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Convenience Food - Southern Africa

Southern Africa
  • Revenue in the Convenience Food market amounts to US$1.98bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.74% (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$28.25 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Convenience Food market, volume is expected to amount to 378.20m kg by 2029. The Convenience Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.6% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Convenience Food market is expected to amount to 5.1kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Convenience Food market covers any form of pre-packaged or prepared food that is intended to be simple to prepare or consume quickly, requiring little to no cooking or other preparation. Examples include ready-to-eat meals, frozen dinners, and soups. The focus of these meals is less on quality and nutrition and more on convenience and accessibility.

Structure:

The market consists of two different submarkets:

  • The Ready-to-Eat Meals market covers products that require minimal preparation by the consumer, i.e., meals that only require heating up.
  • The Soups market covers finished products such as powders for making soup (instant soups), and broth or liquid soups that are purchased in prepared form (tinned soups).

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.

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

In-Scope

  • Ready-to-eat meals
  • Soups

Out-Of-Scope

  • Fresh cut salad
  • Frozen vegetables
  • Cut fruit
  • Out-of-home consumption
Convenience Food: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Convenience Food: market data & analysis

Study Details

    Revenue

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Volume

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Price

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Sales Channels

    Most recent update: Nov 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Convenience Food Market in Southern Africa is currently experiencing minimal growth, impacted by factors such as increasing competition from other food options, health concerns among consumers, and limited availability of fresh ingredients. The Ready-to-Eat Meals and Soups sub-markets are also affected by these factors, leading to a slower overall market growth. However, the convenience offered by these products, especially in urban areas, continues to drive demand for these convenient and time-saving food options. As digital technologies continue to advance, there may be opportunities for growth in the online food delivery and meal kit services within the Convenience Food Market in Southern Africa.

    Customer preferences:
    The Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a growing demand for healthier options, as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out convenient options that align with their dietary preferences. This trend is driven by a shift towards healthier lifestyles, as well as an increasing awareness of the impact of diet on overall well-being. As a result, there has been a rise in the availability of organic, gluten-free, and plant-based options in the convenience food segment, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

    Trends in the market:
    In Southern Africa, the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a rise in demand for healthy and convenient food options. Consumers are increasingly seeking out products that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. This trend is expected to continue as more people prioritize their health and well-being. Additionally, there is a growing interest in plant-based alternatives to traditional convenience foods. This trend is significant as it reflects a shift towards healthier and more sustainable eating habits. Industry stakeholders should take note of these trends and adapt their product offerings to cater to these changing consumer preferences.

    Local special circumstances:
    In Southern Africa, the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse cultural and geographical factors. With a large and growing urban population, there is a high demand for quick and convenient food options. However, traditional dietary preferences and cultural norms also play a role in shaping the market. Additionally, regulatory policies and infrastructure limitations can also impact the availability and accessibility of convenience foods in the region. These unique factors contribute to the unique dynamics of the Convenience Food Market in Southern Africa.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors in Southern Africa. The region's economic health, fiscal policies, and global economic trends all play a significant role in shaping the market's performance. Countries with stable economies and favorable fiscal policies often see higher demand for convenience foods, as consumers have more disposable income to spend on these products. Additionally, the growing urbanization and busy lifestyles in the region are also driving the demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food options. This trend is expected to continue as the region experiences further economic growth and urbanization.

    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.

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    Convenience Food: market data & analysis - BackgroundConvenience Food: market data & analysis - Cover

    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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