Ms. Samira Hotobah-During, Director, Coordinator and Focal Point of the Resilient Local Food Supply Chains Alliance (RLFSC Alliance, one of the WFP coalitions emerging out of the UNFSS) joined the field visit. (see pic: middle).
The objectives of this African Diaspora Food Market in the UK were to:
- Explore the current African diaspora food market landscape in the UK
- Identify key trends, gaps, opportunities, and innovations
- Engage with members of the Forgotten Food Consortium
- Strengthen networks with agrofood entrepreneurs, retailers, and food advocates
- Evaluate findings and develop actionable next steps
The UK African Diaspora
As of the 2021 Census, approximately 2.4 million people in England and Wales identified as belonging
to the "Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African" ethnic group, representing about 4.0% of the population. Within this group, the "African" subcategory was the largest. Specific write-in responses included: (a) Nigerian: 270,768, (b) Somali: 150,993, (c) Ghanaian: 112,958. These figures pertain to England and Wales.
In the UK, individuals seeking African food can find a variety of products in both physical markets and online stores. These outlets offer a range of traditional ingredients, fresh produce, and specialty items catering to diverse African cuisines.
🛒 Physical Markets and Shops
London:
- Brixton Market & Brixton Village: Located in South London, these markets are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, including African and Caribbean food stalls. Visitors can find fresh produce, spices, and traditional ingredients essential for African cooking.
- Queen's Market (Upton Park): Situated in East London, Queen's Market is a historic market known for its multicultural vendors. It offers a variety of African food items, from fresh vegetables to specialty meats and spices.
- Deptford Market: This market in Southeast London features a mix of stalls selling African, Caribbean, and Asian foodstuffs. Shoppers can find a range of products, including fresh produce, meats, and traditional African ingredients.
- Manchester: Areas like Moss Side and Cheetham Hill host several African grocery stores
offering a variety of traditional products. - Birmingham: The city boasts a number of African and Caribbean food shops, particularly in neighborhoods such as Handsworth and Aston.
- Oxford: Shops like Tahmid Stores on Cowley Road and Cashmere Afro Mini Market in Abingdon provide African food items to the local community.
🌐 Online African Food Stores
For those who prefer shopping online or reside outside major cities, several UK-based online stores specialize in African groceries:
- Wosiwosi: Offers a wide range of African food products, including condiments, grains, and beverages.
- Afrocarib.co.uk: Provides a selection of African and Caribbean food items, delivering across the UK.
- Akins Foods: Specializes in African and Afro-Caribbean groceries, with options for online shopping and delivery.
- Gemini Foods: Offers a variety of African and Caribbean food products, including fresh produce and pantry staples.
- Samis Online: An Afro-Caribbean online superstore providing a range of groceries and household items.
- Ofoodi UK: Stocks over 200 authentic African groceries, with options for online ordering and delivery.
Whether shopping in bustling markets or online, the UK offers numerous avenues to access authentic African food products, catering to the diverse culinary needs of its communities.
Main commodities
In UK markets that specialize in African food, the main commodities typically include:
- Fresh Produce: Leafy greens like: Ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves), Ewedu (jute leaves), Bitter leaf, Spinach varieties (e.g., amaranth); Root crops: Yam, Cassava (fresh or frozen), Cocoyam, Sweet potatoes; Plantain – green and ripe
- Meat and Fish: Smoked fish (tilapia, catfish, stockfish), Dried fish, Goat meat (often preferred for soups and stews), Offals (tripe, cow skin—ponmo), Frozen African-style cuts (turkey tails, chicken gizzards)
- Grains, Flours & Starches: Garri (cassava flakes), Fufu flour (yam, plantain, or cassava-based), Semolina, Rice (often long grain or parboiled, like Nigerian-style), Beans (black-eyed peas, honey beans/ewa oloyin)
- Spices, Condiments & Seasonings: Ground crayfish, Maggi cubes (and other bouillon brands like Knorr, Royco), Egusi (melon seeds), Ogbono (wild mango seeds), Suya spice, Dawa-dawa/Iru (fermented locust beans), Palm oil
- Canned & Packaged Foods: Jollof rice spice mixes; Tomato paste (used in stews); Canned palm nut soup base; Stock cubes and seasoning blends
- Beverages & Snacks: Malt drinks (e.g., Malta Guinness, Amstel Malta); Chin chin; Plantain chips; Zobo (hibiscus) leaves; Groundnut (peanut)
What does this represent in term of income and international trade?
