Pizza: where it's heading by 2028 South Africa 10324442
Pizza is steady — +8% year-on-year. If the trend holds it keeps climbing to ~10,324,442 searches a y
Pizza peaked at ~10,324,442 annual searches in 2028 (+2% vs 2027). 2028 is tracking ~10,324,442 (projected full year).
Estimated yearly searches for “pizza” with a fitted trend line pushed two years into the future. 2022 & 2026 are projected to full years; the striped 2027–2028 bars and dashed line are our forecast, not measured data.
+4%YoY (2025)
10,324,442 (2028)Peak year
10,324,442 (2028)Latest year
7,911,979 (2022)Low year
📊Pizza: +4% YoY (2025 vs 2024).
🔥Peak year 2028: 10,324,442 annual searches.
📈2028 tracking 10,324,442 (see chart).
📊 How PartyTrends measured this
Google Keyword Planner data, Jun 2022 – May 2026
Estimated yearly searches for “pizza” with a fitted trend line pushed two years into the future. 2022 & 2026 are projected to full years; the striped 2027–2028
PartyTrends — 6,037 keywords tracked nationally
What PartyTrends reads in this data
PartyTrends read: Pizza is steady — +8% year-on-year. If the trend holds it keeps climbing to ~10,324,442 searches a year by 2028.
We track 10324442 Google Keyword Planner keywords nationally (Jun 2022–May 2026), normalised per 1,000 people so Gauteng's population cannot buy the win. On Pizza: where it's heading by 2028, the leader is where search intent concentrates — that is not noise, it is where South Africans are actively planning spend.
The gap between provinces is the story: coastal sundowner culture vs inland bulk retail vs KZN's own rhythm. Our team reads this as a structural preference, not a one-month blip.
December still lifts party search 40–60%; load-shedding pushes home-hosting keywords. Mr D and Uber Eats extend the same trend into delivery baskets.
Data from PartyTrends chart
Region
Value
YoY
Verdict
2022
7,911,979
—
Chasing
2023
10,095,390
—
Chasing
2024
9,500,720
—
Chasing
2025
9,855,490
—
Chasing
2026
9,277,269
—
Chasing
📊
Headline from the data
Pizza peaked at ~10,324,442 annual searches in 2028 (+2% vs 2027). 2028 is tracking ~10,324,442 (projected full year).
What this means for the SA market
For the SA market, Pizza: where it's heading by 2028 splits cleanly by province. Gauteng buyers search differently to Western Cape — Sandton office parties vs Constantia home entertaining. December still spikes 40–60% on most party keywords; load-shedding pushes more home-hosting search.
Brands winning here (pizza, Party City, Ace Party Supplies, Balloon Emporium) are not accidental — they match the search language we see in the raw data. Laggards are still fighting last season's format.
Picture a Friday in Sandton: search spikes on Pizza: where it's heading by 2028 aren't abstract — they're someone planning this week's spend. PartyTrends reads the leader as the intent leader.
Picture a Friday in Sandton: search spikes on Pizza: where it's heading by 2028 aren't abstract — they're someone planning this week's spend. PartyTrends reads the leader as the intent leader.
What the SA consumer is telling us
Search behaviour is confession. When South Africans type these keywords, they are planning a real purchase or night out — not browsing idly. Mr D and Uber Eats extend the same trend into delivery; township taerns and suburban Checkers runs show up as different keyword clusters.
Gen Z skews experience-led venues; older cohorts skew retail bulk. Both show up in our provincial split — which is why the leader leads per capita even when Gauteng wins on raw volume.
Methodology check: 6,037 keywords, Jun 2022–May 2026, per 1,000 people (WC 6.92m · GP 18.2m · KZN 6.37m). Pizza is steady — +8% year-on-year. If the trend holds it keeps climbing to ~10,324,442 searches a year by 2028.
What retailers should do
Retail playbook: At Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Woolworths, category managers should front-face related SKUs where Pizza: where it's heading by 2028 search is rising. PartyTrends data says stock pizza, Party City, Ace Party Supplies, Balloon Emporium ahead of generic imports — local relevance wins clicks and basket size.
Promo windows: week before payday, Heritage Day long weekend, December 15–January 5. End-cap + Tops at Spar craft shelf for WC; GP needs bulk multipack + Sandton premium line.
At Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Woolworths, Spar, buyers aren't browsing — they're comparing pizza, Party City, Ace Party Supplies, Balloon Emporium against last season's habits. End-cap + Tops craft shelf in WC; GP multipack + premium singles in Sandton.
🛒 Retail action — stock this
Pick n PayCheckersShopriteWoolworths
pizzaParty CityAce Party SuppliesBalloon Emporium
Who wins on Pizza: where it's heading by 2028?
Share your take in the comments — this is the argument starter.
Supporting information & indicators
What we found beyond PartyTrends search data — industry signals, news, and patterns from the wider web.
The South African pizza market is experiencing a notable surge in popularity, with a steady growth forecast of +8% year-on-year. This trend indicates that pizza is becoming an increasingly integral part of the fast-food landscape, projected to reach approximately 10,324,442 annual searches by 2028. The data suggests that consumer interest in pizza remains robust, reflecting broader shifts in dining preferences across the nation.
Major metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are central to this growth, each showcasing unique pizza cultures influenced by local tastes and ingredients. The competition among both international chains and local pizzerias is intensifying, as brands adapt to the evolving preferences of South African consumers.
With pizza now ranking as the second most popular fast-food option in the country, trailing only behind chicken, its position in the market highlights a significant cultural shift. The pizza segment's growth is not just in terms of search interest, but also in the diversity and innovation seen in pizzerias across South Africa.
Findings & patterns
In recent years, the South African pizza market has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, with a projected market size of USD 1.62 billion in 2025, expected to grow to USD 2.41 billion by 9855490. This growth trajectory is supported by changing consumer preferences that favor convenience and diverse culinary experiences. The presence of both international brands like Domino's and local favorites such as Roman's Pizza illustrates a competitive landscape that caters to a wide range of tastes and dining occasions.
Research indicates that pizza has firmly established itself as a staple in South African fast-food culture, surpassing burgers to become the second most popular choice among consumers. This shift is underscored by Eighty20 Consulting's findings that highlight pizza's increasing prominence, driven by its versatility and the rise of delivery services. The evolving fast-food landscape reflects a broader trend where pizza is not just a meal but a cultural experience.
Local adaptations of pizza, incorporating indigenous ingredients and flavors, have also contributed to its popularity. In cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, unique offerings such as seafood and spiced meats cater to local palates, enhancing the pizza experience. This cultural fusion is a testament to how global food trends are being reinterpreted within the South African context.
Additionally, the digital landscape shows a significant uptick in online searches for pizza, with estimates indicating a rise from approximately 7.9 million searches in 2022 to over 10 million in 7911979. This trend is indicative of the growing reliance on digital platforms for dining choices, as consumers increasingly turn to online resources for recommendations and delivery options. As the market continues to evolve, the interplay between consumer behavior and technological advancements will likely shape the future of pizza in South Africa.
Key indicators
📈Yearly Searches GrowthEstimated yearly searches for 'pizza' are projected to grow from 7911979 in 2022 to approximately 10324442 by 2028, indicating a robust upward trend.
📈Market Size ProjectionThe South African pizza market is expected to grow from USD 1.62 billion in 2025 to USD 2.41 billion by 9855490, reflecting strong consumer demand for pizza.
📈Popularity RankingPizza has surpassed burgers to become the second most popular fast-food item in South Africa, demonstrating its increasing acceptance among consumers.
📈Diverse OfferingsThe variety of pizza offerings, from traditional Italian to local adaptations, showcases the dynamic nature of the South African pizza market, appealing to diverse consumer tastes.
📈Digital Search TrendsOnline searches for pizza have significantly increased, with estimates indicating over 10 million searches in 2023, reflecting a shift towards digital dining choices.
📈Consumer PreferencesChanging consumer preferences towards convenience foods and diverse culinary experiences are driving the growth of the pizza market in South Africa.
PartyTrends read
The ongoing growth of the pizza market in South Africa underscores a significant cultural shift in dining preferences, with pizza becoming a staple choice for consumers. The projected increase in annual searches indicates a strong interest in pizza, driven by both local adaptations and global influences.
As competition intensifies among both local and international pizzerias, the emphasis on unique offerings and innovative flavors will likely shape the future landscape of the market. This evolution reflects a broader trend where convenience and diversity are paramount in consumer decision-making.
Overall, the pizza market's trajectory in South Africa is promising, with a steady rise in consumer interest and market size anticipated in the coming years. This growth presents opportunities for brands to innovate and cater to the evolving tastes of South African diners.
