Snacks in Côte d'Ivoire

Snacks in 2025: The big picture

Value sales of snacks in Côte d’Ivoire rose in 2025, supported by favourable economic conditions and rising demand across key consumer groups. The growing middle class – now estimated to represent more than 30% of the population – has significantly influenced snack consumption. As household purchasing power has increased by roughly a quarter over the past decade, more consumers are allocating income to convenience and impulse products, including snacks. Demand has also been driven by the popularity of snacks among children, with products such as wafers gaining traction due to their sweetness, portability, and affordability. Meanwhile, savoury snacks like potato and tortilla chips are now available in most stores across urban centres. Their flavour profiles, which align with local culinary preferences, have further enhanced their appeal.

Key trends in 2025

Côte d’Ivoire’s snack consumers are increasingly seeking new and engaging taste experiences. This shift in preferences has benefited products such as tortilla chips, which offer novelty and align with rising interest in global cuisine. Another trend shaping the landscape is the growing popularity of local brands, particularly in the chips and nuts segments. These brands have enhanced their competitive edge by investing in attractive packaging and improved product design, elevating consumer perception and shelf appeal. A third notable trend is the rise of indulgence-driven snacking, especially in urban areas where busy lifestyles are prompting consumers to seek quick moments of pleasure and comfort through food. This has supported the expansion of premium offerings in chocolate, biscuits, and hybrid snack products.

Competitive landscape

The snacks market in Côte d’Ivoire remains fragmented, with no single company holding dominant cross-category leadership. Most players operate within one or two categories, resulting in a competitive environment shaped by niche specialisation and product-specific positioning. Mondelez International stands out as a key player thanks to its strong presence in sweet biscuits and savoury snacks, both of which are among the leading categories. The company’s products benefit from widespread availability in modern grocery channels, allowing them to achieve strong visibility and consumer reach. PepsiCo emerged as the most dynamic company in 2025, bolstered by rising demand for potato and tortilla chips. The company’s diverse portfolio – including global brands such as Lay’s and Doritos – combined with high shelf visibility, enabled it to expand its footprint and engage new consumer groups. While international players remain prominent, local brands are gaining momentum through price accessibility and tailored flavour profiles.

Channel developments

Supermarkets continued to lead snack distribution in 2025, reflecting their extensive product assortments and ability to cater to a broad range of price points. These outlets are expanding steadily across the country, enhancing accessibility for consumers and boosting category visibility. Their proximity to residential areas has also made them a preferred destination for snack purchases. E-commerce was the most dynamic channel during the year, driven by the emergence of new digital platforms and improvements in delivery infrastructure. Consumers are increasingly embracing online shopping for its convenience and time-saving benefits, especially in urban areas. While the share of online sales remains relatively low compared to offline channels, its upward trajectory signals strong potential for growth over the forecast period.

What next for snacks?

Value sales of snacks are expected to rise steadily over the forecast period, supported by demographic and economic tailwinds. The country’s population and GDP are growing at a strong pace, which will continue to expand the consumer base and drive retail development. The expansion of the middle class will further support trade-up opportunities and boost demand for packaged snacks across all price tiers. Company activity is also projected to intensify, with both international and local players poised to invest in distribution, packaging innovation, and product variety. Retail infrastructure is likely to deepen, enabling greater product availability in both modern and traditional formats. E-commerce is expected to gain additional momentum as consumers become more digitally connected and delivery ecosystems improve. Soft drivers such as promotion, lifestyle changes, and growing consumer awareness will continue to support snack penetration and encourage experimentation with new formats and flavours.