Vegetable Markets Under Pressure as Volumes Surge and Quality Declines
This week, the vegetable market is facing a perfect storm. Potato prices are sliding sharply, volumes are surging across major markets, and heat damage is starting to impact quality. For traders and producers planning harvests, this is a critical period.
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Potatoes: A Market in Trouble
Potato prices decreased by 4% to R44.67 per 10kg, while volumes jumped 13% week-on-week.
The market is under significant pressure. Pretoria opened the week with around 90,000 bags, Johannesburg with 210,000 bags, and East London with 40,000 bags — extremely high levels, especially as we move into the lower middle-month demand period.
In addition to oversupply, last week’s extreme heat reduced quality, adding further strain. At current momentum, average prices could dip below R4/kg this week.
Tomatoes: Higher Prices, But Pressure Building
Tomato prices increased 4% to R9.63/kg, despite volumes rising nearly 30% week-on-week.
Production in northern regions remains exceptionally high, with strong yields. However, the recent heat has accelerated ripening, leading to more red tomatoes entering the market. This shortens shelf life and increases price pressure.
With middle-month demand typically softer and rainfall expected in the Western Cape (although likely with limited impact), the combination of high volumes, lower quality, and weaker demand suggests significant pressure ahead.
Onions: Quality Weighs on the Market
Onion prices dipped to R43.19, still around 7% higher year-on-year.
The Western Cape and Northern Cape are currently supplying the market, but lower-quality onions are pulling down the average price. As with other vegetables, weaker middle-month demand is not helping.
Production focus is expected to shift toward Limpopo in about a month. As the Western and Northern Cape seasons wind down, prices could strengthen into April and May.
Carrots and Peppers Show Resilience
Carrot prices continued their upward trend, increasing another 13% week-on-week to R5.17/kg, although still about 15% below last year’s levels. Volumes rose 4% week-on-week and are 16% higher year-on-year.
Forecasts suggest prices may continue trending upward until April, although softer middle-month demand could create short-term pressure. Expected rainfall may limit harvesting and reduce volumes to market — which could support prices.
Peppers increased by 3% to R11.83/kg, driven mainly by stronger green pepper prices:
- Green peppers: R9.16/kg
- Yellow peppers: R16.50/kg
- Red peppers: R14.68/kg
Cabbage prices also increased to R2.88/kg, up 6% week-on-week.
Mixed Movements in Other Vegetables
- Sweet potatoes: Down 29% to R4.65/kg (volumes up 41%)
- Spinach: Increased to R5.51/kg
- Butternut: Decreased to R3.96/kg
- Pumpkins: Increased to R4.03/kg
- Green beans: Increased to R17.75/kg
- Cucumbers: Increased to R14.48/kg
- Garlic: Up 1% to R49.23/kg
- Local garlic: R43.53/kg
- Imported garlic: R61.94/kg
Market Outlook
The vegetable market is currently being driven by three core factors:
- High volumes
- Declining quality due to heat
- Weaker middle-month demand
Potatoes are under the most severe pressure, while tomatoes and onions are likely to face further strain in the short term. Carrots and peppers are showing more resilience, supported by weather-related harvesting limitations.
Overall, this remains a challenging period for the vegetable market, with supply, quality, and timing of demand dictating price direction.
That’s your AMT Vegetable Market Overview for the week, proudly sponsored by Storm Agri.
Don’t forget to use the AMTSTORM discount code to receive 5% off.
Thanks for joining us — see you next week.