South Africa: Baby Food Market 2024

Baby Food Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, the South African baby food market was finally on the rise to reach $X after three years of decline. In general, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Baby food consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Baby Food Production in South Africa

In value terms, baby food production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 21%. Baby food production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Baby Food Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, baby food exports from South Africa was estimated at X tons, with an increase of 6.4% against the previous year's figure. In general, exports recorded prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 42% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, baby food exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 52% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Mozambique (X tons), Namibia (X tons) and Zambia (X tons) were the main destinations of baby food exports from South Africa, with a combined 50% share of total exports. Botswana, Cameroon, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Malawi, Mali and Gabon lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 40%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Cameroon (with a CAGR of +227.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for baby food exported from South Africa were Mozambique ($X), Zambia ($X) and Namibia ($X), with a combined 58% share of total exports. Botswana, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Swaziland, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali and Gabon lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%.

Cameroon, with a CAGR of +258.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average baby food export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 56%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Malawi ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Ghana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Swaziland (+15.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Baby Food Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, baby food imports into South Africa fell to X tons, reducing by -13.1% against 2020 figures. In general, imports recorded a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 81%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, baby food imports amounted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 36%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Germany (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of baby food to South Africa, accounting for a 56% share of total imports. Moreover, baby food imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Ireland (X tons), fourfold. France (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany amounted to +5.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ireland (-25.2% per year) and France (+4.4% per year).

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of food preparations for infants to South Africa, comprising 61% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Ireland, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany totaled +5.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+6.6% per year) and Ireland (-21.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average baby food import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 17% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +5.1%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the average import price increased by 68% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+5.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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