The UK's ethnic food market, encompassing African, Caribbean, Asian, and other international cuisines, was valued at approximately $9.47 billion in 2023. Projections indicate growth to $17.7 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% . This expansion is driven by the UK's increasing multicultural population and a growing consumer interest in diverse culinary experiences.
While specific data on the African food segment is limited, it constitutes a substantial portion of this market. Major urban centers such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester host numerous African grocery stores, restaurants, and market stalls, catering to both African diaspora communities and a broader customer base seeking authentic African cuisine.
- International Trade and Imports: The UK's importation of African food products contributes to its international trade dynamics. Although precise figures for African food imports are not readily available, the UK imports various food commodities from African countries, including: Coffee, tea, mate, and spices: For instance, imports from Nigeria in this category amounted to approximately $3.3 million in 2023 . Cereal, flour, starch, milk preparations, and products: Imports from Nigeria were around $3.08 million in 2023 .
- Trading Economics: These imports support the UK's diverse food market and cater to the demand for authentic African ingredients.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: The African food sector contributes to the UK economy through various channels: (a) Retail and Hospitality: African grocery stores, restaurants, and market vendors provide employment opportunities and stimulate local economies, particularly in multicultural urban areas.; (b) Cultural Exchange: The availability of African food products and dining experiences enriches the UK's cultural landscape, promoting diversity and cross-cultural understanding.
- Supply Chain Engagement: The importation and distribution of African food items involve logistics, wholesale, and retail sectors, further integrating the African food market into the UK's economic framework.
Potential for the promotion of the consumption of nutritious African Forgotten foods
consumption of nutritious African Forgotten Foods (AFFs)—nutrient-rich crops and ingredients that are traditionally underutilized but culturally significant.
- Market Potential for Forgotten Foods: Growing demand for health-conscious and sustainable foods aligns with many AFFs, which are: (a) Naturally nutrient-dense (e.g., fonio, baobab, amaranth, tigernut, moringa), (b) Climate-resilient and often organically grown, (c) Consumers, especially younger demographics, are increasingly seeking authentic, functional, and story-rich foods, which AFFs embody.
- Entry through Established Ethnic Food Channels: (a) African food stores, online retailers, and ethnic restaurants already have: Distribution networks for niche ingredients + Brand credibility among diaspora communities; (b) A base for educating wider UK audiences on the culinary and nutritional value of AFFs
- Commercial & Policy Incentives: (a) UK-based food innovation hubs and funding bodies are supporting diversification of food systems and the introduction of culturally inclusive nutrition initiatives; (b) AFFs align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on nutrition and biodiversity—this opens doors for public-private partnerships and grant-funded promotion.
- Influence of the African Diaspora. With nearly 2.5 million people of African origin in the UK, there is: (a) A strong cultural base to promote traditional foods; (b) A community-driven movement to reclaim and celebrate heritage diets; (c) Diaspora-led entrepreneurs and chefs can lead the branding, storytelling, and innovation around these foods.
Projected Outcomes with Strategic Investment
If the growth in the ethnic food market is strategically tapped:
- The market for AFFs in the UK could grow from niche to mainstream in 5–10 years
- Potential revenue for AFF imports and value-added products (e.g. flour, snacks, beverages) could reach tens of millions annually
- Could stimulate agrifood trade with African countries, benefiting smallholder farmers and exporters.
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