is divided into two subsegments, spreads and sweeteners.
The Confectionery & Snacks market covers sweet, savory, and salty food. This market is divided into two subsegments, confectionery and snacks.
The Baby food market covers food that is only meant to be consumed by babies and small children.
The Pet food market covers food that is intended for pet use only.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), and sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included. The out-of-home revenue data is only shown as a separate box at the market level.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

Market

Region

Region comparison

Currency

Analyst Opinion

The Food market in Africa has been seeing moderate growth due to factors such as increasing demand for convenience and ready-to-eat food products, rising consumer awareness about healthy eating habits, and the availability of a wide range of food options. However, the sub-markets of Dairy Products & Eggs, Meat, and Fish & Seafood are experiencing sluggish growth due to challenges such as limited access to technology and infrastructure, high production costs, and lack of proper storage facilities. These factors contribute to the subdued growth rate of the overall food market in Africa.

Customer preferences: Consumers in The Food market are increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing when it comes to their food choices. There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of food production and a desire to support local and fair trade practices. This has led to a rise in demand for organic, locally grown, and ethically sourced products. Additionally, there is a growing interest in plant-based diets and alternative protein sources, driven by health and environmental concerns. This shift towards conscious consumption is also reflected in the popularity of eco-friendly and reusable packaging options.

Trends in the market: In Africa, The Food market industry is experiencing a surge in e-commerce platforms and online food delivery services. This trend is driven by the increasing adoption of technology, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences for convenience and safety. As a result, food retailers and delivery companies are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and expanding their offerings. Additionally, there is a growing demand for locally sourced and organic food products, leading to the emergence of specialized online marketplaces. These developments have significant implications for stakeholders, as they present opportunities for growth and competition in the market. However, challenges such as limited internet access and infrastructure in some parts of Africa could hinder the full potential of this trend.

Local special circumstances: In Africa, The Food market is heavily influenced by the continent's diverse climate, cultures, and regulations. With over 50 countries, each with its unique set of resources and consumer preferences, the market dynamics vary significantly from region to region. For instance, in South Africa, the market is driven by the growing demand for organic and sustainable food products, while in Nigeria, the market is dominated by traditional street food vendors and small-scale farmers. Additionally, strict import and export regulations in certain countries can impact the availability and pricing of certain food products, creating further complexity in the market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The performance of The Food market in Africa is closely tied to macroeconomic factors such as economic growth, inflation, and government policies. As a developing region, Africa's food market is heavily influenced by global economic trends, especially in terms of trade and investment. National economic health, including GDP growth and consumer spending, also plays a significant role in the performance of The Food market. Fiscal policies, such as taxation and subsidies, can impact the cost and availability of food products, while other financial indicators such as exchange rates and interest rates can affect production costs and consumer purchasing power. These factors, along with the region's population growth and changing dietary preferences, can have a significant impact on the demand and supply of food products in Africa.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.