Grocery market in South Africa

The South African Grocery eCommerce market is predicted to reach US$348.2 million by 2024 and accounts for 7.5% of the total eCommerce market in South Africa. It is expected to increase over the next years. The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be 32.1%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$1,061.0 million by 2028. Within the Grocery market ECDB considers the following two sub-markets: Food and Beverages.

Market development

eCommerce revenue development in the Sweets & Chocolate market in South Africa

The South African Sweets & Chocolate eCommerce market is predicted to reach US$17.0 million by 2024 and accounts for 25.8% of the Food Cupboard eCommerce market in South Africa. It is expected to increase over the next years. The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be 28.8%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$46.9 million by 2028. The Sweets & Chocolate eCommerce market is a sub-market of the Food Cupboard market. Further categories within the Food Cupboard market are: Baking Supplies, Cereals, Noodles, Nuts & Dried Fruits, and Other Food Cupboard.

eCommerce revenue development in the Sweets & Chocolate market in South Africa

in million US$

Note: Market revenue represents B2C sales of physical goods including VAT. It excludes B2B sales, C2C sales, returns, compensation for damaged or missing goods, any discounts granted and services. Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

eCommerce revenue growth in the Sweets & Chocolate market in South Africa

in %

Note: Market revenue represents B2C sales of physical goods including VAT. It excludes B2B sales, C2C sales, returns, compensation for damaged or missing goods, any discounts granted and services. Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

Net eCommerce revenue split by sub-category

in %

Note: Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

20202021202220232024202520262027
Revenue (in mUS$)0.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0
Growth (in %)11.712.338.933.80.723.678.698.1

Online share

eCommerce online share of the total Sweets & Chocolate market in South Africa

The online share refers to the proportion of the retail volume that is transacted via the Internet. It includes purchases via desktop PC, tablet or smartphone, both via website or app. Only retail of physical goods is taken into account. In the South African Sweets & Chocolate retail market, the online share is 2.4% and will increase by an average of 1.3% to 2.5% by 2028.

eCommerce online share of the total Sweets & Chocolate market in South Africa

in %

Note: Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: Statista Market Insights , ECDB analysis

20202021202220232024202520262027
Online share (in %)84.7%24.0%77.5%88.7%82.4%83.9%53.3%41.4%

Market definition

Definition of the Sweets & Chocolate market within the Grocery market

Market definition: Grocery > Food > Food Cupboard > Sweets & Chocolate The category Sweets & Chocolate includes the online trade of sweets (e.g. candies, marshmallows, cotton candy, caramel and toffee), chocolates (e.g. chocolate bars, chocolate bonbons, chocolate chips), cookies, and more. This category does not cover cakes and pastries, ice cream or jelly and jam. All monetary figures refer to the annual gross revenue and do not factor in shipping costs.

In-scope

  • Sweets (e.g. candies, marshmallows, cotton candy, caramel and toffee)
  • Chocolates (e.g. chocolate bars, chocolate bonbons, chocolate chips)
  • Cookies
  • Chewing gum

Out-of-scope

  • Cakes and pastries
  • Ice cream
  • Jelly and jam

Market comparison

The South African Sweets & Chocolate market in a global comparison

Market comparison by growth, online share, and revenue in 2023

in %

Source: ECDB analysis