South Africa Dominates SADC’s Fruit Trade as Regional Divides Widen in 2024
The SADC fruit and berry market reveals sharp divisions in 2024, with South Africa leading as the dominant exporter while neighbouring nations focus on local consumption. Prices also highlight this split, as regional exports fetch $1,358 per ton on average, yet imports within SADC drop to just $560 per ton. These differences stem from varying production models, trade flows, and economic development across the region.
South Africa remains the clear export leader, accounting for 95% of the region’s fruit and berry exports by value—$4.2 billion in 2024 alone. Its sophisticated commercial farms contrast with the mixed systems in other SADC countries, where smallholder farmers often dominate alongside emerging commercial estates. Meanwhile, Tanzania is projected to become the second-largest exporter between 2026 and 2035, though still far behind South Africa’s output.
Demand patterns vary widely across the region. In wealthier markets like South Africa, Mauritius, and Botswana, consumer choices are driven by health trends, disposable income, and modern retail networks. Elsewhere, population growth and urbanisation fuel consumption, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Tanzania, which together represent 59% of regional demand. Trade within SADC faces persistent challenges. Smaller volumes, lower values, and logistical hurdles slow cross-border exchanges. South Africa, despite its export strength, also imports counter-seasonal and tropical fruits from neighbours to stock its supermarkets. Climate change adds further pressure, with shifting rainfall, heat stress, and water shortages forcing growers to reconsider crop locations, irrigation, and drought-resistant varieties. The market’s structure is ultimately shaped by two extremes: South Africa’s high-value export focus and the massive local consumption in the DRC and Angola. This duality defines production, pricing, and trade across the region.
The SADC fruit and berry sector will continue to reflect deep contrasts between export-driven economies and consumption-heavy markets. South Africa’s dominance in high-value trade contrasts with the logistical and climatic challenges facing smaller producers. As demand shifts and climate pressures mount, the region’s farmers and traders will need to adapt strategies to maintain stability in production and supply.
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