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South Africa Food Safety Testing Market

Published Feb 15, 2025
Length 289 Pages
SKU # ALMR20275230

Description

The South Africa food safety testing market was valued at $145.0 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $569.0 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 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. Moreover, this necessity is emphasized by high-profile cases of contamination that highlight the potential health risks and economic losses related to unsafe food. This prompts food manufacturers and suppliers to invest more heavily in comprehensive testing solutions.

In addition, regulatory agencies in South Africa, such as the Department of Health and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), have implemented stricter food safety regulations and standards. These regulations mandate regular and thorough testing of food products to ensure they meet safety criteria and thus drive the growth of the market.

Technological advancements in testing methodologies, such as molecular diagnostics, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, have also played a crucial role in addressing the challenges caused by food contamination and adulteration. Furthermore, these advanced technologies offer more accurate, rapid, and reliable detection of contaminants, which enable timely intervention and reduce risk of contaminated products reaching the consumers. Thus, all these factors contribute to the growth of South Africa food safety testing market.

Complex and time-consuming testing procedures pose significant restraint on the market demand for food safety testing in South Africa. The complexities involved in advanced testing methods, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and molecular diagnostics require highly skilled personnel, specialized equipment, and considerable time to conduct and analyze results accurately. Moreover, the complexity led to longer turnaround times for test results, which particularly has become a challenge for food producers that operate under tight production and distribution schedules. Delays in obtaining test results disrupt the supply chain and lead to food spoilage, thereby impacting the profitability and efficiency of food producers, which is anticipated to have a negative impact on the South Africa food safety testing market growth.

However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute a sizable portion of the food industry in South Africa, find it particularly challenging to bear these costs. The financial pressure, combined with the need for specialized technical expertise, limits the ability of these businesses to adopt comprehensive food safety testing measures. Consequently, many opt for minimal compliance or delay testing. Thus, all these factors limit the growth of the South Africa food safety testing market.

Government initiatives strengthen food safety regulations and create substantial opportunities in the South African food safety testing market. As food safety concerns increase globally and locally, the South African government has implemented strict regulations and standards to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Agencies such as the South African Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), are increasing their efforts to enforce comprehensive food safety measures.

These regulatory enhancements mandate rigorous testing for contaminants, pathogens, and adulterants across all stages of food production and distribution. Consequently, food producers, processors, and distributors adopt advanced testing solutions to comply with these stringent regulations and boost the demand for food safety testing market.

The commitment of South African government to improve food safety standards also involves significant investments in infrastructure and technology to support efficient and effective food safety testing. Initiatives such as funding for state-of-the-art laboratories, training programs for food safety professionals, and the development of strong monitoring and surveillance systems. These efforts enhance the capability of the food safety testing sector and adapt a collaborative environment between public and private stakeholders. Moreover, collaboration encourages innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge testing technologies, such as molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, and rapid detection methods. As a result, the market for food safety testing in South Africa is poised for growth, with increased opportunities for companies offering advanced testing services, equipment, and expertise.

The South Africa food safety testing market is segmented 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 and others. By food tested, the market is classified meat & meat products, dairy & dairy products, cereals, grains & pulses, processed food, seafood, and others. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and Rest of South Africa.

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.

Moreover, the detection and prevention of pathogenic contamination are critical across various stages of food production, processing, and distribution. Advanced technologies in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and rapid detection methods continuously evolve to enhance the sensitivity, specificity, and speed of pathogen detection.

By technology, the PCR-based assay segment dominated the South Africa food safety testing in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology allows the amplification and identification of specific DNA or RNA sequences associated with pathogens, allergens, and other contaminants in food samples. Moreover, the method offers rapid results with high specificity, making it ideal for timely and reliable detection of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. PCR assays detect low levels of contaminants and enhance food safety by identifying potential hazards early in the production process. Furthermore, the technology's capability to handle complex matrices and its automation potential further contribute to its dominance in the market and enables efficient testing workflows and scalability.

By food tested, the processed food segment dominated the South Africa food safety testing market 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). Moreover, the complexity of processed food formulations and ingredients requires sophisticated testing methodologies, including chromatography, PCR-based assays, and rapid microbiological testing, to detect and quantify contaminants accurately. These technologies enable manufacturers to meet stringent food safety regulations and maintain consumer trust in product quality and safety.

Region-wise, Gauteng is anticipated to dominate the market with the largest 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 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. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of vigorous food safety testing practices to meet international standards and maintain competitiveness in global markets. Moreover, the region's dense population and high consumer demand for safe and quality food products contribute to the prominence of Gauteng in the South Africa food safety testing market.

