Soft drinks in Colombia faced a challenging operating environment in 2025 as macroeconomic volatility, climate variability, and legislative pressures shaped consumption patterns. While the economy is projected to grow by 2.6%, consumption behaviour remained cautious due to persistently high inflation near 5%, rising prices of perishable goods, and ongoing concerns over fiscal sustainability. Household expenditure strengthened compared to the previous year, supported by improvements in the labour

In 2025, the RTD tea category in Colombia saw a modest improvement in performance, supported by ongoing innovation in flavours, increased availability of reduced-sugar and sugar-free variants, and continuous investment from leading players. While overall growth remained limited, the category benefitted from broader health and wellness trends as consumers sought refreshing, lighter alternatives to carbonates and juices, which continue to face the impact of the health tax and rising price sensitiv

In 2025, bottled water saw a decline in retail volume sales following an exceptional year in 2024, when the country faced unusually high temperatures and water rationing in Bogotá. Both still and carbonated bottled water contracted as the exceptional climatic boost did not repeat. Despite this overall downturn, flavoured bottled water stood out with positive growth, driven by its hybrid appeal – bridging hydration, flavour and lighter indulgence at an accessible price.

In 2025, carbonates faced a challenging environment as demand normalised after the heat-driven spike of 2024 and legislative pressures intensified. Cooler and rainier conditions reduced the number of typical “refreshment” occasions compared to the prior year, when temperatures above 40°C in some regions had sharply boosted consumption. At the same time, successive increases in the health tax, applied according to sugar content, continued to push unit prices higher and encouraged moderation in fr

In 2025, the juice category experienced a significant contraction in retail volume sales, shaped by shifting consumer priorities and external cost pressures. The continued implementation of the health tax on sugar-sweetened beverages has elevated juice prices, widening affordability gaps and encouraging consumers to migrate toward lower-sugar and lower-cost alternatives such as flavoured water, functional waters and even dairy products.

Energy drinks experienced a challenging year in 2025 as consumption continued to contract under the pressure of the sugar-based health tax implemented in late 2023. The tax significantly increased retail prices and placed a disproportionate burden on sugarised products, which represent the majority of the category. Although reformulation efforts have expanded reduced-sugar portfolios, the impact has been insufficient to offset falling demand for traditional, high-sugar variants.

The sports drinks category continued its rapid expansion in 2025, propelled by the increasing popularity of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and growing consumer interest in beverages offering functional hydration benefits. Brands such as Electrolit significantly influenced the category’s momentum by appealing to consumers not only engaged in physical activity but also those seeking recovery after social events, illness, or long working days. This broadened usage occasion has reshaped the catego

In 2025, RTD coffee continued its rapid expansion in Colombia, remaining one of the most dynamic categories within soft drinks. This momentum reflects broader consumer trends toward convenience, premiumisation, and experimentation with new coffee formats, particularly among younger demographics who increasingly engage with brands through digital channels. Local players have taken the lead in shaping the category, leveraging Colombia’s strong coffee culture and the rise of cold brew and iced coff

In 2025, concentrates in Colombia continued to face a challenging environment marked by declining demand and limited innovation. Powder concentrates – by far the dominant format – were strongly affected by ongoing economic pressures on low-income households, who historically represent the core consumer base for these products. Even though inflation has eased compared with previous years, purchasing power remains strained, compelling families to prioritise essential goods over discretionary or lo

Colombia’s coffee market recorded another year of strong performance in 2025, supported by improving macroeconomic conditions and a gradual recovery in household purchasing power. Retail volume sales continued to rise despite persistent price increases, reflecting coffee’s entrenched role in everyday routines and the category’s broad accessibility across price points. As inflation eased from the highs of previous years, consumers found more favourable conditions to increase consumption, while wi

Tea in Colombia continued to gain visibility in 2025, supported by a broadening consumer shift toward wellness, natural ingredients and functional benefits. Retail value sales increased, although at a slightly slower pace than the previous year, while volume sales strengthened as tea became more associated with everyday wellbeing. The category benefitted from rising consumer awareness of the health advantages attributed to tea infusions, particularly detoxification, relaxation, digestive support

