Fresh papayas market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh papaya market in SADC experienced a gradual contraction in volume from 2018 to 2023, with production declining from 329 thousand tons to 319.8 thousand tons. This downward trend corresponded with industry reports describing a serious spiral of decline, driven by fluctuating prices at fresh produce markets and a high waste factor due to the fruit's perishability and susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Marketing papayas remained difficult throughout the period, as growers needed to meet strict retail chain standards for ripeness, packaging, and blemishes. Price volatility, particularly evident in markets like East London Fresh Produce Market, made returns unpredictable and complicated business planning for producers. The cultivation itself faced limitations, as continuous planting on the same soil was hindered by disease buildup, and expansion was constrained by land availability and capital costs for necessary equipment.

By the early 2020s, the industry was considered niche, with sales focused locally. While varieties like Solo and Sunrise were well-adapted and promoted for local cultivation, the overall market structure offered limited avenues for growth, sustaining the challenges of price instability and marketing complexity.

Production fresh papayas in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

SADC's fresh papaya production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 321.1 thousand tons, which was 0.9% lower than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.1%, averaging an annual decrease of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 329.0 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 1.5% decline, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.2%.

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

Exports fresh papayas from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed an unstable pattern over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC shipped 1 957 tons of fresh papayas abroad, marking a modest 5.9% decrease from 2019. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 2 078 tons. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a substantial 74.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for fresh papayas was highly diversified. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 2.4% of exports, Portugal for 2.3%, and the Netherlands for 1.0%. Together, these three countries made up only 5.7% of total exports, while the remaining 94.3% went to a wide range of other destinations.

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

SADC's fresh papaya exports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 702 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.4% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 66.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, SADC's fresh papaya exports in value terms were distributed across a broad set of markets. The United Arab Emirates contributed 3.9% of export value, the United Kingdom 1.8%, and the Netherlands 1.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for just 7.4% of total export value, with the remaining 92.6% coming from numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports fresh papayas to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest level was recorded in 2020, while the highest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.3 times. In 2020, SADC imported 413 tons of fresh papayas, a sharp 27.8% decrease from 2019. The maximum import volume was in 2018 at 1 380 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 58.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 160.3%.

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

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

In 2020, SADC's fresh papaya imports in value terms amounted to 3 332 thousand US dollars, showing a notable 14.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 61.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 3.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 45.5%.

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

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

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