Food - Eastern Africa

Eastern Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$170.20bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 11.49% (CAGR 2024-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Meat with a market volume of US$32.80bn 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$370.80 are generated in 2024.
In the Food market, 0.5% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2024.
In the Food market, volume is expected to amount to 61.21bn kg by 2029. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 5.5% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Food market is expected to amount to 108.50kg 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 Eastern Africa is experiencing subdued growth due to various factors such as limited access to technology and infrastructure, changing consumer preferences, and challenges in supply chain management. Despite this, it is expected to grow as the region's population increases and demand for convenience food and healthier options rises. Factors such as government initiatives, increasing investment in agriculture, and technological advancements in food production and distribution are likely to drive the market's growth in the coming years.

Customer preferences: The Food market market in Eastern Africa is experiencing a shift towards healthier and more sustainable food options. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the impact of their food choices on the environment and are seeking out locally sourced, organic, and plant-based products. This trend is also influenced by cultural preferences for traditional and natural ingredients. Additionally, there has been a rise in demand for convenient and on-the-go food options, as busy lifestyles and urbanization continue to shape consumer preferences.

Trends in the market: In Eastern Africa, The Food market is experiencing a shift towards more sustainable and organic products, with a growing demand for locally sourced and ethically produced food. This trend is driven by increasing consumer awareness and concerns about the environmental and social impact of food production. As a result, there has been a rise in small-scale farming and farmer cooperatives, as well as the adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices. This trajectory not only has significant implications for industry stakeholders, such as farmers and food producers, but also for the overall health and sustainability of the region's food system. It is expected that this trend will continue to grow, as consumers prioritize ethical and sustainable food choices.

Local special circumstances: In Eastern Africa, The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse cuisines and food preferences, often shaped by cultural traditions and beliefs. For example, Ethiopian cuisine is known for its use of spices and unique flavors, while Kenyan cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian, Arab, and British culinary traditions. Additionally, regulatory barriers and limited infrastructure can pose challenges for food distribution, leading to a reliance on local markets and informal food systems. These factors contribute to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of The Food market in Eastern Africa.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Food market market in Eastern Africa is impacted by various macroeconomic factors, including global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. The region's economic growth and stability play a significant role in the market's performance, as well as government policies and regulations that affect the food industry. For instance, countries with strong economic growth and stable fiscal policies are likely to experience a higher demand for food products, while those with economic challenges may see a decline in market growth. Additionally, factors like population growth, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences can also influence The Food market in Eastern Africa.

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.