Last week the average national potato price increased by 19% to R119 per 10kg and is 2% lower than a year ago when we also saw low volumes. Last week the volumes were 8% higher than a year ago. The major driver of this increase is the Large potato price which traded on R138 per 10kg on Monday with the Mondial and Sifra prices also showing significant increases. Mondials traded on R123, Sifras on R126 and Lanormas on R93. Lower volumes of Large, Large medium and Extra large potatoes will most likely keep the average price on a higher level for now. I think that the price is likely to stay on a higher level for this week, but will most likely start to decrease from next week onwards.

The average onion price remained in its downward trend, decreasing by 9% to R43.80 per 10kg with volumes increasing by 17% week on week. Brown onion prices decreased to R42, red onions increased to R83 while white onion prices decreased to R43 per 10kg. The average large onion price traded on R40, mediums on R50 and smalls lower on R31 per 10kg. I think that the average price can stabilize around current levels and then remain on a lower level for the remainder of this year.

The tomato price decreased by 2% the past week to R10.80 per kilogram with volumes increasing by 11% week on week. Large tomatoes traded on R11.67, Mediums on R10.85 while smalls decreased to R9.21. We are still expecting volumes to the markets to pick up from here which is likely to drive prices downward during October, but higher end-of-the-month demand can result in the price to increase over the short term again.

The average carrot price increased to R5.58 per kilogram last week while volumes increased by 2% week on week. Large carrots traded on R6.18, mediums higher on R4.70 and smalls higher on R4.01 per kilogram. Higher demand can keep prices on a higher level this week, but expect the average price to trade on a lower level during October, but then move higher towards December again.

The average pepper price decreased to R19.51 per kilogram while green pepper prices decreased to R15.09, yellow peppers increased by 30% to R24.71 while Red peppers traded 24% higher on R33.51 per kilogram. I think that the price can stay in this downward trend during October and November when we expect higher volumes.

The average cabbage price increased to R3.04 last week due to 17% lower volumes on the markets. We are still expecting this price to move downward and stay below R3 as we approach the end of the year.

Garlic prices increased to R91 per kilogram and is also likely to stay in its downward trend for the rest of this year. The spinach price stayed sideways on R2.83 and can remain in a downward trend in October and November due to higher expected volumes.

Sweet potatoes decreased to R7.12 per kilogram and will likely stay on a higher level during October due to lower expected volumes. The average pumpkin price decreased to R2.05 last week, Butternuts increased to R4.49 while the average green bean price traded on R15.02.