SADC: Strawberry Market 2025

Strawberry Market Size in SADC

In 2022, the SADC strawberry market decreased by -7.9% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after five years of growth. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Strawberry Production in SADC

In value terms, strawberry production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 55%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

South Africa (X tons) remains the largest strawberry producing country in SADC, accounting for 95% of total volume. It was followed by Zimbabwe (X tons), with a 2.5% share of total production.

In South Africa, strawberry production increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the period from 2012-2022.

The average strawberry yield reduced to X tons per ha in 2022, which is down by -1.7% compared with the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the yield increased by 5.3%. Over the period under review, the strawberry yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2021, and then shrank in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of strawberries production in SADC reduced to X ha, approximately reflecting the previous year. Overall, the harvested area recorded a mild downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 8.2% against the previous year. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Strawberry Exports

Exports in SADC

For the fourth consecutive year, SADC recorded growth in overseas shipments of strawberries, which increased by 34% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, exports posted a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, strawberry exports surged to $X in 2022. In general, exports posted a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 102% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from South Africa (X tons), together reaching 99% of total export.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the strawberries exports, with a CAGR of +22.6% from 2012 to 2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of South Africa increased by +69 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) also remains the largest strawberry supplier in SADC.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa totaled +39.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, rising by 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 37%. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for South Africa amounted to +13.7% per year.

Strawberry Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, strawberry imports in SADC dropped modestly to X tons, with a decrease of -3.2% on the year before. In general, imports continue to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 22%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, strawberry imports reduced to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a perceptible decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 21% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) was the major importer of strawberries, constituting 45% of total imports. Mauritius (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Namibia (X tons) and Botswana (X tons). All these countries together held near 40% share of total imports. Mozambique (X tons), Seychelles (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Mozambique (with a CAGR of +22.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest strawberry importing markets in SADC were Mauritius ($X), South Africa ($X) and Namibia ($X), with a combined 71% share of total imports. Botswana, Seychelles, Mozambique and Swaziland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 24%.

Mozambique, with a CAGR of +19.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -2.6% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the import price increased by 43%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Seychelles ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Namibia (+12.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform