Snack Food - South Africa | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Snack Food market amounts to US$519.30m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.30% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$52bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$8.51 are generated in 2024.
In the Snack Food market, volume is expected to amount to 105.60m kg by 2029. The Snack Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.5% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Snack Food market is expected to amount to 1.7kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Snack Food market covers food products that are typically eaten in between meals or as a quick bite. These meals are frequently created to be portable, simple to prepare, and easy to consume. Snack foods can be either salty or sweet. This market is divided into three submarkets: cookies and crackers, potato chips, tortilla chips, flips, and pretzels.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), 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.

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Potato chips
Extruded and expanded snacks (e.g. Cheetos, Wotsits)
Cookies and crackers
Pretzels

Dried fruit snacks
Nuts
Out-of-home consumption

The Snack Food market in South Africa is seeing minimal growth due to various factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing health consciousness, and the convenience of online shopping. This trend is evident in sub-markets such as Tortilla Chips, Flips & Pretzels, Potato Chips, and Cookies & Crackers, as consumers opt for healthier snacking options. The slow growth rate can also be attributed to the economic downturn and price sensitivity among consumers.

Customer preferences: As the demand for healthier snack options rises, there has been a noticeable shift towards plant-based and organic snacks in South Africa. This is driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of food production and a desire for clean, natural ingredients. Additionally, with an increasing focus on wellness and self-care, consumers are gravitating towards snacks that offer functional benefits, such as energy-boosting or stress-reducing properties. This trend is also reflected in the rise of snack subscription services, allowing consumers to customize and receive healthy snacks on a regular basis.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is experiencing a trend towards healthier snack options. With increasing health consciousness among consumers, there is a rising demand for snacks made from natural and organic ingredients, free from artificial additives. This trend is expected to continue, with a focus on clean labeling and sustainable sourcing. Industry stakeholders must adapt to this trajectory by diversifying their product offerings and incorporating healthier ingredients, or risk losing market share to more health-focused competitors.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's diverse cultural landscape. Traditional snack foods like biltong and samoosas are popular among the local population, while imported snacks like chips and chocolates are also in high demand. Additionally, South Africa's strict regulations on food labeling and quality control have a significant impact on the market, ensuring that consumers have access to safe and healthy snack options.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market in South Africa is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, inflation rates, and economic growth. As South Africa's economy continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer spending is expected to increase, leading to a rise in demand for snack foods. Additionally, the government's fiscal policies, such as tax incentives for small businesses and investments in infrastructure, are expected to positively impact the market's growth. However, the market's performance may be hindered by rising inflation rates, which could lead to higher production costs and lower consumer purchasing power. Overall, South Africa's improving economic health and supportive policies are likely to drive the growth of the Snack Food Market in the coming years.

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.