The heatwave conditions, especially in Limpopo, is now creating havoc in the vegetable market which can result in lower volumes and higher prices for especially higher quality class 1 commodities.
The average national potato price increased to R71 per 10kg and was 5% lower than a year ago. Last week, large potato prices traded higher on R88, mediums traded on R67, and smalls on R46 per 10kg. Mondials traded higher on R73 while Sifras remained 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 however dropped to R41.41 per 10kg last week, but is still 7% higher than a year ago. Brown onion prices decreased to R41, red onions increased to R76, and white onions decreased to R39 per 10kg. Large onions traded at R39, mediums at R45, and smalls lower at R32 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.
The average tomato price increased by 11% to R13.89 per kilogram due to 1% lower volumes last week. The price is currently 114% higher than a year ago which is due to 35% lower volumes year on year. Large tomatoes traded at R16.94, mediums at R13.75, and smalls increased to R13.17. My expectation is for tomato prices to remain elevated over the next 4 weeks due to higher festive season demand while the heatwave can result in a temporary lower average price. The heatwave can flush some volumes to the markets, but then create a shortage thereafter especially for higher quality class 1 tomatoes, most likely keeping prices on very high levels towards Christmas.
The carrot price increased by 25% the past week and traded on R4.87 per kilogram and is on par with where prices traded a year ago. Large carrots traded at R5, mediums at R4.18, and smalls at R3.88 per kilogram. The demand definitely started to pick up which supported prices, but there is concern about the extreme heat and the quality that’s coming to the markets which can create a shortage in the markets from January to March next year. But for now, expect higher quality class 1 carrots to become more expensive as we approach Christmas.
The average pepper price also increased to R15.37 per kilogram and is now about 4% higher than a year ago with volumes 8% higher year on year. The green pepper price decreased to R12.07, Yellow peppers increased to R15.54 while red peppers increased by almost 40% to R26.74 per kilogram. We are still expecting the average price to increase in December and peak just before Christmas.
The average cabbage price increased by 10% to R2.67 and is now 21% higher than a year ago. Garlic prices decreased to R41.27 per kilogram while the average spinach price jumped by 22% to R3.39 per kilogram due to volumes dropping by 15%. Sweet potato prices remained sideways on R7.79 per kilogram, pumpkin prices increased to R2.41, butternuts decreased to R4.02, Green beans decreased to R18.21, and cucumber prices increased to R8.62 per kilogram. If you would like to see more detail on these markets, please download our latest reports on amtrends.co.za for FREE.