Spreads & Sweeteners - Africa

Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Spreads & Sweeteners market amounts to US$16.04bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 9.68% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$144bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$12.34 are generated in 2024.
In the Spreads & Sweeteners market, volume is expected to amount to 5.26bn kg by 2029. The Spreads & Sweeteners market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.0% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Spreads & Sweeteners market is expected to amount to 3.5kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Spreads & Sweeteners market in The Food market in Africa is facing subdued growth, impacted by various factors such as lower consumer spending power, increasing competition, and shifting consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to experience moderate growth driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the convenience of online shopping.

Customer preferences: As African countries continue to experience economic growth, there has been a noticeable increase in consumer spending on indulgent treats and convenience foods. This has resulted in a growing demand for spreads and sweeteners with natural and organic ingredients, as consumers become more health-conscious. Additionally, there is a rising trend towards alternative sweeteners such as stevia and agave, driven by a growing preference for low-calorie and diabetic-friendly options.

Trends in the market: In Africa, the Spreads & Sweeteners Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier and more natural options. This trend is driven by an increasing awareness of the negative impacts of consuming high amounts of sugar and artificial ingredients. As a result, there is a growing demand for natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar. Additionally, there is a rising interest in plant-based spreads made from ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and fruits. These trends are significant as they indicate a shift towards healthier food choices in the region. Industry stakeholders should take note of this trajectory and consider offering more natural and plant-based options to cater to this growing demand. This could also have potential implications for the traditional spreads and sweeteners market, as consumers may switch from processed products to more natural alternatives.

Local special circumstances: In Africa, the Spreads & Sweeteners Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by local dietary preferences and cultural practices. For example, honey is a popular sweetener in many African countries, and it is often used in traditional dishes and beverages. Additionally, the rising awareness of health and wellness is driving the demand for natural and organic sweeteners, such as agave and stevia. Moreover, the lack of strict regulations in some African countries allows for easier market entry for international brands, while in others, local brands dominate due to strong cultural ties and brand loyalty.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Spreads & Sweeteners Market within The Food market in Africa is deeply impacted by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending power, inflation rates, and trade policies. As Africa continues to experience economic growth and urbanization, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and demanding healthier and more convenient food options. This, coupled with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising middle class, is driving the demand for natural and low-calorie sweeteners and spreads. However, the presence of high import tariffs and trade barriers in some African countries may hinder market growth, while favorable fiscal policies and investments in infrastructure to support the food industry can create opportunities for market expansion.

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.