Nigeria Emerges as Key Player in Global Beverage Machinery Trade, VDMA Reports
By Azeez Disu
The global demand for machinery and equipment in the production, filling, and packaging of beverages and liquid foods continues to surge, with Nigeria recognized as the second most significant export market for German firms in sub-Saharan Africa, trailing only behind South Africa. Despite years of stagnation, exports from Germany to Nigeria reached an impressive 858 million euros in 2023, with food processing and packaging machinery accounting for 307 million euros of that total.
In a press conference held at the drinktec 2025 event in Lagos, the Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA) shared insights on global machinery trade dynamics and evolving consumer trends in the beverage sector. With a robust presence at drinktec, VDMA acts as both the technical and conceptual partner of the event’s organizer, Yontex.
“With the beverage and food processing sectors characterized by fierce competition and rapid innovation, there is an increasing demand for high-performance machinery that enhances efficiency and sustainability,” remarked a VDMA spokesperson. The organization reported that the global trade volume of food processing and packaging machinery soared to a record 52.6 billion euros in 2023, reflecting a substantial increase of 46 percent over the past decade.
While Europe remains the largest market for food and packaging machinery, claiming 41 percent of global sales, Nigeria poses a significant strategic opportunity. In 2024, Nigeria led the African market for soft drinks, achieving a remarkable 53 billion liters in sales. The nation’s rising middle class and urbanization are driving growth as more consumers gain access to diverse beverage options.
According to industry forecasts, the global soft drink market is poised for further expansion, with sales volume projected to reach 972 billion liters by 2028—a 16 percent increase. The Nigerian market is also seeing shifts toward healthier beverage options amidst growing availability and affordability.
Germany, while a key supplier, faces stiff competition from China, which exported machinery worth 87 million euros to Nigeria in 2023. As Nigeria’s beverage sector continues to thrive, international players are keen to seize opportunities at drinktec, a venue anticipated to attract the highest concentration of experts and innovations in the industry.
The event will also address key trends such as sustainability, health-conscious consumption, and digitalization, with discussions around circular resource management and the utilization of AI in production processes. By fostering dialogue between beverage manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, drinktec 2025 aims to pave the way for new business models and innovative beverage solutions.
As the industry gears up for the future, experts emphasize the importance of aligning with consumer preferences, especially in health and wellness, to capture emerging market potential. With drinktec set to take place in Munich from September 15 to 19, 2025, stakeholders are looking forward to an engaging dialogue and exploration of the latest developments in the beverage sector.