Margarine - South Africa | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Margarine market amounts to US$76.61m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.30% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$5bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$1.25 are generated in 2024.
In the Margarine market, volume is expected to amount to 20.19m kg by 2029. The Margarine market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.1% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Margarine market is expected to amount to 0.32kg in 2024.

Definition:

Margarine is a butter substitute made from vegetable oils and contains a minimum of 80% fat. Margarine is typically less expensive and has less saturated fat than butter.

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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Regular margarine
Light or reduced-fat margarine
Soft margarine
Non-hydrogenated margarine
Cholesterol-free margarine
Vanaspati

Butter
Vegetable oils
Animal fats (e.g. lard)
Peanut butter
Out-of-home consumption

The Margarine Market within the Oils & Fats sector in South Africa is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options, competition from butter, and economic constraints affecting purchasing power.

Customer preferences: Consumers in South Africa are increasingly gravitating towards plant-based and healthier fat alternatives, spurred by a growing awareness of health and wellness. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, who prioritize nutrition and sustainability in their food choices. Additionally, cultural influences are driving interest in traditional fats, such as avocado and olive oil, as alternatives to margarine. As urban lifestyles evolve, convenience and versatility in cooking are also shaping preferences, pushing brands to innovate with new, health-focused margarine formulations.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the margarine market within the oils and fats sector is experiencing a significant shift towards health-conscious and plant-based alternatives. Consumers, particularly younger populations, are increasingly opting for margarine products that emphasize nutritional benefits and sustainability. This trend is further fueled by a cultural resurgence in traditional fats like avocado and olive oil, which are viewed as healthier substitutes. As lifestyles become more urbanized, the demand for convenient and versatile cooking options is prompting brands to innovate, resulting in new, health-focused margarine formulations that appeal to evolving consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the margarine market is shaped by a diverse cultural landscape that influences dietary choices and cooking practices. The country's rich culinary heritage incorporates traditional fats like butter and animal fats, creating a unique challenge for margarine brands to position their products. Additionally, the increasing awareness of health issues, such as heart disease, drives consumers toward plant-based options. Regulatory measures promoting healthier food labeling and sustainable ingredients are further steering the market, encouraging innovation in margarine formulations to meet local preferences and nutritional standards.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The South African margarine market is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as fluctuating global oil prices, local economic stability, and consumer purchasing power. The ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment rates, impact disposable income, shaping consumer preferences toward more affordable margarine options. Additionally, global trends towards healthier eating and sustainability are prompting local brands to innovate and reformulate products. Government policies promoting nutrition and public health also play a crucial role, as they create a supportive environment for healthier margarine alternatives, ultimately affecting market dynamics and growth prospects.

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.