Welcome back to this week’s AMT Fresh Produce Report, proudly powered by Villa Crop Protection.
It’s been another eventful week in the vegetable markets, with tomatoes once again leading the way, while potatoes are heading into a challenging few weeks as large volumes start entering the market. Let’s take a closer look at the latest trends and what to expect as we move further into October.
🥔 Potatoes: Bracing for a Price Slump
The average potato price edged slightly higher last week to R47.71 per 10 kg, but remains 55% lower than a year ago. Despite the small uptick, the market is facing growing pressure as more producers begin harvesting and supplying over the next six weeks.
This anticipated surge in volume is likely to keep prices under strain and prevent any significant recovery above the R40 per 10 kg mark. Market reports indicate that nearly 100,000 bags remained unsold at the start of the week, and with rising temperatures, quality concerns could soon emerge.
All indications suggest that the potato market is entering a sustained low-price cycle that may continue into November.
🍅 Tomatoes: Still Strong, But for How Long?
Tomatoes remain one of the strongest performers this season. Prices jumped another 18% week-on-week to R13.82 per kg, which is now almost 40% higher than a year ago.
The market is being held up by tight supply, but from next week, volumes are expected to increase, which could gradually cool prices. For now, though, the tomato market remains firm and well supported.
🧅 Onions and Carrots: Softer Trends Continue
The onion price dropped to R38.92 per 10 kg, about 23% lower year-on-year, as supplies remain high and buyer activity stabilizes.
Carrots, however, firmed slightly — up 4% week-on-week to R5.35 per kg, with demand holding steady in most urban markets.
🌶️🥬 Peppers, Cabbages, Spinach, and Others
- Peppers climbed strongly to R22.27 per kg, driven by lower stock levels and steady retail demand.
- Cabbages rose to R1.63 per kg, but are still 46% below last year’s price.
- Spinach strengthened further to R2.50 per kg, supported by tighter supply volumes.
- Sweet potatoes increased to R5.22 per kg, while butternuts slipped slightly to R13.71 per kg.
- Pumpkins eased 6% lower to R8.06 per kg, though still performing well above last year’s levels.
- Garlic softened to R59.98 per kg, green beans traded at R18.68 per kg, and cucumbers averaged R16.30 per kg.
📊 Outlook: What to Expect Next
As we move deeper into October, the vegetable market is showing a clear divide:
- Potatoes and onions are likely to remain under pressure due to oversupply and rising temperatures.
- Tomatoes should stay firm for another week or two before gradually easing as new supply enters.
- Spinach and peppers are expected to stay well supported with limited availability.
- Pumpkins and butternuts, though slightly softer, remain at healthy price levels compared to last year.
In short, we’re heading into a mixed phase — with oversupply weighing on some markets, while others stay buoyant thanks to tighter volumes.
🌿 Final Thoughts
That’s your AMT Vegetable Market Overview for this week.
We’ll keep tracking how these supply shifts evolve as the season progresses. Remember — knowledge is power, and here at AMT, we help you make better, data-driven decisions every week.
This report was proudly brought to you by Villa Crop Protection.
For more detailed insights, data, and forecasts, visit amtrends.co.za