The Colombian economy is expected to expand by 2.6% in 2025, supported primarily by a recovery in household consumption – now the main engine of economic performance. Improving labour market conditions, rising remittances, and easing inflation and interest rates have strengthened purchasing capacity, even as headline inflation remains around 5% due to elevated prices for perishables. Nonetheless, underlying economic pressures remain evident. Foreign direct investment continues to decline, largel

Other hot drinks in Colombia recorded strong current value growth in 2025, shaped primarily by rising input costs and structural shifts in consumer behaviour. The sharp increase in cocoa prices, coupled with the implementation of the health tax, placed upward pressure on retail prices across chocolate-based products, which continue to dominate the category. Despite these pressures, demand remained robust. Cooler weather patterns throughout the year, especially a prolonged rainy season, encourage

Sales of baked goods have rebounded into a more positive performance in Colombia in 2025, in both value and volume terms, in an improvement to the slumps in sales seen last year. In baked goods, this is attributed to consumers’ recovering purchasing power.

Sales of breakfast cereals remain in a negative slump in Colombia in 2025, in both value and volume terms, albeit at less steep declines than seen in 2024. This sluggish performance is attributed to the fact that consumers are still showing price sensitivity and opting for cheaper alternatives and smaller pack sizes. However, the improvement on last year also indicates consumer spending power is gradually improving.

Processed fruit and vegetables is seeing healthy value growth and positive volume growth in Colombia in 2025, with value growth a little lower than compared to last year, albeit with volume growth showing improvements. This indicates that prices are stabilising and consumers’ spending power is gradually increasing.

Sales of rice, pasta and noodles are seeing a positive performance in both value and volume terms in Colombia in 2025, with growth moderate but showing an improvement compared to the previous year. This indicates baseline demand for products in the category.

Sales of staple foods in Colombia are seeing positive results in 2025, in both value and volume terms, in an improvement to the slumps in sales seen last year. This performance is supported by the home cooking trends, whereby consumers are seeking to save money by opting for affordable foods and eating at home, rather than investing in snacks while out and about or eating out.

Value sales of processed meat, seafood, and alternatives to meat have returned to small positive growth in Colombia in 2025, while volume sales remain in a negative slump, albeit at an improved rate of growth compared to 2024. This indicates that consumer spending power is gradually improving, although price sensitivity remains.

The sauces, dips and condiments category recorded healthy value growth in 2025 as Colombian households sought to enhance home-cooked meals while keeping food spending in check. Persistent inflation and cautious spending encouraged consumers to compare prices carefully, driving stronger interest in value-for-money brands and private label options. However, amid this emphasis on affordability, many consumers also showed willingness to experiment with products that elevate everyday cooking, support

Edible oils posted moderate value growth in 2025 as consumers in Colombia continued to face economic uncertainty and cautious spending behaviour. Although inflationary pressures have eased, the high cost of living and slower economic momentum encouraged households to manage consumption more carefully. Many shoppers remain focused on essential categories, prioritising multipurpose oils and private label products to maximise value for money. Retailers have responded by offering frequent discounts

Sweet spreads achieved solid value growth in 2025, reflecting a balance between affordability pressures and consumers’ appetite for novelty and indulgence. Although the economic backdrop remained challenging, innovation and flavour experimentation helped sustain category dynamism. Many brands turned to creative product launches and digital engagement to attract attention, using social media to connect with younger consumers and spark curiosity.

Cooking ingredients and meals continue to record positive retail value growth in 2025, with edible oils remaining the cornerstone of household consumption in Colombia. However, inflationary pressures have continued to shape purchasing decisions, leading consumers to prioritise essential goods and affordable options over discretionary categories. Budget-conscious shoppers increasingly seek out promotions, bulk packs and discount-led formats, prompting retailers and brands to adapt their strategie

In 2025, meals and soups experienced a flat performance as Colombian consumers faced an uncertain macroeconomic environment and persistent constraints on discretionary spending. With weak economic growth and subdued confidence, households prioritised essential food items, cutting back on convenience-oriented products. Private label and affordable alternatives gained ground as consumers traded down, while ready meals and instant soups lost momentum as cooking from scratch regained appeal. Retaile