Growth in staple foods current value sales in Uzbekistan in 2025 is expected to be up moderately on 2024, mainly due to still-elevated inflationary pressures. Together with encroaching maturity, continued price hikes mean retail volume growth looks set to be slightly slower than in the previous year. Nonetheless, demand has remained robust on the whole thanks to favourable demographic trends, deeply ingrained consumption habits and steady increases in household incomes and purchasing power. New

Rising concern over ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is reshaping the foods landscape. This report examines the issue in detail, exploring where staple foods are most impacted by negative consumer sentiment, and – most importantly – which foods stand to benefit. This report also outlines UPF consumption across key markets, determines what the consumer thinks of the issue and examines what the future holds, identifying how food producers, brands and retailers can benefit from clean label demand.

Categories across staple foods are generally seeing a similar performance in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025, due to the essential nature of these products. While price-sensitive behaviours are noted among consumers, baseline demand is generally supporting low-positive volume growth, despite still-high prices which are boosting value growth.

Multi-layered, science-backed functionality is reshaping food and drink. Digestive health, energy and brain health claims drive innovation, but success now also depends on simplified, all-in-one nutrition and holistic benefits—such as hydration, sleep and longevity—delivered in credible, convenient formats. Brands that combine enjoyment with wellbeing, especially in snacks and portable options, will capture growth, while others risk losing relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Staple foods in Ukraine reported stable retail volume growth in 2025 despite another year of high inflation that pushed up retail prices. Consumers relied on staple foods during difficult wartime conditions, although price sensitivity remained acute reflecting the strong reliance on discounts, promotions and private label. Brands and retailers are using these tools to drive sales, whilst accommodating the still strong desire to remain healthy and enjoy an everyday indulgence.

Value sales of staple foods in Poland rose in 2025, supported by steady demand for essential items and a broadening focus on health and convenience. Core staples such as bread, rice, pasta, processed meat and frozen vegetables continued to anchor household consumption, reflecting their role as indispensable components of everyday meals. Despite persistent price pressures, consumers remained loyal to familiar categories, balancing spending constraints with a desire for quality and freshness. Grow

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.

Staple foods in Turkey responded well to robust demand in 2025, with consumers relying on these essential goods due to high price sensitivity. The shift toward smaller more affordable packaging formats, as well as private label, was significant, with consumers making more frequent shopping trips to manage household budgets. Discounters have proved highly popular, consolidating their position as the leading distribution channel in 2025.

Retail value sales of staple foods in Canada are seeing low positive growth in 2025, in a slight improvement on the previous year, and with volume remaining in sub-decimal positive growth. This performance indicates relatively stable baseline demand, coupled with ongoing inflationary pressures and various challenges which are suppressing potentially stronger growth.

Consumers in Romania continued to struggle with high costs of living in 2025, resulting in slightly weaker volume sales of staple foods. In contrast, value growth remained steady fuelled by price increases as input costs continued to rise. Modern retailers attracted shoppers with more affordable products, promotions and private label, in response to lower purchasing power.

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.

Value sales of staple foods rose in 2025, driven by a combination of higher average unit prices and continued shifts in Norwegian food culture. Consumers increasingly prioritised balanced and nutritious diets, prompting stronger engagement with staples that align with health, wellness, and naturalness trends. This included greater interest in whole grains, legumes, minimally processed products, and plant-forward options that complement more active lifestyles. At the same time, the long-standing

Staple foods in Sweden enjoyed a slight uptick in volume and value sales over 2025, denoting a stronger reliance on affordable products. Consumers were attracted by healthier options and those delivering convenience. Price sensitivity remained high as reflected by the rising share of private label and the heavy influence of modern retailers in the staple food category.

