COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the Egypt market including overviews about the retail, foodservice, and food-processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
1st
largest U.S. export market for processed foods in North Africa
34%
increase in U.S. processed food exports to Egypt in 2024
111 million +
total population in 2024
Euromonitor reports of a challenging economic landscape in Egypt. Deteriorating external conditions, such as the war in Ukraine that has created inflationary issues, have been compounded by the Israel-Gaza conflict, with Egypt exposed significantly to the hostilities.
USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Cairo, hereinafter referred to as “FAS Post Cairo,” reports that Egypt imported roughly US$3 billion of consumer-oriented products in 2023. The U.S. was the fifth largest exporter to Egypt (by value), with approximately US$140 million in exports. Egypt is the largest U.S. export market for processed foods in North Africa; in 2024, U.S. processed food exports grew 34% to US$67.4 million.
Top U.S. processed food exports to Egypt in 2024 included:
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$12.4 billion
total retail sales in the packaged food market in 2024
60%
of retail food market sales attributed to small local grocers
$23.8 billion
expected retail sales in the packaged food market by 2029
According to Euromonitor, retail sales in the packaged food market in Egypt reached US$12.4 billion in 2024, making it the third largest market in North Africa. By the year 2029, retail sales in the packaged food market in Egypt are expected to reach US$23.8 billion.
FAS Post Cairo reports that against the backdrop of a series of global shocks, regional conflict, and the war in Ukraine, the Egyptian economy slowed down in 2024 and is projected to recover gradually in the coming years. Small local grocers are the dominant channel in the Egyptian retail market, comprising more than US$13 billion in retail sales and approximately 60% market share. However, the food retail industry in Egypt is becoming increasingly competitive, with both local and international players competing for market share through pricing and product innovation.
FAS Post Cairo reports that the best high-value consumer-oriented product prospects include beef products, condensed milk and cream, fats and oils derived from milk, tea, fresh fruits, soup and food preparations, spices, poultry meat and products, and tree nuts are among the top consumer-oriented items imported from across the world. Sweets and snacks, healthy and nutritional meals, and pet foods are examples of U.S. items that are not widely available yet but have a high sales potential among Egypt’s more wealthy consumers.
$3.8 billion
total sales of the Egyptian foodservice market in 2024
15%
of Egypt’s GDP attributed to tourism
$4.7 billion
expected value of foodservice market by 2029
FAS Post Cairo reports that the Egyptian hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector registered healthy growth in sales and in terms of newly opened establishments in 2023. Despite an inflationary context, demand for eating out was high. Moreover, a new trend emerged in full-service restaurants with a rise in luxurious dining experiences, in which premium restaurants offer new creative concepts. According to Euromonitor International analysis, the Egyptian hospitality sector market size is estimated at US$3.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$4.7 billion by 2029.
Many Egyptian restaurants (particularly those located in or near lodging) are under pressure, both because of reduced consumer purchasing power and due to a decline in tourism – which represents 15% of Egypt’s GDP and is an important source of foreign exchange.
Hotel and restaurant managers indicate that U.S.-origin products, only some of which are present in significant quantities in the market, which have good sales potential include affordable frozen beef cuts, wine, tree nuts, peanuts, bread flour, and sauces and condiments.
FAS Post Cairo reports that the food-processing sector in Egypt has been expanding gradually due to the country’s large population and increasing growth. The sector crosses an extensive range of products, including dairy, bakery goods, confectionery, processed meats, and packaged foods. There is also a trend towards healthier food options in the market. Egypt’s food industry exports reached US$3.2 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The European Union and Arab countries were among the top importers of Egyptian food products, with US$1.6 billion and US$701 million in imports, respectively. Egypt’s growing population and rising disposable incomes have increased demand for certain products, such as soft drinks, sweets, and confectionery. Egypt’s food processors are creating high-quality products that are competitively priced and attractive to global markets.
