Snacks in 2025: The big picture
Retail value sales of snacks in Ethiopia rose in 2025, supported by a combination of expanded local manufacturing capacity, rising urbanisation, and the growing availability of packaged snack options in regional markets. However, growth was tempered by persistent inflation, a weakening currency, and low wage progression, which collectively placed pressure on household budgets. These economic challenges prompted many consumers to reduce consumption frequency or shift towards more affordable formats and pack sizes.
Key trends in 2025
Rising production costs and currency devaluation led to widespread price increases across most snack categories in 2025. These pressures stemmed primarily from higher foreign exchange rates – given that many snack producers rely on imported ingredients such as flavourings, oils, or packaging – as well as domestic inflation affecting fuel and transport. With minimal wage growth to offset these cost-of-living increases, consumers became more selective in their purchases, often choosing lower-cost options or reducing discretionary snacking altogether. This dynamic created a challenging environment for premium or imported brands, while simultaneously reinforcing the importance of pricing strategies and portion control.
Competitive Landscape
PepsiCo was one of the leading companies within snacks overall in 2025. The company produces the Sun Chips, Cheetos, and Shola Ice Cream brands, present in the savoury snacks and ice cream categories. Its market leadership is supported by robust manufacturing infrastructure, including a local production facility that helps offset import-related price volatility. PepsiCo’s ability to produce high-demand snacks such as Cheetos and Sun Chips at scale, along with the breadth of its distribution network, contributed to its dominant position. Meanwhile, MIDROC Group remains a key competitor, leveraging its ownership of both Loli Chips and Shola Ice Cream to secure a strong foothold across multiple snack categories.
Channel developments
Traditional grocery retailers were the leading distribution channel within snacks overall in 2025, with the channel’s value share remaining stable during the year. These outlets remain the primary point of purchase for most snack products across both urban and rural areas, especially for impulse items like biscuits, confectionery, and potato chips. However, the availability of specific product types can vary: for instance, take-home ice cream remains largely confined to supermarkets, while imported premium snacks are primarily sold through modern retail outlets catering to wealthier urban consumers. Traditional channels benefit from widespread accessibility and consumer trust but may face growing competition as modern retail formats slowly expand in Ethiopia’s urban centres.
What next for snacks?
Value sales of snacks are set to rise over the forecast period, supported by both increased demand and gradual volume recovery across key categories. Much of this growth will stem from Ethiopia’s continued urbanisation and a growing appetite for packaged convenience foods among city dwellers. Rising internet penetration and social media usage – particularly platforms like TikTok and Instagram – will continue to influence snack preferences, encourage trial of new products, and shape consumer aspirations.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Snacks industry in Ethiopia with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Snacks industry in Ethiopia, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Snacks in Ethiopia report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Snacks in Ethiopia?
- Which are the leading brands in Snacks in Ethiopia?
- How are products distributed in Snacks in Ethiopia?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Snacks?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Ethiopia?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Snacks in Ethiopia
Snacks in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive Landscape
Channel developments
What next for snacks?
DISCLAIMER
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Local manufacturers strengthen their foothold amid import restrictions and rising costs
Illicit trade and boutique producers shape a fragmented competitive landscape
Fragmented distribution landscape shaped by informal retail and regional disparities
Prospects and Opportunities
Steady growth expected despite rising production costs and informal market challenges
Digital visibility rising, but little disruption expected in production or format innovation
Scope for regional expansion and premium segmentation despite informal market pressures
Category Data
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Local biscuit brands grow in prominence as import restrictions ease
Competitive landscape shaped by local leaders and innovative newcomers
Traditional retailers remain dominant, while digital channels gain niche traction
Prospects and Opportunities
Country-specific inflationary pressures and illicit imports expected to shape future performance
Social media-driven innovation spurs product development
Evolving consumer awareness and lifestyle trends to support health-oriented offerings
Category Data
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Local price pressures and declining affordability limit growth
Shola Ice Cream and Tutto Gelato lead a fragmented competitive landscape
Supermarkets and gelaterias dominate distribution, while online sales remain limited
Prospects and Opportunities
Take-home ice cream expected to expand, while on-trade faces pricing pressure
Limited scope for technological innovation amid small market size
Growing environmental and health awareness remain niche considerations
Category Data
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Consumption shifts shaped by inflation and on-trade expansion
PepsiCo’s expansion and local incumbents shape a shifting competitive field
Traditional retailers retain dominance as modern retail expands slowly
Prospects and Opportunities
Local demand expected to rise despite inflationary pressures
Limited digital and technological transformation in the near term
No major legislative or sustainability shifts expected
Category Data
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Snacks
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
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- Bubble Gum
- Chewing Gum
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- Boiled Sweets
- Chewy Candies
- Gummies and Jellies
- Liquorice
- Lollipops
- Medicated Confectionery
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- Power Mints
- Standard Mints
- Toffees, Caramels and Nougat
- Other Sugar Confectionery
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- Frozen Yoghurt
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- Single Portion Dairy Ice Cream
- Single Portion Water Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Unpackaged Ice Cream
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- Bulk Dairy Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Desserts
- Multi-Pack Dairy Ice Cream
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- Bulk Water Ice Cream
- Multi-Pack Water Ice Cream
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
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- Potato Chips
- Tortilla Chips
- Puffed Snacks
- Rice Snacks
- Vegetable, Pulse and Bread Chips
- Savoury Biscuits
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Dried Fruit
- Processed Fruit Snacks
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- Cereal Bars
- Protein/Energy Bars
- Fruit and Nut Bars
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- Chocolate Coated Biscuits
- Cookies
- Filled Biscuits
- Plain Biscuits
- Wafers
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This report originates from Passport, our Snacks research and analysis database.
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