GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Africa Food Industry Statistics

South Africa's food industry shows strong production growth despite challenges like drought.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Household food expenditure averaged R5,200 per month in 2023 urban areas

Statistic 2

45% of South Africans consumed processed foods daily in 2023 survey

Statistic 3

Plant-based food consumption grew 28% to R2.5 billion in 2023

Statistic 4

Average daily calorie intake was 2,800 kcal per capita in 2022, carbs 55%

Statistic 5

62% of consumers preferred local produce in 2023, price sensitivity high

Statistic 6

Ready-to-eat meal consumption up 18% post-COVID, 35% weekly purchase rate

Statistic 7

Soft drink consumption averaged 45 liters per capita annually in 2022

Statistic 8

28% obesity rate among adults in 2023, linked to sugary snacks intake

Statistic 9

Organic food market reached R8 billion in 2023, 12% growth, urban millennials driving

Statistic 10

Bread consumption was 45 kg per capita yearly in 2022, white bread 75%

Statistic 11

Poultry meat intake averaged 40 kg per person in 2023, highest protein source

Statistic 12

Dairy product consumption 220 liters milk equivalent per capita 2022

Statistic 13

Snack spending rose 10% to R1,200 annual per household in 2023

Statistic 14

55% of meals home-cooked in 2023, down from 70% pre-2020

Statistic 15

Functional foods sales up 15% to R12 billion in 2023, probiotics leading

Statistic 16

Alcoholic beverage consumption 4.5 liters pure alcohol per capita 2022

Statistic 17

Fruit juice intake 12 liters per capita yearly 2023, fortified variants 40%

Statistic 18

38% vegetarians/vegans in urban youth 2023, influencing meat decline

Statistic 19

Instant noodle consumption 8 packs per capita monthly 2023

Statistic 20

Food waste per household 25 kg annually 2022, fruits/veg 50%

Statistic 21

South Africa's food processing industry grew by 4.2% in 2022, valued at R450 billion

Statistic 22

Baked goods segment in food processing had a market value of R120 billion in 2023, employing 150,000 workers

Statistic 23

Beverage manufacturing output increased 5.8% to R180 billion in 2022, led by soft drinks

Statistic 24

Meat processing plants numbered 1,200 in 2023, processing 1.5 million tons annually

Statistic 25

Dairy processing capacity was 4.5 billion liters per year in 2022, with 60% pasteurized milk

Statistic 26

Canned food production reached 2.8 billion units in 2022, with vegetables at 45%

Statistic 27

Edible oils refining capacity stood at 1.2 million tons in 2023, sunflower oil 55%

Statistic 28

Frozen food production grew 7% to 850,000 tons in 2022, poultry products dominant

Statistic 29

Snack food manufacturing valued R65 billion in 2023, crisps and nuts leading categories

Statistic 30

Flour milling output was 3.2 million tons in 2022, wheat flour 85% of total

Statistic 31

Sugar refining processed 2.2 million tons in 2022/23, with 40% refined white sugar

Statistic 32

Fruit juice processing yielded 1.1 billion liters in 2022, orange juice 30% share

Statistic 33

Bread production totaled 2.5 billion loaves in 2023, white bread 70%

Statistic 34

Pasta manufacturing output reached 450,000 tons in 2022, durum wheat based 60%

Statistic 35

Baby food production was 120,000 tons in 2023, cereals segment 50%

Statistic 36

Confectionery production valued R35 billion in 2022, chocolate 45% of market

Statistic 37

Ready-to-eat meals processed 300,000 tons in 2023, up 12% from 2022

Statistic 38

Cereal manufacturing output 250,000 tons in 2022, breakfast cereals 80%

Statistic 39

Jam and preserves production 85,000 tons in 2023, fruit-based 90%

Statistic 40

South Africa's agricultural sector contributed 2.5% to GDP in 2022, with food production accounting for 65% of that value

Statistic 41

Maize production in South Africa reached 15.4 million metric tons in the 2022/23 season, up 23% from previous year

Statistic 42

South Africa produced 1.8 million tons of wheat in 2023, primarily from Western Cape and Free State provinces

