Apples, pears and quinces market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, South Africa's production of fresh apples, pears, and quinces increased from 1 227 тыс. т to 1 781 тыс. т, while the domestic market volume grew from 557 тыс. т to 869 тыс. т. This sustained expansion was supported by the country's self-sufficient production base and minimal import reliance.

In 2023, production declined to 1 681 тыс. т and market volume fell to 833 тыс. т. This contraction coincided with climate-related challenges, including floods and droughts that affected crop yields, and the Competition Commission's Fresh Produce Market Inquiry, which highlighted competition issues within the sector.

Subsequent years saw significant industry developments, including the reopening of the Thai market for South African apples after a 17-year hiatus, major investments in new cultivars and packhouse upgrades, and a consumer-driven shift towards bi-colored apples and blush pears targeting Asian export destinations.

Production apples, pears and quinces in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

South Africa ranked 12th globally in apple, pear, and quince production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of apples, pears, and quinces grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 1 609 thousand tons, marking a significant 12.2% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 31.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of apple, pear, and quince production in South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 1 324 million US dollars, representing a robust 12.9% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value grew by 25.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 045 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 1.1% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

South Africa's export volume of apples, pears, and quinces expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 836.8 thousand tons, showing a strong 13.8% gain over the past year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's apple, pear, and quince exports in volume were widely distributed across partner countries. The United Kingdom (12.3% of exports), Russia (9.3%), and the Netherlands (7.5%) together accounted for only 29.1% of total flows, indicating a diverse export market.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of apple, pear, and quince exports from South Africa rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 688.7 million US dollars, a 14.5% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 19.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 556.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 3.7% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's apple, pear, and quince exports in value terms were supplied to a broad range of markets. The United Kingdom (14.1% of exports), Russia (8.7%), and the Netherlands (8.3%) together represented only 31.1% of total export value, while numerous smaller destinations made up the remaining 68.9%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports apples, pears and quinces to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, imports of apples, pears, and quinces into South Africa rebounded. In 2021, imports totaled 0.4 thousand tons, a 37.1% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 46%, with an annualized decline rate of 18.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 0.3 thousand tons, when the largest drop of 59.1% occurred.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, imports of apples, pears, and quinces into South Africa came from a diverse set of markets. The Netherlands (18.8% of imports), China (15.4%), and India (5.1%) together accounted for only 39.3% of total import volume, with many smaller sources contributing the remaining 60.7%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of imported apples, pears, and quinces into South Africa amounted to 0.3 million US dollars, a sharp 43.7% rise year-over-year. Over the period 2018-2021, import value decreased by 44.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 17.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 0.2 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 0.6 million US dollars. The largest decline of 63.0% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa imported apples, pears, and quinces from many countries. Even the largest sources—the Netherlands, China, and India—together represented only 41.1% of total import value, highlighting the market's diversity.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021