The past week the average national potato price increased by about 10% to R91.29 per 10kg with volumes still staying on a relatively higher-level last week. On Monday this week the average price increased to about R96 with volumes also higher week on week and makes me wonder why the prices are so high at the moment.

The large potato price traded higher last week on R102, mediums on R89 and smalls higher on R68 per 10kg. Mondials traded higher on R96, Sifras higher on R98 and Lanormas on R80 with the average price on Joburg increasing to R91.76 per 10kg last week. As mentioned, we are still seeing more volumes on the markets compared to frost affected years, which could limit the upward movement of the price. I however still think we will see higher prices and lower volumes over the second part of this month.

The average onion price remained in its downward trend, decreasing by 1% to R54.80 per 10kg mostly due to red onion prices decreasing and pulling down the average price as well. Brown onion prices stayed on R53, red onions decreased to R88 while white onion prices stayed on R55 per 10kg. The average large onion price traded on R51, mediums on R62 and smalls higher on R41 per 10kg.

I still think the price can decrease towards the end of the year and possibly move and stay below the R50 mark from October until December.

The tomato price increased by 19% the past week to R14.30 per kilogram with volumes increasing by 3%. Large tomatoes traded on R15.02, Mediums on R14.26 while smalls increased to R12.64. We are still expecting volumes to the markets to pick up from here which, combined with lower middle month demand, is likely to drive prices downward over the next two weeks at least. I also think that more volumes can then keep the price on a lower level during October.

The average carrot price increased by 6% to R4.56 per kilogram while volumes increased by 9% week on week. Large carrots traded on R4.61, mediums higher on R4.26 and smalls higher on R3.45 per kilogram. We are expecting volumes to stay on a higher level for September and October which could force prices closer to the R4 mark until then. Price can then stay lower in November, but we usually see a strong upward movement in December.

The average pepper price increased to R22.71 per kilogram while green pepper prices increased to R19.52, yellow peppers increased to R19.22 while Red peppers traded 9% lower on R33.66 per kilogram. During September the price can stay on a higher level, but expect higher volumes to force prices downward in October and November.

The average cabbage price decreased to R3.69 last week and is now 73% higher than a year ago. We are  still expecting this price to move downward and trade below R3 again towards the end of the year.

Garlic prices decreased to R89 per kilogram and is also likely to stay in its downward trend for the rest of this year due to higher expected volumes. The spinach price however increased by 20% last week to R4.37 due to 13% lower volumes. We are expecting volumes to pick up in September and October which, coupled with lower demand over the next two weeks, can drive prices downward now.

Sweet potatoes increased to R7.60 per kilogram and will likely stay on a higher level during October and November as well. The average pumpkin price increased to R2.34 last week and will most likely also trade higher in September and October.

The average green bean price traded on R17.83 on Monday while Cucumbers traded on R15.57 per kilogram.