Egypt’s food and beverage market is undergoing strong growth, reaching US$ 89.5 billion in 2024 and projected to hit US$ 125.4 billion by 2028. Key drivers include urbanization, changing consumer preferences, rising exports, and increased manufacturing. Imports of key items like wheat and processed foods are growing, while local production expands. F&B sector in Egypt includes over 27,000 companies and employs 7 million people. E-commerce, food delivery, and demand for ready-to-eat, high-value products are rising.
Egypt’s food and beverage market is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by urbanization, evolving consumer preferences, rising domestic consumption, increased exports, and substantial investments in manufacturing and foodservice sectors.
In 2024, Egypt’s food market expanded by 35%, reaching Egyptian Pound (EGP) 4.0 trillion (approx US$ 89.5 billion). This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with food spending projected to increase at an average annual rate of 16.8%, reaching US$ 125.4 billion by 2028. Egypt’s food sector exports exceeded US$ 10 billion in 2024, reflecting a 21% year-over-year growth.
Egyptian Food Industry- an overview
Egypt is the most populous nation in the Arab world and ranks third in Africa, following Nigeria and Ethiopia. In 2023, Egypt’s population was estimated at 109.5 million (CIA World Factbook). With much of the country covered by desert, around 95% of the population lives along the narrow, fertile Nile River valley, which makes up just 5% of Egypt’s total land area. Rapid population growth—an increase of 46% between 1994 and 2014—continues to strain the country’s limited natural resources, as well as its infrastructure for jobs, housing, sanitation, education, and healthcare.
As per the Federation of Egyptian Industries’ (FEI) food division, as of 2024, there are 27k member companies, up from just 14k companies in 2020. Of these companies, approximately 1.5k are exporters, contributing about 14% of Egypt’s total non-oil exports and placing the food sector as the country’s third most export-oriented industry. The sector employs over 7 mn workers directly and indirectly.
The government aims to increase the food sector’s revenues to over US$ 20 bn by 2030, up from an estimated US$ 7 bn in 2025.
Expenditures on basic goods such as bread and oils are expected to rise, while consumer preferences in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria are increasingly leaning towards ready-to-eat and packaged foods.
Egypt is the most cost-competitive choice in the region’s food sector, driven by low labor and energy costs. Many global food companies from Europe, Turkey, and across the Middle East already operate manufacturing and export facilities in Egypt—a trend expected to expand as more firms recognize Egypt’s strategic location and competitive advantages as a regional hub.
Despite the vast opportunities, Egyptian market faces challenges such as inflation and economic fluctuations, which impact consumer spending behaviours. A heavy reliance on imported goods is contributing to price increases.
Euromonitor reports that retail sales of packaged food in Egypt reached US$ 12.7 billion in 2023, an increase of 87.7% or US$ 5.9 billion since 2019. The market is projected to grow further, reaching US$ 23.6 billion by 2028, a rise of 35.6%.
As one of the world’s largest grain importers, Egypt’s feed and food industry drives demand for wheat and corn. Edible Oils, Sweet Spreads, Rice, Pasta, and Noodles, Ready Meals, Savory Snacks, are among the other High growth products.
Food and beverage imports of Egypt
Egypt’s food and beverage imports have experienced notable shifts in 2024, influenced by strategic stockpiling efforts, economic challenges, and policy adjustments. Here’s an overview of the latest data and developments:
As one of the world’s largest wheat importers, Egypt depends on the grain to produce subsidized bread that supports tens of millions of its citizens. Its imports of wheat increased by 40% year-on-year (YoY) to 14 million tons during 2024. In comparison, Egypt imported approximately 10 million tons of wheat in 2023. Sources attributed the increase to a rise in private-sector purchases, reflecting efforts to boost local strategic reserves in response to growing domestic consumption.
According to data, Egypt’s wheat consumption in MY 2024/25 was at 20.65 MMT, slightly up from the MY 2023/24 estimate of 20.6 MMT. In Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25, Egypt’s total wheat supply is projected to reach 23.7 million metric tons (MMT), with 81.5% designated for human consumption.
