South Africa: Grapefruit Market 2025

Grapefruit Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African grapefruit market increased by 81% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Grapefruit Production in South Africa

In value terms, grapefruit production contracted modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 48% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of grapefruits in South Africa dropped modestly to X tons per ha in 2022, flattening at 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 2.8% against the previous year. The grapefruit yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the yield remained at a 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 total area harvested in terms of grapefruits production in South Africa contracted modestly to X ha, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 40% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the grapefruit harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Grapefruit Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, exports of grapefruits from South Africa dropped markedly to X tons, shrinking by -18.3% on 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% 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 2013 when exports increased by 46% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, grapefruit exports declined dramatically to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of grapefruit exports from South Africa, together comprising 63% of total exports. These countries were followed by Russia, the UK, South Korea, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, Italy, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for a further 29%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +55.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Russia ($X) constituted the largest markets for grapefruit exported from South Africa worldwide, together accounting for 60% of total exports. These countries were followed by Japan, South Korea, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, the UK, the United States, Portugal, Italy and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for a further 33%.

Among the main countries of destination, the United States, with a CAGR of +62.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average grapefruit export price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -3% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 12%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan ($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 the United States (+4.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Grapefruit Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, grapefruit imports into South Africa soared to X tons, with an increase of 48% on 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 320% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, grapefruit imports fell markedly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, showed a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 233% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Swaziland (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of grapefruit to South Africa, accounting for a 73% share of total imports. Moreover, grapefruit imports from Swaziland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Turkey (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Israel (X tons), with a 6.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Swaziland totaled -9.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (+21.3% per year) and Israel (-6.9% per year).

In value terms, the largest grapefruit suppliers to South Africa were Swaziland ($X), Turkey ($X) and Israel ($X), together accounting for 93% of total imports.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +20.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average grapefruit import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -64.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, enjoyed perceptible growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average import price increased by 322% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2021, and then declined remarkably in the following year.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Swaziland (+4.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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