The markets had mixed reactions with the average national potato price decreasing to R65.01 per 10kg and was 3% lower than a year ago. Last week, large potato prices traded lower on R80, mediums traded on R61, and smalls on R43 per 10kg. Mondials traded lower on R67 and Sifras lower on R65 per 10kg. I still think we might see lower volumes from Limpopo now and that overall lower volumes and higher demand can stabilize prices.
The average onion price dropped even more to R43.94 per 10kg last week, but is still 21% higher than a year ago. Brown onion prices decreased to R43, red onions decreased to R69, and white onions decreased to R44 per 10kg. Large onions traded at R38, mediums at R49, and smalls lower at R35 per 10kg. We don’t really expect massive price movements for onions for the remainder of this year with prices likely to stay in this price band.
There was some good news for the tomato producers with the price increasing by 23% to R12.53 per kilogram due to higher demand last week. The price is currently 57% higher than a year ago which is due to 22% lower volumes year on year. Large tomatoes traded at R15.84, mediums at R12.21, and smalls increased to R11.60. My expectation is for tomato prices to remain elevated over the next 4 weeks due to higher festive season demand.
The carrot price traded on R3.89 per kilogram and is now 19% lower than a year ago while volumes traded 26% higher year on year. Large carrots traded at R4.02, mediums at R3.53, and smalls at R3.22 per kilogram. We are also expecting the carrot price to remain in an upward trend until Christmas due to higher expected demand and can move closer to R6 per kg again by then.
The average pepper price decreased to R14.83 per kilogram and is now about 24% higher than a year ago with volumes 5% higher year on year. The green pepper price decreased to R12.89, Yellow peppers decreased to R15.45 while red peppers increased to R19.12 per kilogram. We are still expecting the average price to increase in December and peak just before Christmas.
The average cabbage price decreased to R2.44, Garlic prices maintained its current levels and traded at R43.94 per kilogram while the average spinach price increased to R2.79 per kilogram. Sweet potato prices increased to R7.76 per kilogram, pumpkin prices decreased to R2.32, butternuts increased to R4.15, Green beans increased to R24.67, and cucumber prices decreased further to R8.15 per kilogram. If you would like to see more detail on these markets, please download our latest reports on amtrends.co.za for FREE.