Key findings

Countries looking to boost local wheat production

In the face of supply chain issues caused by the war in Ukraine, a number of countries in the region, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have been looking to increase their domestic production of wheat in order to improve their food security.

Health and wellness trend developing in Algeria

The health and wellness trend, having gained further momentum during the pandemic, continues to shape product development and consumer choices in Algeria. Consumers are increasingly interested in products high in nutrients or lower in fat, salt or sugar. However, their high prices means the consumer base is mainly confined to more affluent urban shoppers.

Artisanal products lead sales

Indofood Sukses Makmur is the leading brand owner in Middle East and Africa, with a share of just over 1% of total retail value sales. The biggest share of sales of staple foods goes to artisanal products, at 17%. The artisanal share reaches 60% regionally for unpackaged leavened bread, with many consumers still preferring to purchase this product at their local bakery.

South Africa planning front-of-pack warning labels for unhealthy products

The South African government is planning mandatory warning labels on packaged food products that contain added sugar, saturated fats, sodium or artificial sweeteners over proposed cut-off values as part of its draft Regulations Relating to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs. The labels would have to cover at least 25% of the pack front and products with these warning labels would not be allowed to be marketed towards children.