Food - Central Asia

Central Asia

Highlights

Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$76.78bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.25% (CAGR 2024-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Meat with a market volume of US$16.35bn in 2024.
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$2tn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$968.60 are generated in 2024.
In the Food market, 1.6% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2024.
In the Food market, volume is expected to amount to 32.19bn kg by 2029. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.3% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Food market is expected to amount to 345.20kg in 2024.

Key regions:

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 definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Food market in Central Asia has been experiencing sluggish growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, economic instability, and limited infrastructure. The sub-markets of Dairy Products & Eggs, Meat, Fish & Seafood, and Vegetables are the main drivers of growth, while the markets for Convenience Food, Spreads & Sweeteners, and Processed Vegetables, Fruit & Potatoes face challenges due to changing dietary patterns and increasing health awareness. However, government initiatives and technological advancements are creating opportunities for growth in The Food market in Central Asia.

Customer preferences: As Central Asian economies continue to grow and urbanize, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more convenient food options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of nutrition and a desire for more efficient and time-saving solutions. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for ready-to-eat meals, meal prep services, and online grocery shopping. Additionally, there is a growing interest in locally-sourced and organic food products, reflecting a shift towards more mindful and sustainable consumption.

Trends in the market: In Central Asia, The Food market industry is experiencing a shift towards healthier and more sustainable food options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of a balanced diet and the impact of food production on the environment. As a result, there is an increase in demand for organic and locally sourced products, as well as a rise in plant-based and vegetarian options. This trajectory is significant for industry stakeholders, as it presents opportunities for new product development and marketing strategies. It also has potential implications for traditional food producers, who may need to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances: In Central Asia, The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse cultural and geographical factors. The nomadic traditions of the region have led to a strong demand for portable and shelf-stable food products, while the harsh climate and limited agricultural resources have resulted in a dependence on imported goods. Additionally, strict government regulations on food safety and labeling have a significant impact on the market's dynamics, as they affect the availability and pricing of certain products. These unique local factors play a crucial role in shaping The Food market in Central Asia and differentiating it from other markets.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Food market in Central Asia is greatly affected by macroeconomic factors such as economic stability, government policies, and investment opportunities. Countries with stable economies and supportive policies for the food industry experience higher market growth. On the other hand, regions with economic instability and limited investment opportunities face challenges in market growth. Additionally, the growing population and changing dietary patterns in Central Asia are driving the demand for diverse and innovative food products, leading to market expansion. Moreover, the increasing urbanization and rising disposable income in the region are also contributing to the growth of The Food market.

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.