In 2024, South Africa’s GDP grew by just 0.6%, well below the regional average, with modest gains in private spending and exports. Inflation eased to 4.4% on lower food and energy costs. In 2025, a more stable energy supply offers relief, but higher tariffs weigh on prospects. The fiscal deficit is set to widen over the short term, and growth over 2024-2029 is forecast to average only 1.6% a year.

Total confectionery packaging retail volumes in South Africa declined by 1% in 2024, reaching 1.7 billion units. Several challenges contributed to this decrease, including increased health awareness, economic constraints limiting discretionary spending, regulatory concerns, and competition from healthier snack alternatives. Nevertheless, packaging volumes for sugar confectionery, and particularly gum, continued to expand, driven by their affordability, impulse appeal, and innovative packaging fo

Total baby food packaging retail volumes increased by 1% in 2024, reaching 221 million units, driven by several packaging-specific factors. There was heightened scrutiny over product labelling and transparency, particularly following criticism of added sugars in baby food. This led to regulatory discussions about clearer packaging information and stricter compliance standards. Additionally, rising consumer demand for organic and natural baby food prompted brands to update their packaging to high

In 2024, total dairy packaging retail volumes in South Africa declined by 2% to reach 3.4 billion units. The country's dairy packaging landscape has undergone significant changes in response to the broader challenges affecting the industry. As the number of dairy producers has decreased, particularly among small-scale and emerging farmers, packaging strategies have been increasingly influenced by the needs of larger, more industrialised operations. These producers have favoured cost-effective, l

In 2024, total processed fruit and vegetables packaging retail volumes in South Africa experienced 3% growth, reaching 573 million units. This increase can be attributed to the rising consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat, and frozen products, which drove the popularity of flexible packaging formats such as flexible plastic and aluminium/plastic pouches. Ongoing urbanisation, busy lifestyles, and a strong home-cooking culture, particularly among cost-conscious consumers, supported this tr

In 2024, total processed meat and seafood packaging retail volumes in South Africa experienced 5% growth, reaching 668 million units. This expansion was primarily driven by the robust demand for shelf stable seafood, which already dominated packaging unit volumes and maintained robust growth. The affordability and versatility of shelf stable seafood significantly contributed to rising packaging volumes, especially as the cost of fresh seafood increased. This drove growth for metal food cans, as

In 2024, total retail volumes of sweet spreads packaging in South Africa rose by 2% to reach 136 million units. Notwithstanding this overall growth, the packaging volumes of chocolate spreads and yeast-based spreads declined noticeably, whereas honey, jams and preserves, and nut and seed based spreads saw an uptick. The positive trend was driven by the sustained high popularity of peanut butter and other nut and seed based spreads, as well as steady growth in demand for honey and traditional jam

In 2024, total retail volumes of plant-based dairy packaging in South Africa increased by 11%, reaching 12 million units. This growth was driven by an increase in consumer demand for plant-based and lactose-free alternatives, greater awareness of health and environmental issues, and a significant shift towards dairy-free products in urban areas. Sales of plant-based dairy products benefited from the robust retail infrastructure, innovations in packaging materials, and an expansion of product ran

In South Africa, total packaging retail volumes of sauces, dips, and condiments decreased by 1% in 2024, reaching 517 million units. Sauces, dips, and condiments is diverse, encompassing popular products such as chutneys, peri-peri sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressings, with distribution spanning supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce. Although urbanisation and changing lifestyles are expected to drive long-term growth, the packaging volumes for these products experienced a

Total meals and soups packaging retail volumes increased by 2% in 2024, reaching 740 million units, driven by several key factors. The growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals aligns with the fast-paced urban lifestyles of an expanding population. The expansion of retail and online grocery channels has enhanced accessibility, while rising health consciousness has encouraged the introduction of nutritious and organic soup options. Furthermore, the popularity of single-serve and on-the-go

In 2024, single person households constituted the leading type in South Africa, reflecting younger individuals’ prioritisation of education, career and financial stability. Over 2024-2029, the number of households is forecast to grow by 9.3%, with a 16.3% increase in single person households, reducing the average household size to 2.9 persons. Urbanisation is predicted to reach 73.1% by 2029, placing further strain on urban infrastructure and services.

