Demand for bottled water in the Dominican Republic continues to rise due to concerns about tap water quality, extreme heat, and limited public water access. Sparkling flavoured waters are growing quickly as healthier, lower-calorie options, while private label brands gain traction thanks to affordability.

Retail volume sales of soft drinks continue to perform well in the Dominican Republic in 2025. The country’s favourable economic climate has positioned it as one of the strongest economies in the region. According to World Bank projections, economic growth was expected to reach around 4% in 2025, with steady expansion anticipated in the years ahead. Rising per capita income, up 750% over the past three decades, according to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, has supported shifts in cons

RTD tea in the Dominican Republic remains a small, declining category with limited availability, high prices, and low consumer interest, especially among younger consumers. Most consumers prefer cheaper powder iced tea or alternative beverages like carbonates, juice, and energy drinks. The category relies heavily on imports with inconsistent supply, though opportunities exist in functional and sparkling tea innovations targeting niche, wellness-focused consumers.

Concentrates remains a key category for affordable soft drinks consumption in the Dominican Republic, particularly among lower-income households. Powder concentrates lead the category due to their low cost, long shelf life, and convenience, while liquid concentrates have limited availability because of their refrigeration needs and shorter shelf life.

In 2025, carbonates in the Dominican Republic continue to show steady growth, driven by strong consumption habits, climatic conditions, cultural preferences for sugary and flavoured drinks, and expanding foodservice and tourism sectors. While health concerns encourage interest in sugar-free and functional innovations, most consumers continue to prioritise the gratification carbonates provide over health considerations.

In 2025, demand for juices continues to grow steadily, driven by their perceived nutritional benefits and flavourful, locally appealing taste. However, volume growth is slowing as consumers increasingly turn to lower-calorie or more hydrating alternatives, such as flavoured waters and isotonic drinks. Climate-related heat waves are further encouraging a shift toward lighter, more thirst-quenching beverages.

Energy drinks in the Dominican Republic is experiencing strong growth, driven by active lifestyles and the demand for quick energy boosts for work, exercise, or social occasions. The market features both value and premium brands, catering to functional needs and sensory experiences. Reduced sugar and more natural formulations are gaining popularity as health-conscious consumers seek preventive benefits.

Sports drinks in the Dominican Republic is experiencing strong, sustained growth, driven by rising temperatures, more active lifestyles among younger consumers, and increasing demand for fast, effective hydration. The category is expanding with sugar-free options, multifunctional health claims, and new formats.

In 2025, tea sales in the Dominican Republic experienced positive growth, primarily fuelled by consumer interest in the health benefits of tea. Demand for herbal and fruit infusions is increasing as Dominicans become more aware of their functional properties, and this trend toward teas with targeted wellness benefits is expected to continue over the forecast period.

Flavoured powder drinks in the Dominican Republic continued to grow modestly in 2025, driven mainly by price increases rather than rising demand. Chocolate-based varieties dominate the category, while competition from ready-to-drink beverages is limiting volume growth. Demographic shifts, higher incomes, and consumer interest in health and convenience are reshaping the market, prompting brands to innovate with functional benefits, affordable packaging, and expanded private label options.

Coffee consumption in the Dominican Republic continued to rise in 2025, driven by younger generations and the enduring cultural importance of the beverage. Freshly ground coffee remains the most popular format, supported by tradition and widespread availability, while instant coffee is gaining traction due to convenience and innovations highlighting bean origin and quality.

Dominicans show a strong preference for coffee among hot beverages. Coffee is deeply woven into the nation’s cultural traditions, a legacy of the country’s long history of local production. Although the Dominican Republic has traditionally been a coffee-producing nation, pest infestations and tax policies in recent decades have reduced local output, leading the country to rely on imports to meet domestic demand.