Statistic 43

Citrus production totaled 3.2 million tons in 2022/23, with oranges making up 55% of output

Statistic 44

Dairy production yielded 3.8 billion liters of milk in 2022, with 70% from commercial farms

Statistic 45

South African wine grape harvest was 1.02 million tons in 2023, down 12% due to drought effects

Statistic 46

Poultry meat production hit 1.2 million tons in 2022, representing 80% of total meat output

Statistic 47

Sugar cane crush reached 18.5 million tons in 2022/23, producing 2.1 million tons of sugar

Statistic 48

Apple production in South Africa was 980,000 tons in 2022, mainly from Ceres region

Statistic 49

Groundnut production totaled 105,000 tons in 2022/23, with 90% rain-fed farming

Statistic 50

Sunflower seed production was 652,000 tons in 2022/23 season across 550,000 hectares

Statistic 51

Potato production achieved 2.3 million tons in 2022, with Sandveld region contributing 40%

Statistic 52

Sorghum production stood at 712,000 tons in 2022/23, used mainly for animal feed

Statistic 53

Vegetable production reached 7.5 million tons in 2022, led by onions at 1.2 million tons

Statistic 54

Avocado production was 180,000 tons in 2023, with Limpopo province at 60% share

Statistic 55

Macadamia nut production hit 90,000 tons in 2023, up 15% year-on-year

Statistic 56

Pear production totaled 550,000 tons in 2022, exported to over 40 countries

Statistic 57

Beef production was 550,000 tons in 2022, with feedlot finishing for 75% of slaughter cattle

Statistic 58

Pork production reached 240,000 tons in 2022, 95% from intensive systems

Statistic 59

Mango production was 145,000 tons in 2023, with 70% for local market

Statistic 60

Supermarkets accounted for 65% of food retail sales in 2023, valued at R1.2 trillion total retail

Statistic 61

Shoprite Group held 18% market share in food retail in 2023, with 2,900 stores

Statistic 62

Pick n Pay operated 2,200 outlets in 2023, contributing R100 billion in food sales

Statistic 63

Informal markets handled 30% of fresh produce distribution in 2022, urban areas dominant

Statistic 64

Woolworths food sales reached R85 billion in 2023, premium segment 100% own-label

Statistic 65

SPAR group had 2,500 stores in 2023, wholesale distribution to 85% independents

Statistic 66

E-commerce food sales grew 25% to R45 billion in 2023, platforms like Checkers Sixty60 leading

Statistic 67

Fresh produce markets like Johannesburg Market supplied 1.5 million tons annually in 2022

Statistic 68

Convenience stores numbered 15,000 in 2023, 40% food and beverage sales

Statistic 69

Hypermarkets contributed 25% of grocery sales in 2023, average size 5,000 sqm

Statistic 70

Discount retailers like Usave grew 15% sales to R20 billion in 2023

Statistic 71

Food wholesalers distributed 8 million tons of dry goods in 2022

Statistic 72

Logistics costs in food distribution averaged 12% of retail price in 2023

Statistic 73

Cold chain logistics capacity expanded 10% to 500,000 pallet spaces in 2023

Statistic 74

Takeaway and quick-service restaurants served 2.5 billion meals in 2022

Statistic 75

Liquor retail outlets totaled 25,000 in 2023, off-premise sales 70%

Statistic 76

Pharmacy chains like Dis-Chem had 20% food sales share in 2023, R15 billion value

Statistic 77

Fuel forecourt stores contributed 8% to food retail, 50,000 daily transactions average

Statistic 78

South Africa's agri-food exports totaled $12.5 billion in 2023, 10% of total exports

