South Africa: Spinach Market 2025

Spinach Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the South African spinach market, when its value decreased by -8.3% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption, however, posted strong growth. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

Spinach Production in South Africa

In value terms, spinach production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +56.1% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 20% against the previous year. Spinach production peaked at $X in 2021, and then fell modestly in the following year.

In 2022, the average spinach yield in South Africa totaled less than X kg per ha, remaining stable against 2021. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. 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 spinach production in South Africa was estimated at less than X ha, almost unchanged from 2021. In general, the harvested area continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

Spinach Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of spinach increased by 34% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, spinach exports expanded remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 40%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Namibia (X tons), Lesotho (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons) were the main destinations of spinach exports from South Africa, together accounting for 83% of total exports. Mozambique, Botswana, Angola and Malawi lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Malawi (with a CAGR of +39.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for spinach exported from South Africa were Namibia ($X), Lesotho ($X) and Swaziland ($X), with a combined 72% share of total exports. Mozambique, Botswana, Angola and Malawi lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.

Among the main countries of destination, Malawi, with a CAGR of +31.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

The average spinach export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, falling by -20.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 29%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then fell significantly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malawi ($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 Botswana (+14.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Spinach Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, approx. X tons of spinach were imported into South Africa; with an increase of 238% compared with the previous year. Overall, imports, however, showed a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 770%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, spinach imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a dramatic descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 737%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Mozambique (X tons), Lesotho (X tons) and Kenya (X kg) were the main suppliers of spinach imports to South Africa, together comprising 89% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Lesotho (with a CAGR of +95.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest spinach suppliers to South Africa were Mozambique ($X), Lesotho ($X) and Kenya ($X), with a combined 95% share of total imports.

Lesotho, with a CAGR of +110.8%, saw 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 mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average spinach import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 20% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 1,411%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kenya ($X per ton), while the price for Cameroon ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+132.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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