Key processed food imports of Egypt include:
- Processed/Prepared Dairy Products
- Food Preparations and Ingredients
- Fats and Oils
- Processed Vegetables and Pulses
- Chocolate and Confectionery
- Condiments, Sauces, Jams and Jellies
- Syrups and Sweeteners
Table: Egypt’s main food imports and their leading global suppliers (Jan.–Nov. 2024)
| Category | Total Import Value (USD) | Top Suppliers (%) |
| Beef and Beef Products | US$995 million | 1. India (57%) 2. Brazil (27%) 3. USA (11%) 4. Australia (1.2%) |
| Dairy Products | US$741 million | 1. New Zealand (22%) 2. Germany (12%) 3. France (9%) 4. USA (6%) |
| Tea | US$244 million | 1. Kenya (90%) 2. UAE (3%) 3. Sri Lanka (2.2%) 4. India (2%) 5. USA (0.02%) |
| Soup and Food Preparations | US$244 million | 1. Ireland (26%) 2. Germany (9.3%) 3. Saudi Arabia (9%) 4. Netherlands (5%) 5. USA (3%) |
| Fresh Fruits | US$215 million | 1. Lebanon (27%) 2. Poland (20%) 3. Greece (19%) 4. Italy (16%) USA (0%) |
| Chocolate and Cocoa | US$166 million | 1. Malaysia (14%) 2. Netherlands (13%) 3. Spain (12%) 4. Cote d’Ivoire (11%) USA (0.02%) |
| Tree Nuts | US$97 million | 1. Vietnam (25%) 2. USA (21%) 3. Turkey (11%) 4. Spain (10%) |
| Spices | US$95 million | 1. Vietnam (27%) 2. China (12%) 3. Guatemala (12%) 4. Brazil (11%) |
| Fresh Vegetables | US$75 million | 1. UK (32%) 2. Netherlands (29%) 3. France (13%) 4. Denmark (9%) |
| Poultry Meat and Products | US$56 million | 1. Brazil (98%) 2. Turkey (1.03%) 3. Malaysia (0.06%) |
Source: Trade Data Monitor
Overall Egypt imported roughly US$3.4 billion of consumer food products in 2024.
Euromonitor International reports that full-service restaurants saw solid growth in both revenue and new openings in 2023. Despite economic pressures, the appetite for dining out remained strong. The continued growth of Egypt’s tourism sector is also expected to boost demand for food products, especially as it caters to international visitors.
India’s food product exports to Egypt
According to APEDA, the export of food products by India to Egypt have grown from US$ 420.26 Million in 2019-20 to US$ 647.19 Million in 2023-24. Key exports to Egypt include:
- Buffalo Meat
- Basmati Rice
- Dairy Products
- Non Basmati Rice
- Pulses
- Guargum
- Processed Fruits, Juices & Nuts
- Miscellaneous Preparations
- Ayush And Herbal Products
- Jaggery & Confectionery
Emerging Trends and market opportunities
In spite of recent economic difficulties, Egypt’s rapidly growing urban population is increasingly drawn to diverse food options and international cuisines. The rise of e-commerce and the expansion of online food delivery platforms like Talabat, Breadfast, and Rabbit have made it easier for consumers to explore a wide range of food choices from the comfort of their homes.
While small, local grocery stores still account for more than 50% of retail food sales by value, Egyptian consumers continue to prioritize convenience and affordability—creating strong potential for growth across all retail formats.
At the same time, a cultural shift is underway, with younger Egyptians embracing their heritage and seeking experiences rooted in tradition. This trend is influencing business strategies in a country undergoing rapid change. A new wave of popular dining establishments has emerged, featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine elevated by globally trained chefs
Coffee shops, bakeries, and shisha cafes remain central to daily social life, serving as gathering places where people relax and enjoy snacks, desserts, and beverages. These venues are also hotspots for the latest food trends—such as the viral pistachio and chocolate combination, now found in everything from croissants and knafeh to drinks—highlighting Egyptians’ enthusiasm for innovative flavors and social media-driven culinary experiences.
Rising market opportunities in Egyptian food market
- Companies seek new ingredients, especially affordable unprocessed commodities.
- There is growing demand for high-value, highly processed ingredients.
- Egyptian food processing is growing; it requires more imported food ingredients.
- Egypt’s food processors and manufactures are exporting to the region. Within 500 kilometers, Egypt has access to 339 million consumers.
With rising urbanization, evolving consumer preferences, and a strategic geographic location, Egypt is becoming a key hub for regional food trade. Despite economic challenges, opportunities abound for investors and global suppliers, particularly in high-value and processed food segments.