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.The research methodology of the global market involves extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research includes about over 12 hours of interviews and discussion with a wide range of stakeholders, including upstream and downstream participants. The primary research typically is the bulk of our research efforts; however, coherently supported by extensive secondary research. Researchers have reviewed over 6,765 product literatures, industry releases, annual reports, and other such documents of key industry participants to obtain better market understanding and gain competitive intelligence. In addition, authentic industry journals, trade associations' releases,and government websites have also been reviewed for generating high-value industry insights.

Table of Contents

289 Pages
CHAPTER 1:INTRODUCTION
1.1.Report description
1.2.Key market segments
1.3.Key benefits
1.4.Research methodology
1.4.1.Primary research
1.4.2.Secondary research
1.4.3.Analyst tools and models
CHAPTER 2:EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1.CXO Perspective
CHAPTER 3:MARKET OVERVIEW
3.1.Market definition and scope
3.2.Key findings
3.2.1.Top Impacting factors
3.2.2.Top investment pockets
3.3.Porter’s five forces analysis
3.3.1.Bargaining power of suppliers
3.3.2.Bargaining power of buyers
3.3.3.Threat of substitution
3.3.4.Threat of new entrants
3.3.5.Intensity of competitive rivalry
3.4.Market Dynamics
3.4.1.Drivers
3.4.1.1.Increase in consumer awareness about food safety
3.4.1.2.Technological advancements in testing methods
3.4.1.3.Expansion of food testing laboratories
3.4.2.Restraints
3.4.2.1.High operational costs for testing laboratories
3.4.2.2.Economic constraints on smaller food businesses
3.4.3.Opportunities
3.4.3.1.Growth in the processed food industry
3.4.3.2.Advancements in microbiological and chemical testing
3.5.Regulatory Guideline Analysis
3.5.1.International Body for Food Safety Standards and Regulations
3.5.1.1.Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
3.5.1.2.Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
3.5.2.South Africa Food Safety Standards and Regulations
3.5.2.1.International vs. Local Standards & Legislations
3.5.2.2.Private Standards In South Africa and the Requirements for Product Testing
3.6.South Africa Food Safety Testing Consultancy Services Analysis
3.6.1.Food Consultancy and Advisory Services
3.6.2.Risk Audit/Inspections
3.6.3.Toxicity Assessments
3.7.South Africa Food Safety Testing Market, End User Analysis
CHAPTER 4:SOUTH AFRICA FOOD SAFETY TESTING MARKET, BY TYPE
4.1.Market overview
4.1.1.Market size and forecast
4.2.Pathogen
4.2.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
4.2.2.Market size and forecast, by region
4.3.Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
4.3.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
4.3.2.Market size and forecast, by region
4.4.Chemical And Toxin
4.4.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
4.4.2.Market size and forecast, by region
4.5.Heavy Metals
4.5.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
4.5.2.Market size and forecast, by region
4.6.Radioactivity
4.6.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
4.6.2.Market size and forecast, by region
4.7.Others
4.7.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
4.7.2.Market size and forecast, by region
CHAPTER 5:SOUTH AFRICA FOOD SAFETY TESTING MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY
5.1.Market overview
5.1.1.Market size and forecast
5.2.Agar Culturing
5.2.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.2.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.3.PCR-based Assay
5.3.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.3.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.4.Immunoassay-based
5.4.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.4.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.5.Scintillation Counters and Geiger Counters
5.5.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.5.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.6.AAS And ICP-MS/OES
5.6.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.6.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.7.Alpha Spectrometry
5.7.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.7.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.8.GC-MS
5.8.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.8.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.9.FT-IR And UV-Vis
5.9.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.9.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.10.IC And HPLC
5.10.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.10.2.Market size and forecast, by region
5.11.Gamma Spectrometry
5.11.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
5.11.2.Market size and forecast, by region
CHAPTER 6:SOUTH AFRICA FOOD SAFETY TESTING MARKET, BY FOOD TESTED
6.1.Market overview
6.1.1.Market size and forecast
6.2.Meat, Poultry, Seafood And Meat Products
6.2.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.2.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.3.Dairy And Dairy Product
6.3.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.3.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.4.Cereals, Grains, And Pulses
6.4.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.4.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.5.Processed Food
6.5.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.5.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.6.Egg Powder And Albumin
6.6.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.6.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.7.Fruits, Vegetables, And Nuts
6.7.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.7.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.8.Beverages
6.8.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.8.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.9.Tea/Coffee Concentrates
6.9.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.9.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.10.Flour-based Products
