Convenience Food - South Africa

South Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Convenience Food market amounts to US$1.38bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.11% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$154bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$22.60 are generated in 2024.
In the Convenience Food market, volume is expected to amount to 258.30m kg by 2029. The Convenience Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.8% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Convenience Food market is expected to amount to 4.1kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Convenience Food Market in South Africa is experiencing minimal growth, impacted by factors such as rising health awareness among consumers and increasing adoption of online food services. The Ready-to-Eat Meals and Soups sub-markets also play a role in shaping the overall market.

Customer preferences: Consumers in South Africa are increasingly turning to convenience foods due to their busy lifestyles and the convenience they offer. This trend is driven by a growing urban population and changing cultural norms, including a rise in dual-income households. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and on-the-go options. This shift towards convenience foods is also influenced by the increasing availability and affordability of such products, catering to the changing needs and preferences of modern consumers. This trend is likely to continue as more consumers prioritize convenience and time-saving options in their daily lives.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the Convenience Food Market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier options, with consumers increasingly seeking out organic, plant-based, and preservative-free convenience foods. This trend is driven by a growing health consciousness among consumers and a desire for more sustainable and ethical food choices. As a result, convenience food companies are innovating to meet these demands, creating new product lines and partnerships with local farmers and suppliers. This trend is expected to continue, with potential implications for stakeholders in terms of increased competition and the need for more sustainable and transparent sourcing practices.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Convenience Food market is seeing growth due to the increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles of consumers. The country's diverse demographics and cultural influences have led to a wide array of convenience food options, including traditional dishes adapted for convenience. Additionally, the government's focus on food safety and regulation has influenced the market, with more consumers seeking healthier and safer options. The rise of e-commerce and online food delivery services has also contributed to the market's growth, catering to the ever-increasing demand for convenience and speed in food consumption.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Convenience Food Market within The Food market in South Africa is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, population growth, and economic stability. As the South African economy continues to recover, consumers are increasingly turning to convenience foods as a cost-effective and time-saving option. Additionally, government initiatives promoting healthy eating habits and increasing disposable income are expected to drive market growth. However, challenges such as rising food prices and fluctuating exchange rates may hinder market expansion. Overall, the convenience food market in South Africa is expected to experience steady growth due to a combination of favorable economic conditions and changing consumer preferences.

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.