South Africa: Food Service - Hotel Restaurant Institutional

According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), South Africa’s food service sector generated revenues valued at US $3 billion in 2020, down 32 percent from 2019. The South Africa hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) industry has been severely affected by government restrictions imposed beginning in March 2020 in an effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Social-distancing measures, curfews, and restricted operating hours have decreased revenue for the HRI sector and led to the closures of many businesses. Despite the challenging landscape, South African e-commerce is flourishing as online purchases and meal delivery operations saw sales growth of 59 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, according to Euromonitor International. South African consumers continue to seek out healthier options, with a focus on wellness products, low-fat and high-protein foods, and so-called “superfoods.”