South Africa: Avocado Market 2024

Avocado Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African avocado market decreased by -24.5% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, consumption saw a noticeable slump. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Avocado Production in South Africa

In value terms, avocado production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 30%. Avocado production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average avocado yield in South Africa totaled X tons per ha, almost unchanged from the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 61% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the average avocado yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the harvested area of avocados in South Africa was estimated at X ha, flattening at 2021 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the avocado harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Avocado Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, overseas shipments of avocados increased by 19% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, total exports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +33.0% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 105%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, avocado exports rose notably to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +2.0% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 80% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for avocado exports from South Africa, with a 70% share of total exports. Moreover, avocado exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the UK (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Russia (X tons), with a 2.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the Netherlands totaled +2.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+0.7% per year) and Russia (+11.3% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the key foreign market for avocados exports from South Africa, comprising 68% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with a 17% share of total exports. It was followed by Russia, with a 2.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the Netherlands stood at +8.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+6.1% per year) and Russia (+15.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average avocado export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -10.6% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, avocado export price increased by +52.2% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average export price increased by 29%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+10.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Avocado Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, overseas purchases of avocados increased by 10% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. In general, imports continue to indicate a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 55%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, avocado imports dropped rapidly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 54%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons), Mozambique (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) were the main suppliers of avocado imports to South Africa, together accounting for 95% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Tanzania (with a CAGR of +1,614.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Tanzania ($X) constituted the largest supplier of avocados to South Africa, comprising 54% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Zimbabwe ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Mozambique, with a 17% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Tanzania totaled +1,946.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Zimbabwe (+59.5% per year) and Mozambique (+22.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average avocado import price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -45.3% against the previous year. Overall, the import price faced a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 37% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Tanzania ($X per ton), while the price for Zimbabwe ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kenya (+31.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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