Hot drinks in Egypt continued to record solid momentum in 2025 as rising population numbers, expanding retail access and increasing engagement with health and wellness shaped demand across categories. Tea remained the core of household routines, underpinning overall stability within the industry, while coffee captured growing interest among younger consumers who are driving a more vibrant café culture and experimenting with new formats. The category benefited from improved distribution and more

Other hot drinks recorded modest but steady momentum in 2025 as Egyptian consumers showed growing interest in indulgent beverages and café-inspired flavours. While the category remained much smaller than tea or coffee, demand benefited from rising exposure to international drink trends and a widening presence of chocolate-based beverages in cafés and quick-service outlets. Parents also increasingly purchased flavoured powder drinks for children as at-home treats, supporting household usage throu

Coffee consumption in Egypt continued to strengthen in 2025 as evolving lifestyles, expanding urbanisation and increasingly social habits supported greater engagement with the category. Faster daily routines, longer working hours and the growing popularity of co-working spaces encouraged consumers to integrate coffee more deeply into their day, turning it from an occasional indulgence into a regular part of daily routines. The expansion of both international and local coffee chains further reinf

Tea continued to show strong momentum in 2025 as it remained deeply embedded in Egyptian daily life and social culture. Household consumption remained steady despite economic pressures, as tea is widely viewed as an affordable, essential beverage consumed at all times of the day. The category also benefited from consistent availability across both traditional and modern retail, with strong brand visibility reinforcing consumers’ trust in familiar labels. While inflation influenced purchasing beh

Bottled water is gaining appeal in Egypt as younger demographics become more health aware. Carbonated bottled water is attracting some consumers away from carbonates, as they seek a healthier sparkling beverage.

RTD tea is a niche category that is restricted by higher prices, with demand concentrated among higher income groups. Competition is a limitation, although the emergence of more affordable reduced-sugar brands offers some scope for future growth.

Competition from juice drinks is hampering volume sales of concentrates in Egypt, with juice drinks the preferred choice for many budget-conscious consumers.

Soft drinks in Egypt showed a notable recovery in volume sales over 2025, despite the persistent threat of inflation and upward pressure on prices. Consumption is being driven by the strong popularity of carbonates and dynamic progress in energy drinks. Locally produced brands are stimulating interest and driving volume sales with affordable lines, whilst creating a more challenging competitive landscape for traditional brands.

The growing appeal of local brands has supported the carbonates category in Egypt, with the country’s young demographic enticed by these new options. Flavour development and smaller formats have also attracted consumers alongside healthier lines from emerging brands. The boycotting of major foreign brands has dampened sales in recent years, giving local brands the opportunity to gain visibility and secure a foothold in carbonates.

RTD coffee is gaining popularity in Egypt aided by the heavy marketing support of the Nescafé brand. However, the high price of RTD coffee is limiting appeal to higher income groups in Egypt, with growth from a small base.

Affordability and health were the main drivers within the juice category over 2025. The bulk of volume sales can be attributed to juice drinks as most Egyptians remained price sensitive. Health awareness is driving consumers towards 100% juice which serves as a premium alternative.

Sports drinks remains a niche category in Egypt, with high prices and limited availability hampering development, which resulted in deep volume declines over 2025. The emergence of affordable local brand CR7 and PepsiCo Inc’s Powerade in the second half of 2025 provides some ground for optimism.

Asian speciality drinks is still a very small and emerging category in Egypt. There is a strong appetite for trying new types of soft drinks from other cultures, which niche brands are starting to tap into. Retail e-commerce is providing a pivotal channel for emerging brands to reach Egypt’s younger demographic in particular.

Energy drinks is the most dynamic category in soft drinks, with Egyptians attracted by the functionality, flavours and affordability of such beverages. Affordable brands like Sting and FURY are resonating with Egyptians who favour the combination of low price and brand appeal.

In 2025, baked goods in Egypt recorded strong value growth, primarily due to rising prices influenced by inflation and increased production costs, rather than a rise in consumption. Bread, especially unpackaged flatbread, remained a key category because of its cultural significance and the stability of subsidised prices, which helped sustain consumption levels. In response to economic challenges, manufacturers innovated by introducing both budget-friendly and premium products to keep consumers e

In 2025, value sales of breakfast cereals in Egypt rose mainly due to increased prices resulting from higher raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, and government fuel price hikes. However, overall sales volumes declined as consumers adapted to reduced affordability. Consumers responded by opting for smaller, lower-priced packs, prioritising value and essential items amid economic pressures. Hot cereals emerged as the fastest-growing category, boosted by health trends, affordability, and

In 2025, value sales of processed fruit and vegetables in Egypt increased, primarily due to inflation and rising production and transportation costs, rather than a rise in consumption. Despite a decrease in purchasing power, many households continued to buy processed fruits and vegetables because of its convenience, health benefits and long shelf life. However, some consumers opted for fresh produce to save money. Frozen vegetables recorded substantial growth in 2025, as consumers sought afforda

Value sales of rice, pasta and noodles increased in 2025, driven by steep price increases resulting from currency devaluation, global supply disruptions, and rising production costs. Despite higher prices, this staple category remained essential, sustaining volume growth. Noodles recorded the fastest growth due to its affordability and convenience, attracting both new local entrants and popular imported brands. Dried pasta also performed well, supported by its low cost, wide brand availability,

In 2025, staple foods in Egypt recorded double-digit value growth, mainly driven by rising prices due to inflation rather than an increase in consumer demand. As a result, shoppers became more price-sensitive, opting for smaller pack sizes, budget-friendly options, and bulk purchases, while also taking advantage of promotions. Local manufacturers such as Al Doha and Rich Food Industries contributed to growth through product innovation, quality, and strategic pricing.

In 2025, value sales of processed meat, seafood, and alternatives to meat rose in Egypt. However, this growth was primarily driven by price hikes rather than an increase in consumption. Factors such as rising animal feed costs, inflation, and currency devaluation contributed to these price increases. In response to the higher prices, consumers reduced their consumption and opted for more affordable alternatives, leading to a decline in brand loyalty. Processed seafood experienced the most signif

In 2025, sauces, dips and condiments in Egypt recorded strong double-digit value growth, largely driven by price increases amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. Rising raw material, energy, and operational costs squeezed manufacturers’ margins and fuelled inflation, which in turn raised retail prices. Despite weakened purchasing power, higher unit prices boosted overall value sales. Within the category, stock cubes and powders performed exceptionally well as inflation encouraged consumers to su

In 2025, the sharp rise in global oil prices, combined with Egypt’s heavy reliance on imports and currency depreciation, drove a significant increase in edible oil prices, boosting retail value growth. Olive oil experienced the steepest hike due to higher production and transport costs, growing global demand, and reduced international supply. As a result, affordability significantly impacted consumer buying habits, particularly among lower-income groups, who shifted to cheaper edible oils and al

In 2025, value growth in sweet spreads increased due to price hikes driven by rising fuel and raw material costs. Jams and preserves lead value growth thanks to its staple role and competitive pricing. Price stabilisation in the latter half of the year helped restore consumer confidence, while imported brands returning to the category increased choice and competition. Health-focused products, especially honey and reduced-sugar options, gained popularity as consumers demanded better-for-you optio

In 2025, value growth in cooking ingredients and meals was largely driven by significant price inflation, particularly due to rising costs of raw materials and fuel. Despite these economic pressures, the essential nature and frequent use of core categories maintained their demand. However, volume sales faced challenges in several areas as consumers increasingly opted for more affordable, homemade alternatives. Private label and lower-cost items gained popularity, and consumers developed a growin