Statistic 79

Citrus exports reached 140 million cartons in 2023, EU market 45%

Statistic 80

Wine exports valued $1.2 billion in 2023, UK and Germany top destinations

Statistic 81

Maize exports were 2.8 million tons in 2022/23, Africa 60% share

Statistic 82

Fruit exports totaled 1.1 million tons in 2023, apples and grapes leading

Statistic 83

Meat exports reached 250,000 tons in 2023, beef to Middle East 40%

Statistic 84

Dairy exports valued R15 billion in 2023, cheese to Africa dominant

Statistic 85

Sugar exports 700,000 tons in 2022/23, raw sugar 80%

Statistic 86

Processed food exports grew 8% to $4 billion in 2023, canned fruit key

Statistic 87

Poultry exports banned to EU but 50,000 tons to Africa in 2023

Statistic 88

Vegetable exports 450,000 tons in 2023, onions to Mozambique 30%

Statistic 89

Nut exports macadamia 55,000 tons in 2023, China 50% market

Statistic 90

Fruit juice concentrate exports 150,000 tons 2023

Statistic 91

Food imports totaled $8.2 billion in 2023, wheat 25% value

Statistic 92

Poultry imports 500,000 tons in 2023, mainly frozen bone-in from Brazil

Statistic 93

Edible oils imports 900,000 tons 2023, palm oil 70%

Statistic 94

Wheat imports 4.5 million tons in 2022/23, Russia/Ukraine sources

Statistic 95

Rice imports 1.1 million tons annually 2023, Asia 90%

Statistic 96

Processed meat imports valued R20 billion 2023

Sources
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From the bustling markets selling 1.5 million tons of fresh produce annually to the sophisticated factories powering a R450 billion food processing industry, South Africa's food sector is a dynamic engine of growth, feeding both a nation and the world through $12.5 billion in annual exports.

Key Takeaways

  • South Africa's agricultural sector contributed 2.5% to GDP in 2022, with food production accounting for 65% of that value
  • Maize production in South Africa reached 15.4 million metric tons in the 2022/23 season, up 23% from previous year
  • South Africa produced 1.8 million tons of wheat in 2023, primarily from Western Cape and Free State provinces
  • South Africa's food processing industry grew by 4.2% in 2022, valued at R450 billion
  • Baked goods segment in food processing had a market value of R120 billion in 2023, employing 150,000 workers
  • Beverage manufacturing output increased 5.8% to R180 billion in 2022, led by soft drinks
  • Supermarkets accounted for 65% of food retail sales in 2023, valued at R1.2 trillion total retail
  • Shoprite Group held 18% market share in food retail in 2023, with 2,900 stores
  • Pick n Pay operated 2,200 outlets in 2023, contributing R100 billion in food sales
  • Household food expenditure averaged R5,200 per month in 2023 urban areas
  • 45% of South Africans consumed processed foods daily in 2023 survey
  • Plant-based food consumption grew 28% to R2.5 billion in 2023
  • South Africa's agri-food exports totaled $12.5 billion in 2023, 10% of total exports
  • Citrus exports reached 140 million cartons in 2023, EU market 45%
  • Wine exports valued $1.2 billion in 2023, UK and Germany top destinations

South Africa's food industry shows strong production growth despite challenges like drought.

Consumer Trends and Consumption

  • Household food expenditure averaged R5,200 per month in 2023 urban areas
  • 45% of South Africans consumed processed foods daily in 2023 survey
  • Plant-based food consumption grew 28% to R2.5 billion in 2023
  • Average daily calorie intake was 2,800 kcal per capita in 2022, carbs 55%
  • 62% of consumers preferred local produce in 2023, price sensitivity high
  • Ready-to-eat meal consumption up 18% post-COVID, 35% weekly purchase rate
  • Soft drink consumption averaged 45 liters per capita annually in 2022
  • 28% obesity rate among adults in 2023, linked to sugary snacks intake
  • Organic food market reached R8 billion in 2023, 12% growth, urban millennials driving
  • Bread consumption was 45 kg per capita yearly in 2022, white bread 75%
  • Poultry meat intake averaged 40 kg per person in 2023, highest protein source
  • Dairy product consumption 220 liters milk equivalent per capita 2022
  • Snack spending rose 10% to R1,200 annual per household in 2023
  • 55% of meals home-cooked in 2023, down from 70% pre-2020
  • Functional foods sales up 15% to R12 billion in 2023, probiotics leading
  • Alcoholic beverage consumption 4.5 liters pure alcohol per capita 2022
  • Fruit juice intake 12 liters per capita yearly 2023, fortified variants 40%
  • 38% vegetarians/vegans in urban youth 2023, influencing meat decline
  • Instant noodle consumption 8 packs per capita monthly 2023
  • Food waste per household 25 kg annually 2022, fruits/veg 50%

Consumer Trends and Consumption Interpretation

South Africa's food scene is a tale of two pantries: one filled with convenient, carb-heavy staples and sugary drinks fueling a health crisis, while the other—stocked by price-conscious but aspirational locals—sprouts with organic greens, plant-based alternatives, and probiotic potions, all while an alarming amount of good food sadly ends up in the bin.

