Edible brassicas market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled edible brassicas in South Africa expanded from 154.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 208.9 thousand tons in 2023, reflecting a steady upward trend. Growth was particularly strong in 2021, when market volume jumped by 14.4% to 184.8 thousand tons, and again in 2023 with an 11.4% increase to 208.9 thousand tons. The period saw only minor fluctuations, such as a slight stabilization in 2020.

The notable market growth in 2023 was supported by improved supply conditions, including more efficient harvest timing, enhanced storage capacity, and better regional distribution. These factors increased the overall availability of fresh produce. Concurrently, the established network of municipal markets, which facilitate access for smallholder farmers, continued to play a key role in the distribution system, contributing to market reach and consumer access.

Market dynamics in 2024 were influenced by a reduced supply of cabbage, which led to significant price increases and highlighted ongoing supply-side vulnerabilities. In 2025, the regulatory landscape evolved with the implementation of the Agricultural Products Standard Act Amendment, introducing new classification, packing, and marking rules for fresh vegetables, and the commencement of the Plant Improvement Act, which modernized seed and plant variety regulations.

Production edible brassicas in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2018-2021

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 199.6 thousand tonnes of edible brassicas, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 12.9%. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 16.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 0.8%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of edible brassicas in South Africa was valued at 84 414 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 31.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 33.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 8.0%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exported volumes of edible brassicas from South Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export volume amounted to 14 928 tonnes, representing a decrease of 3.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 12.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 17 936 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 14.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 5.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique were the main markets for South Africa's exports of edible brassicas in kind. Lesotho accounted for 40.7% of exports, Botswana for 28.8%, and Mozambique for 15.5%. Together, these three countries represented 85.1% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

In 2021, edible brassicas exports from South Africa totalled 6 312 thousand US dollars, indicating a substantial year-over-year increase of 13.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 5 582 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 7 010 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 20.4%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Lesotho, and the United Kingdom consistently held leading positions in the country structure of exports in value terms. Botswana accounted for 28.3% of exports, Lesotho for 19.6%, and the United Kingdom for 17.5%. Together, these three countries represented 65.4% of total export flows.

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 edible brassicas to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market for edible brassicas imports into South Africa showed volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 3.2-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018. In 2021, South Africa imported 87 tonnes of edible brassicas, down by 5.2% compared to 2020. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 193 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 52.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 221.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kenya, China, and Spain made the biggest contributions to South Africa's imports of edible brassicas in kind. Kenya accounted for 58.2% of imports, China for 14.6%, and Spain for 8.3%. Together, these three countries represented 81.0% of total import flows.

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, K $ US

The market for edible brassicas imports into South Africa showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports varied by a 2.2-fold difference from a high in 2019 to a low in 2018. In 2021, South Africa's imports totalled 258 thousand US dollars, up by 9.5% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 483 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 51.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 120.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical pattern of imports in value terms was characterised by a strong dominance of Kenya, whose share reached 81.4% of total flows. Other partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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