Nigeria has emerged as the top consumer of soft drinks in Sub-Saharan Africa, with its beverage market demonstrating robust growth prospects, according to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association.
In a statement released to The PUNCH on Sunday, the VDMA shared insights during a press briefing in Lagos ahead of the 2025 edition of drinktec, the global trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry.
The association revealed that Nigeria recorded consumption of over 53 billion litres of soft drinks in 2024—far outpacing countries like Ghana and South Africa.
Despite facing economic hurdles such as inflation and a depreciating naira, the market continues to thrive, bolstered by Nigeria’s swelling population, rapid urbanisation, and a growing middle-class demographic.
Bottled water dominated the market with sales reaching 48.7 billion litres in 2024. This figure is expected to surge by 27% to hit 62 billion litres by 2028.
Following closely are carbonated soft drinks, which accounted for 3.4 billion litres in 2024, with projections suggesting an increase to 4.4 billion litres by 2028.
The energy drinks category is also on track for significant growth, with an estimated 30% rise over the same timeframe. Juice consumption, while currently modest, is gradually gaining momentum.
“The Nigerian beverage market is expanding quickly due to increasing accessibility and affordability,” VDMA stated, referencing data from Euromonitor International.
Scheduled for September 15 to 19, 2025, in Munich, drinktec remains the premier international platform for stakeholders in the beverage and liquid food space.
VDMA, which serves as a prominent exhibitor and technical partner, noted that Nigerian participation at the upcoming event is expected to be notable, especially as the nation looks forward to an economic rebound.
