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  4. Spreads & Sweeteners

Sweeteners - South Africa

South Africa
  • Revenue in the Sweeteners market amounts to US$274.70m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.99% (CAGR 2024-2029).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$125bn in 2024).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$4.50 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Sweeteners market, volume is expected to amount to 116.30m kg by 2029. The Sweeteners market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.8% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Sweeteners market is expected to amount to 1.7kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Sweeteners market covers natural and synthetic ingredients added to food to give it a sweet flavor. Examples of natural sweeteners include sugar or honey while synthetic sweeteners include aspartame or sucralose.

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

  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Artificial sweeteners

Out-Of-Scope

  • Syrups
  • Out-of-home consumption

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 Sweeteners Market in South Africa, within the larger Food Market, is experiencing minimal growth due to factors such as low consumer awareness and competition from natural alternatives such as honey. However, the demand for artificial sweeteners and convenience of online shopping are driving some growth in this market.

Customer preferences:
In South Africa, there is a growing demand for natural and organic sweeteners as consumers become more health-conscious and seek healthier alternatives to traditional sugar. This trend is driven by a shift towards clean label products and a preference for natural, unprocessed ingredients. Additionally, there is a growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, leading to a rise in demand for low-calorie sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit. This trend is further amplified by the increasing number of individuals with diabetes and other health conditions that require a sugar-free or low-sugar diet.

Trends in the market:
In South Africa, the Sweeteners Market of the Spreads & Sweeteners Market within The Food market is seeing a rise in demand for natural sweeteners, such as stevia and honey, due to increasing health consciousness among consumers. Additionally, there is a growing trend of using online platforms for purchasing and delivery of sweeteners, as well as for accessing information and recipes. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the increasing use of e-commerce and digital platforms in the country. These developments have significant implications for industry stakeholders, as they will need to adapt to the changing consumer preferences and invest in digital infrastructure to remain competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances:
In South Africa, the Spreads & Sweeteners Market is heavily influenced by the country's diverse cultural and dietary preferences. The use of traditional sweeteners, such as honey and syrup, is still prevalent in many local cuisines, creating a unique demand for natural sweeteners in the market. Additionally, the country's strict regulations on artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, have limited their usage in products, leading to a higher demand for alternative sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. These factors have contributed to a dynamic market landscape for sweeteners in South Africa, catering to the specific needs and tastes of the local population.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Sweeteners Market of the Spreads & Sweeteners Market within The Food market in South Africa is also influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. The country's economic performance, including GDP growth, inflation rates, and foreign investment, can impact the market's growth and demand for sweeteners. Additionally, government policies and regulations related to food and beverage production, trade, and taxation can also influence market dynamics. Furthermore, the rising health consciousness and growing demand for healthier food options in South Africa are driving the demand for natural and low-calorie sweeteners, creating opportunities for market growth.

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.

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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