Wherever you go in South Africa these days, the scent of freshly brewed coffee follows. On the beach, you’ll find mobile coffee stands serving filter coffee to early risers. In Cape Town’s forests, hikers stop for a steaming cup before hitting the trail. From Kalk Bay to Muizenberg and Simon’s Town, even the smallest eateries proudly serve their own blends. The coffee wave has reached every corner — even food discounters now stock their own ground and whole-bean coffee.
So, is the market becoming oversaturated? It’s a fair question, considering that nearly every gathering spot now has a barista and a filter machine. Yet the numbers suggest the opposite: South Africa’s coffee market shows no signs of cooling down.
In 2025, the market grew by about 15% in off-trade retail value compared to 2023, according to industry reports. Despite steep price hikes — with beans up as much as 30% to 40% this year — demand keeps climbing. Total coffee revenue in South Africa is forecast at around USD 885 million in 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 11.7% between 2025 and 2029. Looking further ahead, analysts expect steady growth of about 4.7% per year through 2030.
These figures reflect more than just caffeine cravings. They reveal a cultural shift — one where coffee, especially filter coffee, has become a daily ritual. Innovations in brewing, mobile cafés, and an increasingly discerning customer base are fueling expansion across all levels of the market.
So, no — it’s not too late to cash in. There’s still space for the entrepreneurial barista, the one-person mobile stand, and the small coffee chain looking to expand. As South Africa’s coffee culture matures, it’s proving that there’s always room for one more good cup.
