Demand began to increase again across staple foods in 2023 as Lebanon’s socioeconomic crisis entered its fourth year. Shelf stable options remain popular due to the inconsistent electricity supply, while the status of bread, rice and pasta as primary sources of carbohydrates ensured that these categories remained resilient in the face of severe pressure on demand.
During 2023, Lebanon’s population remained resilient in the face of the extremely adverse political and socioeconomic situation that has plagued the country since 2019. Despite the challenges that the local population must overcome to lead normal, productive lives amidst the complete collapse of the country’s financial system and the dire political vacuum caused by the ongoing lack of executive government, most Lebanese households have adapted and adjusted to the situation and seem to be faring much better than might have been expected.
The adverse socioeconomic situation in Lebanon these somewhat during 2023 as there were fewer economic shocks and this meant that spending on packaged food items that are regarded as essential began to rise once again. Put simply, the majority of local consumers have adjusted to the harsh economic situation and their considerably more straitened financial circumstances, with the re-dollarisation of the country’s financial markets in February 2023 leading to a partial recovery in consumer spending.
2022 and 2023 witnessed the further consistent devaluation of the Lebanese pound, in spite of considerable official efforts to stabilise the exchange value of the Lebanese pound. The impact of this on the spending power of the local population continues to cause concern.
While Lebanon’s infrastructure problems have deep roots, they have been significantly exacerbated since the onset of the ongoing economic crisis. Power cuts were already a common occurrence in the country.
While the immediate future for Lebanon’s economy and society remain rather uncertain due to the unpredictable the of the current economic situation, it can be taken for granted that each of the different categories of staple foods will be affected by the crisis in very different ways during the forecast period. Bread and baked goods more generally are likely to face challenges due to the removal of price subsidies and with the government seemingly reluctant to maintain at least some subsidies to avoid major food security issues in Lebanon, or to create a long-term funding model for the country’s beleaguered commercial bakeries, it is likely that high prices and periodic product shortages will continue to plague baked goods and bread.
Delivery:
Files are delivered directly into your account soon after payment is received and any tax certification is verified (where applicable).
This report comes in PDF with additional info in Excel included.
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Staple Foods industry in Lebanon with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Staple Foods industry in Lebanon, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
Staple Foods
NOTE: Couscous, polenta and quinoa are excluded from staple foods.
See All of Our DefinitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Staple Foods research and analysis database.
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!