Frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the SADC market for frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize saw its volume more than double, rising from 71.0 thousand tons to 149.1 thousand tons. This expansion was underpinned by a sharp increase in domestic production, which grew from 53.8 thousand tons to 140.4 thousand tons over the same period. While imports gradually decreased from 19.9 thousand tons to 9.5 thousand tons, exports remained minimal, contributing to the overall market growth.

The market's strong growth, particularly in 2023 when volume increased by 15.8 thousand tons, was supported by changing consumer behavior and product innovation. Economic pressures led more consumers to opt for home cooking, boosting demand for convenient frozen vegetables. Simultaneously, the entry of new frozen food products, including plant-based meat alternatives and gourmet ready meals, expanded the product range and attracted health-conscious shoppers.

Production frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

SADC's production of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 97 846 tons, marking an 80.5% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 87%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.2%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced volatility during the observed period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 7.4-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, SADC exported 753 tons of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, representing a sharp year-on-year decline of 81.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 52.4%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across many markets. The Netherlands, Canada, and New Zealand accounted for only 4.8% of total exports, with shares of 1.9%, 1.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. The remaining 95.2% went to other trading partners.

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 export value of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 6 601 thousand US dollars, down 15.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 8 210 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, SADC's export value of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, was not concentrated in a few key markets. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates together accounted for only 11.4% of total flows, with shares of 5.8%, 4.0%, and 1.6%, respectively.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize to SADC

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, SADC's imports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 18 268 tons, a 12.5% decrease from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 886 tons, with the largest increase in 2018 at 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, China, and the Netherlands formed the main cluster for import volumes, accounting for 65.8% of total flows. Their shares were 44.1%, 18.1%, and 3.7%, respectively.

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

SADC's import value of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 20 949 thousand US dollars, 12.8% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 12.1%, with an average annual decline of 4.2%. The maximum value was in 2018 at 25 742 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for SADC's import value of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, were Belgium, China, and New Zealand. Together, they accounted for 53.6% of total flows, with shares of 35.7%, 11.9%, and 6.0%, respectively.

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

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