Manufacturing and Processing

  • South Africa's food processing industry grew by 4.2% in 2022, valued at R450 billion
  • Baked goods segment in food processing had a market value of R120 billion in 2023, employing 150,000 workers
  • Beverage manufacturing output increased 5.8% to R180 billion in 2022, led by soft drinks
  • Meat processing plants numbered 1,200 in 2023, processing 1.5 million tons annually
  • Dairy processing capacity was 4.5 billion liters per year in 2022, with 60% pasteurized milk
  • Canned food production reached 2.8 billion units in 2022, with vegetables at 45%
  • Edible oils refining capacity stood at 1.2 million tons in 2023, sunflower oil 55%
  • Frozen food production grew 7% to 850,000 tons in 2022, poultry products dominant
  • Snack food manufacturing valued R65 billion in 2023, crisps and nuts leading categories
  • Flour milling output was 3.2 million tons in 2022, wheat flour 85% of total
  • Sugar refining processed 2.2 million tons in 2022/23, with 40% refined white sugar
  • Fruit juice processing yielded 1.1 billion liters in 2022, orange juice 30% share
  • Bread production totaled 2.5 billion loaves in 2023, white bread 70%
  • Pasta manufacturing output reached 450,000 tons in 2022, durum wheat based 60%
  • Baby food production was 120,000 tons in 2023, cereals segment 50%
  • Confectionery production valued R35 billion in 2022, chocolate 45% of market
  • Ready-to-eat meals processed 300,000 tons in 2023, up 12% from 2022
  • Cereal manufacturing output 250,000 tons in 2022, breakfast cereals 80%
  • Jam and preserves production 85,000 tons in 2023, fruit-based 90%

Manufacturing and Processing Interpretation

While South Africa's R450 billion food industry might look like a well-oiled machine on paper, it's really a bustling, carb-loaded, and occasionally caffeinated orchestra where bread is the conductor, soft drinks are the loudest soloists, and someone always seems to be frying crisps for the encore.

Production Statistics

  • South Africa's agricultural sector contributed 2.5% to GDP in 2022, with food production accounting for 65% of that value
  • Maize production in South Africa reached 15.4 million metric tons in the 2022/23 season, up 23% from previous year
  • South Africa produced 1.8 million tons of wheat in 2023, primarily from Western Cape and Free State provinces
  • Citrus production totaled 3.2 million tons in 2022/23, with oranges making up 55% of output
  • Dairy production yielded 3.8 billion liters of milk in 2022, with 70% from commercial farms
  • South African wine grape harvest was 1.02 million tons in 2023, down 12% due to drought effects
  • Poultry meat production hit 1.2 million tons in 2022, representing 80% of total meat output
  • Sugar cane crush reached 18.5 million tons in 2022/23, producing 2.1 million tons of sugar
  • Apple production in South Africa was 980,000 tons in 2022, mainly from Ceres region
  • Groundnut production totaled 105,000 tons in 2022/23, with 90% rain-fed farming
  • Sunflower seed production was 652,000 tons in 2022/23 season across 550,000 hectares
  • Potato production achieved 2.3 million tons in 2022, with Sandveld region contributing 40%
  • Sorghum production stood at 712,000 tons in 2022/23, used mainly for animal feed
  • Vegetable production reached 7.5 million tons in 2022, led by onions at 1.2 million tons
  • Avocado production was 180,000 tons in 2023, with Limpopo province at 60% share
  • Macadamia nut production hit 90,000 tons in 2023, up 15% year-on-year
  • Pear production totaled 550,000 tons in 2022, exported to over 40 countries
  • Beef production was 550,000 tons in 2022, with feedlot finishing for 75% of slaughter cattle
  • Pork production reached 240,000 tons in 2022, 95% from intensive systems
  • Mango production was 145,000 tons in 2023, with 70% for local market

Production Statistics Interpretation

While South Africa's agricultural sector may seem to be just a small slice of the GDP pie, the heft of its golden maize, the tang of its citrus, and the very milk in your coffee prove it is the robust, drought-fighting backbone keeping the nation's plate full and its economy chewing.

