High inflation and currency depreciation have driven price increases across staple foods in Ethiopia in 2024, forcing consumers to prioritise essentials like grains, pulses, and edible oils. Political instability and climate crises have worsened food insecurity, especially in Tigray.
High inflation continues to drive price increases across staple food categories, significantly impacting consumer purchasing power. Non-essential categories experienced muted growth as consumers prioritised basic necessities such as grains, pulses, and edible oils.
The packaged staple foods market in Ethiopia remains largely underdeveloped, with most staple foods being sold in loose, unpackaged formats. However, investment in local production is increasing, particularly in edible oils, where partnerships such as that of SAMANU and Norfund are expected to improve domestic supply and reduce import reliance.
Ethiopia is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in the Tigray region, where food insecurity has reached critical levels. Severe acute malnutrition is affecting children and families, with millions facing shortages due to conflict and drought.
Informal retailing continues to dominate Ethiopia’s staple food distribution, with traditional retailers and open markets being the preferred shopping destinations for most consumers. The reliance on informal channels is driven by affordability, convenience, and the strong presence of well-established market vendors.
A shift from informal to modern retail is expected, particularly in urban areas, where modern retailers are expanding their presence. As more supermarkets open, the availability of packaged staple foods will increase, providing consumers with more choice beyond the traditional unpackaged varieties sold in open markets.
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Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Staple Foods industry in Ethiopia with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Staple Foods industry in Ethiopia, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
Staple Foods
NOTE: Couscous, polenta and quinoa are excluded from staple foods.
See all of our definitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Staple Foods research and analysis database.
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