In 2024, South Africa ranked eighth in average gross income among Middle East and Africa countries, but per capita disposable income declined by 0.4% in real terms. Despite this, the country's labour productivity was notably above the regional average, and 68% of respondents expressed optimism about future financial prospects. Over 2024-2029, per capita disposable income is forecast to grow by 2.4%, driven by fiscal reforms and digital skills training.

Sugar confectionery in South Africa is projected to see a strong retail current value growth rate in 2025, albeit due to inflationary pressure on prices as retail volume sales continue to perform weakly. Most categories are set to post declines or only marginal increases in retail volume sales at the end of the review period. This is largely due to reduced pack sizes, a strategy employed to maintain affordable price points for increasingly price-sensitive consumers. Additionally, pressure on dis

Gum in South Africa is projected to see healthy but slower retail current value growth over 2025, driven by inflationary pressure on prices, as retail volume sales are expected to continue to decline, amidst consumer purchasing power issues. As gum is typically an impulse purchase, economic pressure has made it less of a priority item for many consumers. The category has also seen an increase in imported products, alongside an expanding variety and the introduction of more competitively-priced o

Chocolate confectionery in South Africa is under significant pressure, shaped by both global and local challenges. Most chocolate confectionery categories in the country ae set to record declines in retail volume sales in 2025, while seeing slower retail current value growth than in 2024. The muted performance of chocolate confectionery in the market is largely driven by price increases, which have dampened consumer demand. Locally, rising living costs and pressure on consumer disposable incomes

Retail current value sales of sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks in South Africa are projected to see a strong growth rate in 2025, if slower than in 2024 and largely supported by inflationary pressure on prices. Players in sweet biscuits, which dominates retail volume and value sales, are navigating a complex landscape shaped by shifting consumer dynamics and economic pressures. While demand is resilient, particularly for trusted heritage brands like National Brands Ltd’s Bakers, the c

Savoury snacks in South Africa is experiencing robust retail volume and current value growth, driven by the strong performances of categories within salty snacks, such as potato chips and puffed snacks. Salty snacks is the biggest category, led by the wide availability, diverse product and flavour profiles and high convenience of potato chips. Puffed snacks follows, appealing to a broad consumer base with unique textures and innovative flavours. Despite persistent inflationary pressures and cons

Snacks in South Africa is projected to see fast retail current value growth in 2025, primarily driven by price inflation, rather than retail volume sales expansion. Many categories are under pressure, with reduced or limited consumer uptake and the downsizing of pack sizes hampering retail volume sales. Price remains a critical factor in purchasing decisions, reflecting heightened consumer sensitivity amid economic constraints. Despite this, manufacturers of leading national brands continue to i

Retail current value sales of ice cream in South Africa are set to continue to see strong growth over 2025, supported by inflationary pressure on prices. However, retail current value growth is also being driven by the strong performance of bulk dairy ice cream (take-home ice cream). Bulk dairy ice cream is predicted to see the highest increase in retail current value sales in 2025, fuelled by strategic price investments from manufacturers, in order to make products more accessible to price-sens

In 2025, mobile phones in South Africa recorded a slight decline in volume sales. However, smartphones recorded a modest year-on-year growth of 0.2% in retail volume. Although this growth was relatively flat, it indicates a positive trend following two consecutive years of decline. The rising popularity of affordable Chinese smartphones has been the primary driver behind this growth. Brands like Honor and Xiaomi, which initially targeted the lower end of the market, have now expanded their offer

In 2025, consumer electronics in South Africa began to stabilise, recording marginal positive growth in volume terms, following a challenging 2024. Easing inflation and interest rates improved consumer purchasing power, while political stability under the Government of National Unity (GNU) and a more reliable electricity supply created a more favourable retail environment. These conditions supported modest growth across several consumer electronics categories, with consumers showing renewed inte

Volume sales of in-car entertainment decreased in South Africa in 2025. The decline in retail volume is driven by ongoing shifts in consumer behaviour and rapid technological integration. This trend, evident over the past several years, continues to reflect the growing preference for multifunctional consumer electronics that reduce the need for standalone devices.

Volume sales of computers and peripherals decreased in South Africa in 2025. Despite experiencing strong retail volume growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent years, computers and peripherals encountered challenges in 2025, although signs of stabilisation are starting to emerge.

Volume sales of home audio and cinema decreased in South Africa in 2025, continuing the trend from the previous year. Economic pressures remained a key factor, limiting consumers’ disposable income and leading many to postpone or avoid purchases of non-essential audio equipment.