South Africa: Strawberry Market 2024

Strawberry Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African strawberry market decreased by -9.8% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after five years of growth. In general, the total consumption indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -21.1% against 2020 indices. Strawberry consumption peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Strawberry Production in South Africa

In value terms, strawberry production rose markedly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 63% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of strawberries in South Africa declined to X tons per ha in 2022, flattening at the previous year. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 2.3% against the previous year. The strawberry yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 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 strawberries production in South Africa fell slightly to X ha, waning by -3.1% against the previous year. Overall, the total harvested area indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, strawberry harvested area increased by +56.1% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 16%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to strawberry production reached the maximum at X ha in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

Strawberry Exports

Exports from South Africa

For the fourth year in a row, South Africa recorded growth in overseas shipments of strawberries, which increased by 36% to X tons in 2022. In general, exports posted a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 53% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, strawberry exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 125%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main destination for strawberry exports from South Africa, accounting for a 42% share of total exports. Moreover, strawberry exports to the United Arab Emirates exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Saudi Arabia (X tons), threefold. Mozambique (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United Arab Emirates totaled +98.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Saudi Arabia (+49.5% per year) and Mozambique (+25.4% per year).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the key foreign market for strawberries exports from South Africa, comprising 48% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 17% share of total exports. It was followed by Oman, with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United Arab Emirates stood at +105.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Saudi Arabia (+78.2% per year) and Oman (+198.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average strawberry export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the average export price increased by 56% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Oman ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($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 Saudi Arabia (+19.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Strawberry Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, purchases abroad of strawberries was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, faced a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 31%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, strawberry imports shrank sharply to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 61% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Egypt (X tons) constituted the largest strawberry supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 74% share of total imports. Moreover, strawberry imports from Egypt exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Ethiopia (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Egypt stood at -2.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ethiopia (+11.5% per year) and Zimbabwe (-39.7% per year).

In value terms, Egypt ($X) constituted the largest supplier of strawberries to South Africa, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Ethiopia ($X), with a 29% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Egypt totaled -5.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ethiopia (+5.8% per year) and Zimbabwe (-38.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average strawberry import price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -29.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a deep slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 87% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while the price for Egypt ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (+2.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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