South Africa

Demand for bleach in South Africa remained stable in 2023, with some consumers choosing this more affordable alternative to surface care due to the impact of inflation on disposable incomes. However, inflationary pressures resulted in category leader…

There continues to be a noticeable preference for shorter lead-time bookings, particularly when it comes to holiday destinations that are closer to the customer’s home and offer lower travel costs. These include journeys that can be easily undertaken…

South Africa has been facing drinking water supply issues, supporting elevated demand for bottled water compared to pre-pandemic levels, including for still bottled water, despite declining off-trade volume sales as a result of a greater return to…

Many consumers in South Africa are price sensitive, but within the context of the review period, they are more cash-strapped than ever before. There are numerous compounding factors reducing the spending power of local consumers, including elevated…

In 2023, double-digit food inflation has seen consumers reduce their overall consumption across categories, with butter, cooking fats, and margarine and spreads all set to see retail volume declines. This is the second year that the prices of…

With COVID-19 restrictions on foodservice outlet trading hours being enforced for a number of years in South Africa, the after effects are still being felt and there is a continued shift from evening to daytime dining. This trend is further…

The legal cannabis market in South Africa has continued to see strong growth on the back of the landmark judgement in 2018, which determined private use and consumption of cannabis as legal within private spaces. As an example, private spaces include…

Large category players are narrowing their offerings. As a result, Tab has been discontinued in South Africa. Leading player Coca-Cola seeks to strengthen its current brands and exclude low-performing ones. In its place, it has introduced a…

Cat food is expected to maintain current value growth in South Africa in 2024. The cat population has been rising faster than the dog population in in the country, with the rising popularity of cats leading to increased demand for cat food. While the…

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…

The cheese category is set to experience muted retail volume growth in 2023, due to a double-digit increase in the average unit price. Significant rises in prices have been limiting consumer purchases, leading to only slow growth in cheese…

Many local consumers remain extremely price sensitive in 2023 due to high levels of inflation impacting the prices of food, fuel, mortgage and even rent in South Africa. Hence, they are looking for value for money when they purchase childrenswear.…

Chocolate confectionery is set to record solid retail current value growth in 2023, driven by unit price increases of around 10% in most categories. Meanwhile, without innovation in terms of flavours, and digital campaigns, stronger volume declines…

Cider/perry in South Africa witnessed intensified competition in 2023 from other categories, driven by solid growth, marketing and the development by leading players and newer entrants. For example, Brutal Fruit, known for its RTD offer, has been…

Despite the growing demand for e-vapour products, and the declining revenue and volumes of cigarettes in South Africa, the latter category continued to represent the largest value share within tobacco in 2023. In understanding this demographic, males…

Traditionally, shisha that incorporates the use of pipe tobacco in South Africa was marketed as safe, and made popular during social events due to a positive perception. It is a product that is fairly popular among the younger demographic. However,…

Instant coffee retains its dominance of coffee in retail volume terms in South Africa, with sales continuing to rise in 2023 as many local consumers prioritise their disposable incomes by regularly making coffee at home. They are turning to channels…

Demand for colour cosmetics in South Africa remained below pre-pandemic levels in 2023, as many local consumers continued to struggle financially and reduced their purchases of perceived non-essential products. However, sales promotions on colour…

South Africa remained subject to widespread electricity blackouts (load-shedding) in 2023, which meant that were was no power supply during certain times of the day. This had a negative impact on the operating capability of many organisations across…

In 2023, the average unit price of concentrates witnessed considerably faster growth compared to overall soft drinks in South Africa, although it remains considerably lower per litre (RTD) than the latter. The impact of the sugar tax (the Health…