Welcome back to this week’s AMT Fresh Produce Market Report, proudly brought to you by Villa Crop Protection.
This week, we take a closer look at regional potato production and how it could influence prices — while butternut, pumpkin, and watermelon prices crash due to higher volumes and weaker demand.
But remember, the weather might still have the final say. Let’s take a look at what’s happening across the vegetable markets this week.
🥔 Potato Prices Under Pressure
The potato price dropped by 8% last week to R47.36 per 10 kg.
This decline was mainly driven by weaker demand and slightly lower quality in the market.
We expect another possible decrease this week, as we’re heading into mid-month and consumer demand remains soft.
Some Limpopo producers are expected to finish harvesting over the next two weeks, while others will continue into late November — slightly later than usual.
Meanwhile, Natal and Vryburg should begin supplying markets over the next two weeks, followed by Petrusburg in early December.
While larger potatoes are still fetching better prices, overall demand remains limited, which will likely keep the market subdued for now.
However, rainfall in Limpopo could temporarily lift prices if supply dips — though for now, that scenario seems unlikely.
🍅 Tomatoes: More Supply, Lower Prices
Tomato prices dropped 6% last week to R10.40 per kg, as volumes increased while retailer orders slowed down.
This combination will likely push prices even lower this week.
However, a price recovery may follow toward the end of the month as demand improves again.
Keep an eye on the weather, though — heavy rainfall can quickly disrupt supply, and tomatoes are extremely sensitive to changing conditions.
🧅 Onions and Cabbages: Mixed Movements
Onion prices continued to slide, falling further to R39.21 per 10 kg.
The downward trend is being driven by ample supply and slower buying activity.
Meanwhile, cabbages managed to increase slightly, trading 5% higher at R1.61 per kg last week.
Demand from lower-income markets and bulk buyers continues to support this category, though gains remain modest.
🥕 Carrots and Peppers Stand Out
While most commodities struggled, carrots were one of the few bright spots in the market.
Prices jumped by 20% last week to R4.29 per kg, following rainfall that limited supply.
That said, this spike may reverse quickly if volumes increase toward the weekend — especially given the weaker consumer demand we’re seeing mid-month.
Peppers also delivered strong gains, increasing by 17% to R21.98 per kg.
Demand from restaurants and retail chains supported prices, and we could see them remain firm if supply stays tight.
🎃 Butternuts and Pumpkins Crash
Butternut prices fell sharply by 30% last week to R6.35 per kg, while pumpkins dropped 23% to R5.85 per kg.
Both commodities were hit hard by high supply levels and limited consumer demand, which created inevitable price pressure.
We could see some short-term stabilization if supply slows down due to weather, but the market remains oversupplied heading into the festive period.
🧄 Other Vegetable Movements
- Sweet potatoes: up slightly to R6.85 per kg
- Spinach: down to R2.52 per kg
- Garlic: up 7% to R43.65 per kg
- Green beans: lower at R10.14 per kg
- Cucumbers: higher at R16.75 per kg
Overall, the vegetable market remains under pressure with limited consumer demand, though carrots and peppers provided a welcome lift last week.
🌦️ What to Watch
Weather remains the wild card.
Consistent rainfall could delay harvesting in some regions and temporarily support prices, while extended dry or hot periods could do the opposite by accelerating supply.
As we move into late November, regional production shifts — especially in potatoes and tomatoes — will be key price drivers to monitor.
💬 Join the Conversation
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That’s your AMT Weekly Fresh Produce Outlook, proudly brought to you by Villa Crop Protection.
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