Growth in staple foods current value sales in Uruguay in 2025 is expected to be moderately slower than in 2024. This is partly explained by the gradual easing of inflationary pressures, but also reflects the fact that retail volume sales are set to decline slightly due to falling demand in a number of larger and more mature categories, most notably unpackaged leavened bread, rice and pasta. However, the majority of categories are poised to register positive results in volume terms for the year t

In 2025, staple foods in Peru advanced in a context defined by fragile but stabilising macroeconomic fundamentals and persistent pressures on household budgets. While the economy is set to post moderate growth and inflation is expected to hover near target levels, structural constraints – including elevated informality, lingering unemployment, reduced consumer confidence and ongoing political uncertainty – continue to influence purchasing behaviour. These conditions underpin the resilience of es

Value sales of staple foods in Portugal rose in 2025, supported by price inflation and sustained demand for essential items across categories. However, volume growth was modest as Portuguese consumers continued to adjust to high living costs and sought ways to stretch their budgets. Price sensitivity remains high, with private label ranges gaining importance and cut-price promotions heavily influencing purchasing decisions. Supermarkets such as Continente and Pingo Doce capitalised on this behav

Staple foods in the United Arab Emirates continues to see rising value sales in 2025, supported by the essential role of categories such as rice, pasta and noodles, and baked goods in daily diets, alongside government price controls that help stabilise core staples. Health and wellness trends are reshaping competition, driving organic and clean-label innovation, reformulation in breakfast cereals and processed meat, and greater emphasis on sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing. Private labe

Staple foods in Indonesia demonstrated resilience amidst economic turbulence, with consumers prioritising affordability and convenience. Baked goods grew, processed meat and seafood saw robust double-digit value growth driven by convenience, and rice, pasta and noodles maintained stable growth, though instant noodles faced competition. Social media and innovation were pivotal, with brands leveraging digital platforms and new formats/flavours to engage consumers. Health consciousness also shaped

Staple foods in Finland recorded a decline in value sales in 2025 as price-sensitive consumers shifted toward private label products and health-focused choices, particularly reducing processed meat consumption. Sustainability, convenience, and flavour innovation played an increasingly influential role, with consumers seeking locally sourced, responsibly made, and easy-to-prepare options. Looking ahead, steady value growth is expected, supported by premiumisation, home cooking, and rising demand

Current value growth for staple foods in Israel in 2025 is expected to be moderately slower than in 2024, mainly due to the gradual easing of inflationary pressures. With prices still increasing and the rising cost of living continuing to erode purchasing power, retail volume growth also looks set to fall below that recorded the previous year, albeit only slightly. Demand has remained resilient on the whole, as multiple product types are widely considered basic essentials and consumed on a regul

In 2025, staple foods in Ireland recorded both value and volume growth, driven by a rising demand for affordability, convenience, and healthier options. Strong performers included processed meat, seafood and alternative to meat, processed fruits and vegetables, as well as rice, pasta and noodles. These categories benefited from cost-conscious consumer behaviour and an interest in nutritious, easy-to-prepare meal components. Sustainability also emerged as a significant factor influencing purchase

In 2025, sales of staple foods in Greece grew steadily, driven by consumer demand for convenience, long shelf life, and easy-to-prepare options amid rising living costs. Health and functionality became key purchasing drivers, with consumers favouring products that are nutritionally enriched, low in sugar or sodium, and free from additives. Looking ahead, growth for staple foods will be supported by convenience, sustainability initiatives, and the rising demand for healthy yet affordable options,

Value sales of staple foods rose in 2025 as New Zealand households navigated persistent cost-of-living pressures, evolving wellness expectations and intensifying scrutiny of food processing and ingredient transparency. While inflation continued to influence spending behaviour, consumers remained committed to essential, versatile and affordable food categories, reinforcing steady demand across the market. Growth was underpinned by a combination of price adjustments, the strong performance of conv

In 2025, value sales of staple foods in Hungary remained stagnant due to macroeconomic pressures. Consumers became increasingly price-conscious and selective, focusing on essential items and promotions. Health trends, convenience, and sustainability influenced consumer choices, leading to value growth in categories such as processed meat, chilled meat and seafood, frozen baked goods and packaged desserts. However, sales of shelf-stable fruit, beans and chilled pasta declined. Looking ahead, valu