South Africa

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) reported a significant slowdown in disposable incomes in the first quarter of 2023. The impact of high inflation and rising interest rates resulted in a household debt-to-income ratio increasing from 61.6% to…

Consumers’ lifestyles in South Africa have changed significantly since the pandemic, particularly as many employees continue to work from home for at least part of the week. Subsequently, the need for a convenient environment has also increased…

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…

Many consumers in South Africa rely on pharmacist recommendations when it comes to dermatological products. Most consumers within South Africa are highly unlikely to visit a doctor or even a dermatologist to treat some dermatological issues. As a…

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…

Tobacco faced sanctions in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, which saw all tobacco product sales temporarily prohibited, encouraging the illicit trade in cigarettes, which accounted for around a third of overall sales in this year. Following the…

Many consumers in South Africa continue to experience financial difficulties due to the high cost of living, leaving them with lower disposable incomes to spend on perceived non-essential items such as sunglasses. Therefore, they are more likely to…

Overall value sales of home and garden in South Africa continued to rise in 2023, despite prevailing economic challenges in the country significantly eroding consumers' disposable incomes. These challenges stemmed primarily from the persistent rise…

PET bottles are the dominant pack type used for soft drinks in South Africa, as they are cost-effective, both in terms of production and transportation. The lightweight nature of the bottles reduces transportation costs, making them a practical…

As with all food production in South Africa, fruit farmers face challenges as the industry struggles to remain profitable with rising costs driven by high inflation and exacerbated by power blackouts. Interest rate hikes have impacted cash flows and…

In 2022, airlines in South Africa faced unexpected challenges, leading to devastating consequences for the country's major competitors. Mango, the low cost carrier of South African Airways, had its licence suspended for two years, while Comair, the…

In 2022, flavoured/mixed lager saw the strongest performance of all beer categories, with double-digit total volume growth. While this growth was derived from a relatively low base when compared with more mature beer categories, such as standard…

During the pandemic, most consumers, including children, spent a significant amount of time in front of digital devices due to online studying and remote studying measures in place, as a result of restrictions outside of the home. Increased activity…

Travel and tourism in South Africa has faced persistent challenges due to rising input costs, particularly related to supplying quality water to clients and dealing with frequent power outages. Water supply and water quality challenges have been…

Following a challenging year derived from the impacts of COVID-19, total volume and current value sales of wine rebounded in 2021 and 2022, exceeding the pre-pandemic levels. This was a result of three key factors. First, the on-trade performance…

Driven by spirit-based RTDs, the competition within RTDs strengthened in 2022, as Coca-Cola and The South African Breweries (SAB) launched products in the market. Using pre-existing distribution channels to reach consumers, they each produced…

Demand for eyewear in South Africa continues to grow in 2023, with current value sales recording stronger growth due to rising unit prices. During the pandemic, many South Africans were forced to stay at home, thereby using digital devices for work,…

In 2023, demand for beauty and personal care in South Africa continued to rise, despite many local consumers experiencing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living crises. As a result, South Africans prioritised their expenditure and where…

In 2023, sales via appliances and electronics specialists in South Africa were mainly driven by high inflation and currency depreciation, which directly influenced prices. The channel was also affected by lower demand from cash-strapped consumers,…

Whilst street stalls/kiosks has long been dominated by independent players in South Africa, the changing trading environment has seen a growing interest by chained operators that are traditionally present in limited-service and full-service…