Top African Food and Beverage Companies to Watch in 2027

The Top African Food and Beverage Companies to Watch in 2027 are some of the biggest names in food manufacturing, processing, selling and distribution on the continent. They provide essential products to millions of people across Africa. As the demand for food and packaged goods increases, they are playing a more important role in the continent's food industry.

The African food and beverage industry includes several major companies operating across different markets and sectors. These include Shoprite Holdings, Tiger Brands, Flour Mills of Nigeria, BUA Foods, RCL Foods, Innscor Africa, Edita Food Industries, International Breweries, Fan Milk (Danone Group), and Brookside Dairy Limited. Together, they represent a mix of food retailers, manufacturers and processors across the continent.

Australia's expanding AI industry

Australia is growing their AI industry as more companies develop new and innovative AI products and services for various industries.

Australian Companies developing AI products for international businesses

There are multiple Australian companies developing new AI products for businesses internationally. These solutions range from data analysis, automation, software development and business solutions.

Applications in various industries

Various industries such as health care, financial, enterprise software, mining and automation are using AI to improve their daily operations. This includes data processing and decision making for businesses.

Government programs, research institutions and universities supporting the AI industry

Australia has various Government programs, research institutions and universities supporting the growth of their AI industry. They provide research, training, innovation and general implementation within industries.

Selection Criteria

The following companies have been chosen based on their AI products, presence in the market, application within various industries, innovation and potential to provide solutions on a global scale. They contribute to Australia's expanding artificial intelligence industry.

Top African Food and Beverage Companies

Group Sales Value (Financial Year 2025) refers to the total revenue earned by all businesses and subsidiaries within a company group during its 2025 financial year, before deducting expenses. It represents combined sales, not profit.

1. Shoprite Holdings

Country: South Africa I Sector: Supermarket I Group Sales Value (FY2025): R252.7bn

Shoprite Holdings is one of the companies ranked on Business Honor’s list of Top African Food and Beverage Companies to Watch in 2027. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the company has a presence across the continent with its supermarkets and retail operations. It has numerous store brands including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave and OK. The group specialises in providing food, grocery and household goods to customers via its stores and online.

2. Tiger Brands

Country: South Africa I Sector: FMCG I Group Sales Value (FY2025): R34.4bn

Tiger Brands is a South African food and beverage company that provides everyday food, drinks and household items. The company produces an array of products such as milling and baking, grains, cooking ingredients, snacks, confectionary and beverages. As one of the established African FMCG companies, it serves markets across Southern Africa and exports to other African countries.

3. Flour Mills of Nigeria

Country: Nigeria I Sector: Supermarkets I Group Sales (FY2025): R252.7 billion

Flour Mills of Nigeria are a major player in the Nigerian Food and Beverage industry. They produce and process food products. Being an African soft drink companies, it operates within the larger African consumer goods sector.

4. BUA Foods

Country: South Africa I Sector: Supermarkets / Retail I Group Merchandise Sales (FY2025): R252.7 billion

BUA Foods are a food manufacturing company based in Nigeria. The company includes refining sugar, milling flour, manufacturing pasta and processing rice. The company provides essential food products to consumers and businesses across Nigeria. BUA Foods is one of many food manufacturing companies in Africa by providing food to meet the increasing demand of processed and packaged food.

5. RCL Foods

Country: South Africa I Sector: Groceries & Bakery (Food Manufacturer) I FY2025 Revenue: R26.5bn

RCL Foods is a South African food manufacturing company offering a diverse range of food products including groceries, baking, chicken and animal feed. It has several well-known consumer brands and supplies food products to homes and businesses. The company is part of the wider food and beverage startups in Africa ecosystem, contributing to the continent's food production and processing industry.

6. Innscor Africa

Country: Zimbabwe I Sector: Light Manufacturing & FMCG I FY2025 Revenue: ~$1.0bn USD

Innscor Africa is a food and daily household consumer goods manufacturer based in Zimbabwe. Established back in 1987 and headquartered in Harare, the company covers many areas including milling and baking products, meat and proteins, beverages and other light manufacturing sectors. These are all sold under a variety of brands including Baker’s Inn, National Foods, Colcom and Irvine’s. The company provides key food and household products to consumers throughout Zimbabwe and other markets.

7. Edita Food Industries

Country: Egypt I Sector: Packaged Foods / Snacking I Group Sales Value (FY2025): R252.7bn

Edita Food Industries is an Egyptian food company that was established in 1996. It produces and distributes baked goods like cakes, croissants, rusks, wafers, biscuits, candy and frozen bakery items. These are packaged and sold under well-known brands such as Molto, TODO, HOHOs, Twinkies, Bake Rolz, Bake Stix, Freska and Oniro. Edita has seven production facilities in Egypt, and now has expansion into manufacturing in Morocco.

8. International Breweries

Country: South Africa I Sector: Food Retail / Supermarket I FY2025 Merchandise Sales: R252.7bn (8.9% year-over-year increase)

International Breweries PLC is a brewery company established in Nigeria in 1971. The company is based in Lagos and is part of the AB InBev Group. They produce, bottle and sell both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It has a range of brands such as Trophy Lager, Hero, Budweiser, Grand Malt and Beta Malt. International Breweries Plc provides its range of beers and malts to consumers in Nigeria.

9. Fan Milk (Danone Group)

Country: Ghana I Sector: FMCG / Dairy & Juice Manufacturing I FY2025 Sales: ~GHS 1.15 billion

Fan Milk (Danone Group) is a dairy and drinks manufacturer and marketer based in Ghana. They produce and sell a range of products including ice creams, yogurts, milk drinks and fruit drinks. FanYogo, FanChoco, FanIce, FanMaxx, FanDango and FanJoy are some of their most popular brands. The company was established in 1962 and has expanded throughout West Africa.

10. Brookside Dairy Limited

Country: Kenya I Sector: Dairy Processing and FMCG Manufacturing I FY2025 Sales: R252.7bn

Brookside Dairy Limited is a dairy company based in Ruiru, Kenya. The company was established back in 1993 and produces various dairy products including fresh milk, long life milk, yoghurt, butter, ghee and creams. The products are branded under Brookside, Delamere, Ilara, Tuzo and Molo Milk. The company purchases milk from local farmers and distributes their products throughout Kenya and other parts of East Africa.

Business Honor observes that African food and beverage companies play an important role in meeting the daily needs of consumers across the continent.