Fresh grapes market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh grape market in South Africa showed volatility, beginning the period as a major global exporter supported by a dynamic industry focused on introducing new varieties. Reviews of fresh produce market ownership and management aimed to improve efficiency. The market size then contracted significantly by 2020, a period where logistical challenges and climate-related disruptions periodically affected export volumes and timing.

Market conditions recovered from 2021 onward, with growth in both volume and value. In 2023, infrastructure issues and severe climate disruptions like floods and droughts impacted production, while the Competition Commission's Fresh Produce Market Inquiry sought to reduce barriers for new entrants and improve price transparency. The expansion accelerated in 2024 with the opening of new export markets in the Philippines and South Korea, requiring strict phytosanitary compliance, and record export volumes driven by strong demand, particularly in the USA, despite ongoing challenges from tariffs and port delays.

Production fresh grapes in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

Africa's fresh grape production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 4 394 thousand tons of fresh grapes, marking a moderate 7.2% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Africa's fresh grape production value has dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 8 010 million US dollars, representing a 5.5% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual rate of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 8 971 million US dollars, while the largest decline of 5.5% occurred in 2019. In contrast, the biggest increase of 6.1% was seen in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports fresh grapes from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Africa's fresh grape exports reached 432.1 thousand tons, showing a moderate decline of 3.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.9%, with an average annual drop of 3.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 431.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 11.0%. The biggest increase of 3.4% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the top buyers of fresh grapes from Africa, accounting for 36.2%, 23.8%, and 5.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 65.7% of Africa's total fresh grape exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Africa's fresh grape export value has fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 787.6 million US dollars, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 4.9%, with an average annual rate of 1.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the main destinations for Africa's fresh grape exports in value terms, with shares of 33.6%, 24.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 63.4% of the total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Africa's fresh grape imports declined. In 2020, imports reached 25.1 thousand tons, showing a gradual decrease of 6.7% year-on-year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 24.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 26.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Lebanon, and Italy were notable suppliers of fresh grapes to Africa, with shares of 11.4%, 7.5%, and 4.3% of imports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 23.2% of total imports, indicating no single country held a dominant position.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, Africa's fresh grape import value declined. In 2020, imports totaled 57.5 million US dollars, representing a gradual decrease of 7.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 62.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase of 13.5% occurred in 2018.

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

The import structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with Spain, Lebanon, and Italy accounting for 15.9%, 8.3%, and 3.7% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up just 27.8% of total flows, and no single supplier held a clearly dominant position.

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

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