Retail and Distribution

  • Supermarkets accounted for 65% of food retail sales in 2023, valued at R1.2 trillion total retail
  • Shoprite Group held 18% market share in food retail in 2023, with 2,900 stores
  • Pick n Pay operated 2,200 outlets in 2023, contributing R100 billion in food sales
  • Informal markets handled 30% of fresh produce distribution in 2022, urban areas dominant
  • Woolworths food sales reached R85 billion in 2023, premium segment 100% own-label
  • SPAR group had 2,500 stores in 2023, wholesale distribution to 85% independents
  • E-commerce food sales grew 25% to R45 billion in 2023, platforms like Checkers Sixty60 leading
  • Fresh produce markets like Johannesburg Market supplied 1.5 million tons annually in 2022
  • Convenience stores numbered 15,000 in 2023, 40% food and beverage sales
  • Hypermarkets contributed 25% of grocery sales in 2023, average size 5,000 sqm
  • Discount retailers like Usave grew 15% sales to R20 billion in 2023
  • Food wholesalers distributed 8 million tons of dry goods in 2022
  • Logistics costs in food distribution averaged 12% of retail price in 2023
  • Cold chain logistics capacity expanded 10% to 500,000 pallet spaces in 2023
  • Takeaway and quick-service restaurants served 2.5 billion meals in 2022
  • Liquor retail outlets totaled 25,000 in 2023, off-premise sales 70%
  • Pharmacy chains like Dis-Chem had 20% food sales share in 2023, R15 billion value
  • Fuel forecourt stores contributed 8% to food retail, 50,000 daily transactions average

Retail and Distribution Interpretation

While formal supermarkets may reign with R1.2 trillion in sales, South Africa's food landscape is a fascinating tug-of-war between corporate scale and a persistent, thriving informal hustle, proving the nation's shopping basket is served by both hypermarkets and street vendors.

Trade and Exports/Imports

  • South Africa's agri-food exports totaled $12.5 billion in 2023, 10% of total exports
  • Citrus exports reached 140 million cartons in 2023, EU market 45%
  • Wine exports valued $1.2 billion in 2023, UK and Germany top destinations
  • Maize exports were 2.8 million tons in 2022/23, Africa 60% share
  • Fruit exports totaled 1.1 million tons in 2023, apples and grapes leading
  • Meat exports reached 250,000 tons in 2023, beef to Middle East 40%
  • Dairy exports valued R15 billion in 2023, cheese to Africa dominant
  • Sugar exports 700,000 tons in 2022/23, raw sugar 80%
  • Processed food exports grew 8% to $4 billion in 2023, canned fruit key
  • Poultry exports banned to EU but 50,000 tons to Africa in 2023
  • Vegetable exports 450,000 tons in 2023, onions to Mozambique 30%
  • Nut exports macadamia 55,000 tons in 2023, China 50% market
  • Fruit juice concentrate exports 150,000 tons 2023
  • Food imports totaled $8.2 billion in 2023, wheat 25% value
  • Poultry imports 500,000 tons in 2023, mainly frozen bone-in from Brazil
  • Edible oils imports 900,000 tons 2023, palm oil 70%
  • Wheat imports 4.5 million tons in 2022/23, Russia/Ukraine sources
  • Rice imports 1.1 million tons annually 2023, Asia 90%
  • Processed meat imports valued R20 billion 2023

Trade and Exports/Imports Interpretation

While South Africa’s food industry showcases a thriving export portfolio built on citrus sunshine, award-winning wines, and niche nuts for the world, its heavy reliance on imported staples like wheat, poultry, and rice reveals a pantry that is impressively global yet precariously balanced.

Sources & References

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