A growing economy and increasing purchasing power bodes well for baked goods in 2025, with long-life packaged baked goods making gains, as consumers look for convenience. Small local bakers continue to account for most value sales, though there is increasing offerings in modern grocery retailers, particularly supermarkets and hypermarkets. The distribution landscape is also undergoing some transformation—while colmados continue to be the most popular channel, forecourt retailers and warehouse ar

Overall, breakfast cereal registers a slight fall in volume sales in 2025, though hot cereals registers both current value and volume growth, largely due to its healthier positioning. Supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to gain value share, supported by a diverse range of offerings, across varying price points. Over the forecast period, there will be a focus on making breakfast cereals healthier, including reformulating of current offerings, as the government invests heavily in healthy eating

Processed fruit and vegetables is expected to register positive current value and volume growth in 2025. Shelf stable beans continue to be the most popular, due to their affordability and nutritional value. Local brands also continue to have a significant foothold, with private label also making gains. Distribution is also increasing through modern grocery retailers. Over the forecast period, there is potential for growth in frozen offerings, through there needs to be more targeted messaging abo

Consumption increases across the board, supported by an improving economy, and a growing population. While rice continues to account for most value sales, pasta registers higher value and volume growth in 2025. The government is investing in healthy eating initiatives and this represents an opportunity to offer pasta and rice with a healthier positioning. Over the forecast period, there is uncertainty over tariffs on rice and how US imports will be impacted.

While rising economic confidence and an increase in remittances are boosting sales of staple foods, consumers remain highly cautious in their spending patterns. Stabilising prices are also benefiting sales but many are seeking bulk value packs or discounted products. There is growing interest in some value-added areas, however, with functional products performing well.

It is a positive picture for processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat in 2025, with a growing economy and population growth boosting sales. Modern grocery retailers are also driving growth, by expanding ranges, including imported brands, as well as introducing more premium offerings. There is also increasing demand for healthier options, such as with lower fat and higher protein content, and this benefits processed poultry.

The sauces, dips, and condiments market in the Dominican Republic is being supported by greater price stability and a stronger economic environment that is allowing consumers to use these products more frequently. Tomato pastes and purées lead growth, benefiting from their versatility, long shelf life, and availability across both local and imported brands in multiple formats. Despite high household penetration limiting overall expansion, portfolio diversification and the introduction of new var

The edible oils market in the Dominican Republic is being supported by recovering household purchasing power, stabilising international commodity prices, and expanding product diversification. Traditional oils like corn and soy remain staples, while olive oil has emerged as the fastest-growing category, fuelled by health trends, greater culinary sophistication, and higher-income consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for quality products. Natural and minimally processed oils are gaining tractio

The sweet spreads market in the Dominican Republic is benefitting from higher household penetration and the increasing daily use of jams, nut- and seed-based spreads, and honey as convenient breakfast or snacking options. Modern retail and digital channels are broadening access to a wider variety of products, including new flavours and formats, allowing brands to connect with a more diverse consumer base. Health-oriented offerings, such as low-sugar, preservative-free, and natural spreads, are b

The cooking ingredients and meals market in the Dominican Republic is being shaped by three main trends: affordability, convenience and health. Consumer price sensitivity remains high, making low-cost alternatives and private labels key drivers of growth. Convenience continues to influence buying behaviour, with ready-to-use sauces, ready meals and pizzas appealing to time-conscious urban consumers and single-person households. At the same time, health considerations are increasingly shaping cho

The meals and soups market in the Dominican Republic is being driven by convenience. Busy urban lifestyles are increasing demand for easy-to-prepare options such as dry soups, frozen pizzas, and ready meals, with dried ready meals emerging as the fastest-growing category due to the affordability and long shelf life of these offerings. Expanding portfolios across traditional, modern, and digital channels are widening consumer choice, while private labels and emerging brands are gaining traction,

Economic freedom is relatively high, as reforms are being implemented and the state is combatting corruption, but tensions with Haiti persist. Largely driven by the success of tourism, economic momentum is greater than peers, but labour informality is significant. Incomes are set to grow strongly and the country could benefit from a demographic dividend, but health outcomes are worsening. Internet and mobile use is solid, whilst satellite is expected to improve connectivity in remote regions.