Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled capsicum and pimenta fruits in SADC showed consistent expansion, growing from 41 939 t in 2018 to 57 220 t in 2023. This represented an increase of over 15 000 t across the period, with particularly strong growth observed through 2021 when the market size reached 59 500 t. A contraction occurred in 2022, reducing the market to 55 657 t, before a moderate recovery to 57 220 t in 2023.

In the most recent context, the market is shaped by evolving consumer preferences, including a growing interest in new flavour profiles and culinary applications for capsicum. Supply dynamics remain a key factor, with the market's reliance on imports influencing overall availability and access. Conditions such as harvest timing, storage capacity, and regional distribution efficiencies continue to determine fresh produce market performance.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

SADC's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 50 824 tonnes, marking a 14.9% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 36.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Export volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2018 at 223 tonnes and the highest in 2020 at 2 084 tonnes—a 9.4-fold difference. In 2020, foreign supplies from SADC surged by 156.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping 86.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, rising 264.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for capsicum and pimenta fruits was balanced rather than concentrated. Kenya accounted for 7.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 5.4%, and France for 1.7%, together making up 14.1% of total flows. The remaining 85.9% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, foreign supplies of capsicum and pimenta fruits from SADC were valued at 3 328 thousand US dollars, a 27.1% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 6.1%, averaging a 2.1% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 026 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 4 567 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising 50.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017–2020, the value of capsicum and pimenta fruit exports from SADC was widely dispersed across partner countries. The Netherlands contributed 14.8% of exports, France 4.0%, and the United Kingdom 3.5%, together representing just 22.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to SADC

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, SADC imported 2 188 tonnes of capsicum and pimenta fruits, a sharp drop of 29.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 3 099 tonnes, and the largest increase that year was 34.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017–2020, Egypt was the top destination for imports in kind, accounting for 11.3%, followed by Special Categories at 4.3% and the Netherlands at 3.2%. Together, these three represented 18.8% of total import flows of capsicum and pimenta fruits to SADC.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After rising for two years, cross-border shipments of capsicum and pimenta fruits to SADC declined. In 2020, imports totaled 4 488 thousand US dollars, a sharp drop of 30.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 5.4%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 6 412 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase that year was 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was a key supplier, accounting for 21.5% of import value, followed by the Netherlands at 7.0% and Special Categories at 1.6%. However, their combined share reached only 30.0% of total imports, with the remaining 70.0% spread across many other partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020