Food - Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste

Highlights

Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$653.90m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.88% (CAGR 2024-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Fish & Seafood with a market volume of US$142.30m 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$473.90 are generated in 2024.
In the Food market, 9.4% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2024.
In the Food market, volume is expected to amount to 388.90m kg by 2029. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 8.8% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Food market is expected to amount to 207.10kg 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 Timor-Leste has been experiencing steady growth, influenced by factors such as increasing demand for convenient and healthy food options, rising awareness about nutrition and food safety, and the availability of a variety of locally produced products. However, the market's growth rate is subdued due to challenges such as limited infrastructure for food production and distribution, as well as high import costs. These factors highlight the need for continued investment and development in the food industry to drive further growth.

Customer preferences: Consumers in Timor-Leste are increasingly interested in exploring healthier and more sustainable food options. This is reflected in the growing demand for organic, locally-sourced, and plant-based products. Additionally, as the population becomes more health-conscious, there is a rising demand for functional foods and beverages, such as probiotics and superfoods. This trend is also influenced by cultural beliefs and practices, as many Timorese follow traditional diets that prioritize fresh and natural ingredients.

Trends in the market: In Timor-Leste, The Food market industry is experiencing a shift towards more sustainable and locally-sourced products. This trend is driven by a growing awareness among consumers about the environmental impact of food production, as well as a desire to support local farmers and businesses. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for organic and ethically-sourced food products. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with potential implications for industry stakeholders such as retailers and suppliers who may need to adapt their strategies to meet the changing demands of consumers. Additionally, this trend could also create opportunities for new players to enter the market, offering innovative solutions that cater to the growing demand for sustainable and locally-sourced food products.

Local special circumstances: In Timor-Leste, The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's unique geographical and cultural factors. The remote island location and limited infrastructure make it challenging for imported goods to reach the market, resulting in a reliance on locally grown and produced food. Additionally, Timor-Leste's rich cultural heritage and traditional farming practices have a significant impact on the types of food available in the market. Furthermore, regulatory barriers, such as strict import regulations, also contribute to the distinct dynamics of The Food market in Timor-Leste. These factors create a market that is vastly different from other markets, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced and culturally significant food options.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Food market in Timor-Leste is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and financial indicators. The country's economic growth and stability play a crucial role in shaping The Food market, as it affects consumer purchasing power, demand for various food products, and overall market performance. Additionally, government policies and regulations related to trade, agriculture, and food safety also impact the market. For instance, a stable economy and favorable policies can incentivize investment in the food industry, leading to increased production and supply of diverse food products. On the other hand, economic instability and adverse policies may hinder market growth and limit access to quality and affordable food options for consumers.

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.