Food - Central Africa

Central Africa

Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$51.03bn in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.37% (CAGR 2025-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Meat with a market volume of US$9.72bn in 2025.
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (US$1,736bn in 2025).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$514.20 are generated in 2025.
In the Food market, 0.9% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2025.
In the Food market, volume is expected to amount to 18.87bn kg by 2029. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 5.3% in 2026.
The average volume per person in the Food market is expected to amount to 165.10kg in 2025.

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 Central Africa has shown moderate growth due to factors such as limited access to digital technologies, low health awareness among consumers, and challenges in supply chain and infrastructure. The sub-markets of Dairy Products & Eggs, Meat, Fish & Seafood, Fruits & Nuts, Vegetables, Bread & Cereal Products, Oils & Fats, Sauces & Spices, Convenience Food, Spreads & Sweeteners, Confectionery & Snacks, Baby Food, Pet Food, Processed Vegetables, Fruit & Potatoes and Pasta & Rice have been impacted by these constraints, resulting in a subdued growth rate.

Customer preferences: In Central Africa, The Food market has seen a rise in demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the impact of food choices on personal health and the environment. As a result, consumers are increasingly preferring locally sourced, organic, and plant-based foods. Additionally, there has been a rise in demand for alternative protein sources such as insect-based products, reflecting a cultural acceptance of these foods. These shifts in preferences highlight a growing concern for personal and environmental well-being among consumers in Central Africa.

Trends in the market: In Central Africa, The Food market industry is experiencing a surge in demand for locally sourced and sustainable food products. This trend is driven by increasing consumer awareness of the environmental and health benefits of consuming locally produced food. As a result, there is a growing number of small-scale farmers and producers entering the market, offering a wider variety of fresh and organic options. This trend is expected to continue, with potential implications for industry stakeholders such as retailers and distributors, who may need to adapt their supply chains to meet the demand for these products. Additionally, there may be opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between local producers and larger corporations to capitalize on this trend.

Local special circumstances: In Central Africa, The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse geography and cultural preferences. The vast expanse of land and varying climates create unique challenges for food production and distribution. Additionally, the cultural diversity and traditional food practices of different ethnic groups impact consumer preferences and demand. Regulatory factors, such as limited infrastructure and trade barriers, also contribute to the market dynamics. These factors have created a fragmented and complex market, with a mix of local and international players catering to the diverse needs of the population.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Food market market in Central Africa is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. For instance, countries with stable economies and strong investments in infrastructure are experiencing higher market growth compared to those with weaker economic conditions and limited funding. Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing aging population in the region are driving the demand for food products that cater to specific dietary needs and promote healthy living. This trend is expected to continue as the region experiences economic growth and increasing consumer awareness about the importance of a healthy diet.

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.