The south africa food safety testing market size was valued at $147.6 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $579.2 million by 2035, registering a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2035.
Food safety testing refers to the processes and techniques used to ensure that food products are free from contaminants and safe for consumption. It involves analyzing food for pathogens, chemicals, allergens, and other hazardous substances that pose health risks. Testing is performed at various stages of the food supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, and includes microbiological tests, chemical analyses, and physical inspections. The aim of food safety testing is to prevent foodborne illnesses, comply with regulatory standards, and maintain consumer confidence in the food supply.
Rise in incidents of food contamination and adulteration in South Africa have significantly surged the south africa food safety testing market demand for food safety testing. As the number of reported cases of foodborne illnesses and contamination events increases, both consumers and regulatory bodies have placed greater emphasis on food safety. These incidents often lead to widespread public health scares, which results in a loss of consumer confidence in food products. Consequently, there is a growing need for rigorous food safety testing to detect contaminants such as pathogens, pesticides, and adulterants at various stages of the food supply chain.
In today’s fast-paced world, the trade of food and plant products is being conducted at an unprecedented scale. According to FAO’s: The State of Agricultural-Commodity Markets 2020 (SOCO 2020) report, about one-third of global food and agricultural trade involves complex value chains, with goods surpassing borders at least twice. To protect the $4.3 trillion worth of worldwide food and agricultural exports from risks such as unsafe food, pests, and diseases, trading nations must prioritize safety and quality. This is achieved through the adoption of internationally recognized standards established by three key organizations: the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). These bodies are known collectively as “the three sisters”, which play a vital role in protecting global trade & production from risks and ensuring the safety of food and agricultural products.
Key Takeaways
- By type, the pathogen segment dominated the south africa food safety testing industry in 2023.
- By technology, the PCR-based Assay segment dominated the market in 2023.
- By food tested, the processed food segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023.
- By physical parameters, pH levels segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023.
- By region, Gauteng dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. However, Mpumalanga is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the south africa food safety testing market forecast period.
Market Dynamics
The increase in consumer awareness about food safety has significantly driven the demand for south africa food safety testing market. As consumers become more knowledgeable about potential health risks associated with contaminated or adulterated food products, they demand higher standards of safety and quality from food producers and suppliers. Moreover, this increased awareness stems from the proliferation of information through digital media, social networks, and educational campaigns, which highlight the importance of consuming safe and hygienic food. Consequently, food manufacturers and retailers are under pressure to ensure their products meet stringent safety standards to maintain consumer trust and loyalty. This pressure translates into a growing need for comprehensive food safety testing services, which verify the safety and quality of food products before they reach the market.
In addition, the rise in consumer demand for transparency and traceability in the food supply chain further boosts the food safety testing market. Consumers increasingly expect detailed information about the origins of their food, production processes, and safety measures implemented along the supply chain. To meet these expectations, food producers and suppliers invest in strong testing protocols and certification processes to demonstrate their commitment to food safety. Furthermore, this investment includes the adoption of advanced testing technologies and partnering with accredited laboratories to conduct thorough analyses for contaminants, pathogens, and other safety hazards. As a result, the food safety testing market in South Africa experiences substantial growth, which is driven by the dual forces of consumer demand for safer food.
Technological advancements in testing methods have surged the demand for the south africa food safety testing market. As, innovations such as rapid detection techniques, DNA sequencing, and real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) enable more accurate, efficient, and faster identification of contaminants and pathogens in food products. These advanced methods provide higher sensitivity and specificity, which reduce the time required for testing and increase the reliability of results. As a result, food producers and suppliers are more inclined to adopt these cutting-edge technologies to ensure the highest standards of food safety and drive the market demand for comprehensive testing services.
Moreover, the integration of automation and data analytics in food safety testing enhances the overall efficiency and scalability of testing processes. Automated systems streamline sample processing and analysis, minimizing human error and improving consistency. Data analytics tools allow for better interpretation of testing results, facilitating proactive risk management and compliance with regulatory standards. Furthermore, these technological advancements improve the speed and accuracy of food safety testing and make it more cost-effective. Consequently, the adoption of advanced testing methods becomes increasingly attractive to food industry stakeholders in South Africa, further drive the south africa food safety testing market growth.
The expansion of food testing laboratories has significantly driven the demand for the south africa food safety testing market. As the number of laboratories increases, accessibility to testing services improves, which allows more food producers, processors, and retailers to routinely test their products for safety and compliance. This expansion ensures that even small and medium-sized enterprises, which may have previously faced logistical and financial barriers, may now afford and access high-quality testing services. Moreover, the proliferation of laboratories advances a more competitive environment, which often leads to reduced testing costs and faster turnaround time, and which encourages broader industry participation in rigorous food safety testing practices.
In addition, the establishment of additional food testing laboratories often brings about regional specialization and advanced testing capabilities. New labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by skilled professionals offer a wider range of testing services, from basic microbiological assessments to advanced chemical analyses and molecular diagnostics. Furthermore, the enhancement in service offerings ensures that food safety testing covers more potential hazards comprehensively. As a result, the food industry in South Africa benefits from increased confidence in the safety and quality of their products and leads to greater market demand for these testing services.
