The average national potato price rose to R88.58 per 10kg, marking a 4% increase compared to this time last year. Last week, large potatoes traded at R109, mediums at R87, and smalls at R52 per 10kg. Variety-wise, Mondials climbed to R92, while Sifras increased to R87 per 10kg. These higher prices were primarily driven by lower sales during the holiday period while demand remained elevated. Looking ahead, prices are expected to dip over the next two weeks but could rebound by mid-February. A key concern is excessive rain in the coming weeks, which could impact quality and push prices down further.

The average onion price dropped to R38.46 per 10kg last week, now 6% lower than a year ago due to an 8% year-on-year increase in volumes. Brown onions declined to R40, red onions to R50, and white onions to R38 per 10kg. Large onions traded at R44, mediums at R40, and smalls at R33 per 10kg. We seem to be at a turning point, with prices likely to improve toward late February. The lower prices seen in recent months could lead to fewer onions being planted this year, possibly shifting more focus to potato production. This dynamic might drive onion prices higher and potato prices lower later in 2025.

Tomato prices fell by 5% last week to an average of R9.86 per kilogram, now 10% lower than a year ago. Large tomatoes traded at R11.62, mediums at R9.93, and smalls at R8.57. Heavy rainfall in major production areas over the past three weeks has severely affected tomato quality, making planting difficult. This could keep prices elevated in the months ahead. The market currently reflects a dual pricing structure, with lower-quality tomatoes driving down the average price, while premium-quality products with longer shelf life command higher prices. Other rain-affected crops like lettuce and cabbage are also under stress, with fields waterlogged in many regions.

Carrot prices jumped by 10% last week, averaging R6.32 per kilogram. Large carrots traded at R6.33, mediums at R5.37, and smalls at R3.76 per kilogram. While prices are expected to remain relatively low through January, they are likely to climb from February, peaking in April as demand rises and volumes shrink.

The average pepper price declined by 9% to R20.03 per kilogram, though it remains a significant 44% higher than a year ago, with volumes up by 1% year-on-year. Green peppers traded lower at R13.99, yellow peppers at R29.26, and red peppers at R31.04 per kilogram. Prices are expected to remain lower throughout January compared to December, with stabilization likely next month. However, the general trend points to prices staying closer to the R10 mark until June, followed by a sharp increase between July and September.

Cabbage prices saw an uptick, averaging R3.52 per kilogram, while garlic prices declined to R45.02 per kilogram. Spinach prices also rose to R3.77 per kilogram. In contrast, sweet potato prices dropped to R4.98 per kilogram, now a significant 47% lower than a year ago. Pumpkin prices decreased to R2.37, butternuts climbed to R3.13, green beans surged to R23.04, and cucumbers increased to R12.76 per kilogram.

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