The average national potato price decreased to R61 per 10kg and was 24% lower than a year ago. Last week, large potato prices traded lower on R73, mediums traded on R58, and smalls on R40 per 10kg. Mondials traded lower on R62 while Sifras increased to R66 per 10kg. A lack of rain in Limpopo is raising concerns about a possible drought year, similar to 2019. Although more hectares might be planted, this still needs confirmation. Yields will depend heavily on weather conditions, but the current heat is already starting to impact quality. In the Eastern Free State we are seeing severe drought conditions and water shortages due to delays in the Katse Dam project which could negatively affect potato yields. The North West and Western Free State areas are showing stability, with even a potential increase in plantings. Limited rainfall in KZN is putting production under pressure with the planting season expected to continue until the end of January. Heat variations in the Sandveld have caused loose skins in some crops, affecting quality which could lead to lower-quality produce reaching the market and potentially impacting current prices. This market update was provided by Potatoes SA. Given these production conditions, we are expecting slightly higher prices over the next two weeks, but expect a dip in prices during January when demand will also be lower.
The average onion price dropped to R39.95 per 10kg last week and is now 11% lower than a year ago. Brown onion prices decreased to R40, red onions decreased to R71, and white onions stayed on R39 per 10kg. Large onions traded at R39, mediums at R43, and smalls lower at R30 per 10kg. This price can stay on a lower level now, but start to tick upward as the new year starts.
The average tomato price decreased by 9% to R12.70 per kilogram and is 29% higher than a year ago. Large tomatoes traded at R15.84, mediums at R13.00, and smalls decreased to R12.17. Expect prices to drop after Christmas due to lower expected demand.
The carrot price increased by 18% the past week and traded on R5.74 per kilogram due to higher demand. Large carrots traded at R6.41, mediums at R4.40, and smalls at R4.81 per kilogram. The demand definitely started to pick up which supported prices, but expect it to reach a peak over the next week and then start to decrease as the new year approaches.
The average pepper price decreased to R13.97 per kilogram and is now about 22% lower than a year ago with volumes 22% higher year on year. The green pepper price decreased to R10.12, Yellow peppers decreased to R15.27 while red peppers decreased to R25.75 per kilogram. We are still expecting the average price to increase in December and peak just before Christmas.
The average cabbage price decreased to R2.53, Garlic prices increased to R42.55 per kilogram while the average spinach price jumped by 23% to R4.17 per kilogram due to volumes dropping by 18%. Sweet potato prices decreased t R7.24 per kilogram, pumpkin prices decreased to R2.37, butternuts decreased to R3.82, Green beans decreased to R13.49, and cucumber prices increased to R9.35 per kilogram. If you would like to see more detail on these markets, please download our latest reports on amtrends.co.za for FREE.