6.10.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.10.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.11.Fish Oil/Fat
6.11.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.11.2.Market size and forecast, by region
6.12.Sugar And Salt
6.12.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
6.12.2.Market size and forecast, by region
CHAPTER 7:SOUTH AFRICA FOOD SAFETY TESTING MARKET, BY PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
7.1.Market overview
7.1.1.Market size and forecast
7.2.Moisture Content
7.2.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
7.2.2.Market size and forecast, by region
7.3.pH Levels
7.3.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
7.3.2.Market size and forecast, by region
7.4.Viscosity
7.4.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
7.4.2.Market size and forecast, by region
7.5.Foreign Objects
7.5.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
7.5.2.Market size and forecast, by region
7.6.Density
7.6.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
7.6.2.Market size and forecast, by region
7.7.Texture And Color
7.7.1.Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities
7.7.2.Market size and forecast, by region
CHAPTER 8:SOUTH AFRICA FOOD SAFETY TESTING MARKET, BY REGION
8.1.Market overview
8.1.1.Market size and forecast, by region
8.2.Gauteng
8.2.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.2.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.2.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.2.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.2.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
8.3.Western Cape
8.3.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.3.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.3.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.3.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.3.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
8.4.Mpumalanga
8.4.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.4.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.4.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.4.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.4.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
8.5.Northwest
8.5.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.5.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.5.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.5.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.5.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
8.6.Limpopo
8.6.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.6.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.6.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.6.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.6.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
8.7.Free State
8.7.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.7.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.7.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.7.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.7.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
8.8.Rest of South Africa
8.8.1.Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities
8.8.2.Market size and forecast, by type
8.8.3.Market size and forecast, by technology
8.8.4.Market size and forecast, by food tested
8.8.5.Market size and forecast, by physical parameters
CHAPTER 9:COMPETITION LANDSCAPE
9.1.Overview
9.2.Competitive dashboard
9.3.Competitive heat map
9.4.Product mapping
9.5.Top winning strategies
9.6.Key developments
9.6.1.Acquisition
9.6.2.Expansion
9.6.3.Product Launch
9.7.Top Player Positioning
CHAPTER 10:COMPANY PROFILES
10.1.TUV SUD
10.1.1.Company overview
10.1.2.Key Executives
10.1.3.Company snapshot
10.1.4.Operating business segments
10.1.5.Product portfolio
10.1.6.Business performance
10.1.7.Key strategic moves and developments
10.1.8.SWOT Analysis
10.2.INTERTEK GROUP PLC
10.2.1.Company overview
10.2.2.Key Executives
10.2.3.Company snapshot
10.2.4.Operating business segments
10.2.5.Product portfolio
10.2.6.Business performance
10.2.7.Key strategic moves and developments
10.2.8.SWOT Analysis
10.3.DNV GL AS (DNV)
10.3.1.Company overview
10.3.2.Key Executives
10.3.3.Company snapshot
10.3.4.Operating business segments
10.3.5.Product portfolio
10.3.6.Business performance
10.3.7.SWOT Analysis
10.4.ASSURECLOUD
10.4.1.Company overview
10.4.2.Key Executives
10.4.3.Company snapshot
10.4.4.Operating business segments
10.4.5.Product portfolio
10.4.6.SWOT Analysis
10.5.SGS SA (SGS)
10.5.1.Company overview
10.5.2.Key Executives
10.5.3.Company snapshot
10.5.4.Operating business segments
10.5.5.Product portfolio
10.5.6.Business performance
10.5.7.Key strategic moves and developments
10.5.8.SWOT Analysis
10.6.BUREAU VERITAS, SA
10.6.1.Company overview
10.6.2.Key Executives
10.6.3.Company snapshot
10.6.4.Operating business segments
10.6.5.Product portfolio
10.6.6.R&D Expenditure
10.6.7.Business performance
10.6.8.SWOT Analysis
10.7.ALS LIMITED
10.7.1.Company overview
10.7.2.Key Executives
10.7.3.Company snapshot
10.7.4.Operating business segments
10.7.5.Product portfolio
10.7.6.Business performance
10.7.7.Key strategic moves and developments
10.7.8.SWOT Analysis
10.8.BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC
10.8.1.Company overview
10.8.2.Key Executives
10.8.3.Company snapshot
10.8.4.Operating business segments
10.8.5.Product portfolio
10.8.6.R&D Expenditure
10.8.7.Business performance
10.8.8.Key strategic moves and developments
10.8.9.SWOT Analysis
10.9.EUROFINS SCIENTIFIC GROUP
10.9.1.Company overview
10.9.2.Key Executives
10.9.3.Company snapshot
10.9.4.Operating business segments
10.9.5.Product portfolio
10.9.6.Business performance
10.9.7.Key strategic moves and developments
10.9.8.SWOT Analysis
10.10.QIMA LIMITED
10.10.1.Company overview
10.10.2.Key Executives
10.10.3.Company snapshot
10.10.4.Operating business segments
10.10.5.Product portfolio
10.10.6.SWOT Analysis

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