South Africa

As international tourist arrivals to South Africa experience a resurgence, there has been a significant increase in airlift capacity, reaching levels comparable to pre-pandemic years. Cape Town International Airport, in particular, has reported a…

Rolling blackouts (loadshedding) have persisted in 2023, averaging stage 4 for the year (at the time of writing this report), which means that consumers experience power cuts for three to four two-hour slots per day. As a result, consumers have cut…

With rising inflation, water supply issues, crumbling infrastructure and rolling power blackouts, South African fresh food producers are under extreme financial pressure and this, in turn, is passed on to local consumers. South Africa had been…

Despite the presence of economic challenges that limit consumers’ disposable incomes, refrigeration remains a key necessity for many South Africans. This is evident by the consistent demand for refrigeration appliances in the country over much of the…

While the growth of energy drinks remains more dynamic in South Africa, sports drinks remain popular with local consumers due to the greater participation in activities. Unlike energy drinks, sports drinks do not contain caffeine and work to aid…

In 2023, rising inflation, which reached its highest level in 14 years, and increased input costs for brands are curbing the spending habits of many South Africans. Additionally, input costs for major industry players are rising as they adapt to…

As more middle-income households are struggling to reach month-end, due to the combined effects of rising interest rates, which have put pressure on existing vehicle and mortgage loans, as well as inflationary pressures, which have affected…

Following the significant decline in transaction value and volumes experienced in 2020 due to extended restrictions imposed in the South African travel and hospitality industries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the complete lifting of the state…

In South Africa, many consumers take their mental health very seriously. Mental awareness and assistance for those experiencing mental health problems is easily available in South Africa through various channels. For example, people have access to…

Since 2022, South Africa has been suffering from rolling electricity blackouts. The scheduled blackouts can often occur in some areas around two to three times a day. Moreover, these blackouts often occur during mealtimes. This has created a strong…