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Staple foods industry shows resilience, following recent economic challenges
Retail sales of staple foods in Sri Lanka grew moderately in current value terms 2025, supported by recovering purchasing power following the 2022-23 crisis. However, consumers sought value through smaller packs, bulk purchases, and lower-cost options, while private label offerings expanded rapidly. Small local grocers remained the primary channel, while supermarkets, hypermarkets and e-commerce gained traction, particularly in urban areas. Moving forward, health-focused trends will accelerate, with rising demand for minimally-processed, clean-label products.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Staple Foods industry in Sri Lanka 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 Staple Foods industry in Sri Lanka, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Staple Foods in Sri Lanka 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 Staple Foods in Sri Lanka?
- Which are the leading brands in Staple Foods in Sri Lanka?
- How are products distributed in Staple Foods in Sri Lanka?
- 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 Staple Foods?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Sri Lanka?
- 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?
Staple Foods in Sri Lanka
Staple foods industry shows resilience, following recent economic challenges
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Stabilising economic conditions fuel growth
Private label gains traction
Rising consumer preference for minimally-processed foods
Staple foods will remain resilient
Affordability will remain key
Modern retailing will shape demand
Prima Ceylon Pvt Ltd leads sales
East West Foods gains traction
Small local grocers remains primary channel
E-commerce emerges from low base
Table 1 Sales of Staple Foods by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 2 Sales of Staple Foods by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 3 Sales of Staple Foods by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 4 Sales of Staple Foods by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 5 NBO Company Shares of Staple Foods: % Value 2020-2025
Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Staple Foods: % Value 2022-2025
Table 7 Penetration of Private Label by Category: % Value 2020-2025
Table 8 Distribution of Staple Foods by Format: % Value 2020-2025
Table 9 Forecast Sales of Staple Foods by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 10 Forecast Sales of Staple Foods by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 11 Forecast Sales of Staple Foods by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 12 Forecast Sales of Staple Foods by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Steady growth for baked goods
Industry Performance
Price stabilisation and shift towards health-focused choices fuel demand
Unpackaged pastries leads growth
What’s Next?
Stabilising prices to support continue demand
Health and wellness trends will impact consumer preferences
Convenience will be key driver
Competitive Landscape
Ceylon Biscuits Ltd leads sales
Smaller players gain ground
Channels
Traditional bakeries lead sales
Supermarkets gain traction, while e-commerce emerges in urban areas
Category Data
Table 13 Sales of Baked Goods by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 14 Sales of Baked Goods by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 15 Sales of Baked Goods by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 16 Sales of Baked Goods by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 17 NBO Company Shares of Baked Goods: % Value 2020-2025
Table 18 LBN Brand Shares of Baked Goods: % Value 2022-2025
Table 19 Forecast Sales of Baked Goods by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 20 Forecast Sales of Baked Goods by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 21 Forecast Sales of Baked Goods by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 22 Forecast Sales of Baked Goods by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Urbanisation and health concerns drive growth
Industry Performance
Easing prices boost demand
Muesli and granola benefits from rising health awareness
What’s Next?
Urban lifestyles to drive growth
Health and wellness will shape demand
Greater digital engagement and shift towards sustainable, local sourcing
Competitive Landscape
Multinationals hold sway
Ceylon Biscuits Ltd benefits from health and wellness positioning
Channels
Small local grocers dominate sales
Supermarkets win over budget-conscious, urban consumers, while e-commerce emerges from low base
Category Data
Table 23 Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 24 Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 25 Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 26 Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 27 NBO Company Shares of Breakfast Cereals: % Value 2020-2025
Table 28 LBN Brand Shares of Breakfast Cereals: % Value 2022-2025
Table 29 Forecast Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 30 Forecast Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 31 Forecast Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 32 Forecast Sales of Breakfast Cereals by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Continued growth, supported by demand for convenience and expanding chiller and freezer capabilities
Industry Performance
Convenience drives growth amid ongoing consumer preference for fresh produce
Frozen processed poultry shows dynamism amid health concerns
What’s Next?
Convenience and variety to drive growth
Health-focused and plant-based options to gain traction
Sustainability concerns will impact manufacturer strategies
Competitive Landscape
Ceylon Biscuits Ltd maintains its lead
Private label sees fastest growth
Channels
Small local grocers benefit from convenient locations
Modern grocery chains lead growth
Category Data
Table 33 Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 34 Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 35 Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 36 Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 37 NBO Company Shares of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat: % Value 2020-2025
Table 38 LBN Brand Shares of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat: % Value 2022-2025
Table 39 Forecast Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 40 Forecast Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 41 Forecast Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 42 Forecast Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 43 Forecast Sales of Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives to Meat by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Processed fruit and vegetables register healthy performance
Industry Performance
Convenience and affordability boost demand
Frozen processed potatoes benefit from exposure to Western diets
What’s Next?
Lifestyle changes will drive continued growth
Health and wellness trends will shape innovation
Sustainability will be key manufacturer focus
Competitive Landscape
East West Foods gains traction
Local brands offer cultural relevance
Channels
Traditional outlets lead distribution
E-commerce emerges as key growth channel
Category Data
Table 44 Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 45 Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 46 Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 47 Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 48 NBO Company Shares of Processed Fruit and Vegetables: % Value 2020-2025
Table 49 LBN Brand Shares of Processed Fruit and Vegetables: % Value 2022-2025
Table 50 Forecast Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 51 Forecast Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 52 Forecast Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 53 Forecast Sales of Processed Fruit and Vegetables by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Key Data Findings
2025 Developments
Convenience and health emerge as major growth drivers
Industry Performance
Shift towards packaged rice fuels growth
Pasta registers fastest growth
What’s Next?
Rice will remain core growth driver
Health and wellness trends will shape new product development
Greater focus on sustainability and supply chain resilience
Competitive Landscape
Prima Ceylon Pvt Ltd leads sales
Return of international brands
Channels
Small local grocers remain key across rural and semi-urban areas
Hypermarkets and supermarkets drive growth
Category Data
Table 54 Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 55 Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 56 Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 57 Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 58 NBO Company Shares of Rice, Pasta and Noodles: % Value 2020-2025
Table 59 LBN Brand Shares of Rice, Pasta and Noodles: % Value 2022-2025
Table 60 Forecast Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 61 Forecast Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 62 Forecast Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 63 Forecast Sales of Rice, Pasta and Noodles by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Staple Foods
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- Packaged Flat Bread
- Unpackaged Flat Bread
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- Packaged Leavened Bread
- Unpackaged Leavened Bread
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- Packaged Cakes
- Unpackaged Cakes
- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
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- Packaged Pastries
- Unpackaged Pastries
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- Sweet Pies and Tarts
- Frozen Cakes, Sweet Pies and Tarts
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- Hot Cereals
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- Children's Breakfast Cereals
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- Flakes
- Muesli and Granola
- Other RTE Cereals
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Processed Red Meat
- Shelf Stable Processed Poultry
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- Chilled Processed Red Meat
- Chilled Processed Poultry
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- Frozen Processed Red Meat
- Frozen Processed Poultry
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- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
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- Chilled Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Frozen Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Shelf Stable Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Tofu and Derivatives
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- Chilled Noodles
- Frozen Noodles
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- Instant Noodle Cups
- Instant Noodle Pouches
- Plain Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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Staple Foods
NOTE: Couscous, polenta and quinoa are excluded from staple foods.
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This report originates from Passport, our Staple Foods research and analysis database.
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