Segmental Overview
The south africa food safety testing market segmentation is categorized into type, technology, food tested, and region. By type, the market is classified into pathogen, genetically modified organism (GMO), chemical & toxin, heavy metals, radioactivity and others. By technology, the market is categorized into agar culturing, PCR-based assay, immunoassay-based, scintillation counters & Geiger counters, AAS & ICP-MS/OES, alpha spectrometry, GC-MS, FT-IR & UV-Vis, IC & HPLC, and gamma spectrometry . By food tested, the south africa food safety testing market is classified into meat, poultry, seafood and meat products, dairy and dairy products, cereals, grains, and pulses, processed food, egg powder and albumin, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, beverages, tea/coffee concentrates, flour-based products, fish oil/fat, and sugar and salt. By physical parameter, the sub-segments covered are moisture content, ph levels, viscosity, foreign objects, density, and texture and color. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Northwest, Limpopo, Free State, and Rest of South Africa.
By Type
By type, the pathogen segment dominated the south africa food safety testing market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) and viruses (e.g., Norovirus, Hepatitis A) cause serious foodborne illnesses which lead to outbreaks and health emergencies. Consequently, there is a stringent regulatory framework in place that mandates the testing and monitoring of food products for these pathogens to ensure consumer safety.
By Type
Chemical And Toxin segment is growing with a significant CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period 2024-2035, owing to the rise in concerns regarding toxic foods amog the consumers and strict government food regulation in the country
By Technology
By type, the pathogen segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) and viruses (e.g., Norovirus, Hepatitis A) cause serious foodborne illnesses which lead to outbreaks and health emergencies. Consequently, there is a stringent regulatory framework in place that mandates the testing and monitoring of food products for these pathogens to ensure consumer safety.
By Technology
Alpha spectrometry segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period, owing to the increasing laboratories and their testing capabilities in the country.
By Food Tested
By food tested, the processed food segment dominated the south africa food safety testing market share in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Processed foods experience multiple stages of production, where contaminants such as pathogens, chemical residues, and allergens are found. The necessitates rigorous testing throughout the manufacturing process to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards enforced by authorities such as the South African Department of Health and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
By Food Tested
Egg powder and albumin segment is expected to grow rapidly with CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period, owing to the increased demand for Processed Foods and bakery products in South Africa.
By Physical Parameters
By physical parameters, the market is segmented into moisture content, pH levels, viscosity, foreign objects, density, and texture and color. pH level holds major South Africa food safety testing market share in in 2023 as pH level testing is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food products, particularly in beverages, meats, and processed foods. south africa food safety testing market growth is driven by rising demand for quality control in food manufacturing, export standards, and the need for accurate moisture testing to prevent spoilage. Technological advancements in moisture measurement devices are further fueling market expansion.
By Physical Parameters
Viscosity segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period, owing to the increased demand for processed foods with stable textures and improved shelf life in South Africa
By Region
Region-wise, Gauteng is anticipated to dominate the market with the largest south africa food safety testing market share during the forecast period. Gauteng is the country's economic hub and home to a significant portion of South Africa's food processing and manufacturing industries. The concentration of food production facilities, including processing plants and distribution centers, drives the market demand for comprehensive food safety testing services. Gauteng's strategic location and infrastructure make it a central point for both domestic distribution and exportation of food products.
By Region
Mpumalanga is expected to grow rapidly with CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period.
Competition Analysis
Players operating in the south africa food safety testing market have adopted various developmental strategies to expand their food safety testing market share, increase profitability, and remain competitive in the market. Key players profiled in this report include TUV SUD, Intertek Group plc, DNV GL AS (DNV), Assurecloud, SGS SA (SGS), Bureau Veritas, SA, ALS Limited, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Eurofins Scientific Group and QIMA Limited. Several well-known and upcoming brands are vying for market dominance in the expanding south africa food safety testing industry. Smaller, niche firms are more well-known for catering to consumer demands and preferences. Large conglomerates, however, control most of the market and often buy innovative start-ups to broaden their product lines.
Key benefits for stakeholders
- The report provides a quantitative analysis of the south africa food safety testing market trends, estimations, and dynamics of the south africa food safety testing market size from 2023 to 2035 to identify the prevailing opportunities.
- Market analysis cover Porter’s five forces analysis & highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier–buyer network.
- In-depth market analysis and the market size assists in determining the prevailing south africa food safety testing market opportunities.
- The market player positioning segment facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players in the south africa food safety testing market analysis.
Analyst Review
The South Africa food safety testing market holds a substantial scope for growth. CXOs stated that ensuring the safety and quality of food products remains the major concern in South Africa and it reflects as commitment to meeting stringent regulatory standards and safeguarding public health. The increasing complexity of food safety regulations enforced by authorities such as the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the Department of Health, necessitate robust testing protocols throughout the supply chain. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of adopting advanced testing methodologies such as PCR-based assays and chromatography to detect contaminants with high accuracy and efficiency.
CXOs believe that investing in state-of-the-art testing infrastructure and technologies is essential for compliance and for maintaining competitive advantage in the market. They recognize that consumer trust centers on transparent and reliable testing practices, which are critical for brand reputation and market credibility. Moreover, CXOs acknowledge the growing consumer demand for safe and traceable food products, which drives the need for continuous innovation in food safety testing capabilities. Overall, CXOs are optimistic about the growth prospects of the South Africa food safety testing market, driven by rise in safety concerns, technological advancements, and the desire for both functionalities. All these factors fuel the growth of the South Africa food safety testing market.
South africa food safety testing market size was valued at $147.6 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $579.2 million by 2035
The South Africa Food Safety Testing market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2035 reach $579.2 million by 2035
Key players profiled in this report include TUV SUD, Intertek Group plc, DNV GL AS (DNV), Assurecloud, SGS SA (SGS), Bureau Veritas, SA, ALS Limited, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Eurofins Scientific Group and QIMA Limited.
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