Frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African market for frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize saw volume growth from 14 371 t in 2018 to a peak of 16 473 t in 2020, with market value rising from 13 707 тыс. долл. США to 17 375 тыс. долл. США over the same period. A slight contraction occurred in 2021, bringing volume to 16 084 t.

Market volume then fell sharply to 13 102 t in 2022 and 10 870 t in 2023. During these years, consumer preferences shifted toward vegan and plant-based frozen foods, while health trends like the Banting diet increased demand for low-carbohydrate vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. Innovations in flash-freezing technology also aimed to enhance product quality. However, these demand-side developments did not reverse the overall decline in market size.

For 2024 and 2025, while complete market size figures are not available, import volumes surged to 7 626 t in 2024 and 15 074 t in 2025, indicating a potential rebound. Factors such as food inflation affecting vegetable prices and extreme weather conditions in 2024 may have played a role in shaping supply and pricing dynamics.

Production frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2018-2021

World map of production of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 7 804 tonnes, which represents a 10.6% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 30.1%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of growth, the production value of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, in South Africa saw a decline. In 2021, the output was valued at 11 405 thousand US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value increased by 19.4%, with an annualized rate of 6.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 11 476 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 16.1% rise.

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

Exports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, from South Africa have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 3 177 tonnes, showing a 10.2% decline from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 37.2%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 14.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini were the key destinations for South Africa's exports in volume terms. Namibia accounted for 39.0% of exports, Botswana for 28.8%, and Eswatini for 7.1%, together making up 74.9% 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

South Africa's exports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the export value reached 4 643 thousand US dollars, representing a 19.3% drop compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 42.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and the Netherlands were the leading markets for South Africa's exports in value terms. Namibia held a 37.4% share, Botswana 28.7%, and the Netherlands 5.4%, collectively accounting for 71.6% 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 frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, into South Africa have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 11 457 tonnes, reflecting a significant decline of 11.6% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 14.7%, with an average annual decrease of 5.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 13 966 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.0% that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and China were the main suppliers of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, to South Africa. Together, they accounted for 87.1% of total imports in volume, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

Imports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, into South Africa have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, South Africa imported a total of 10 283 thousand US dollars' worth, down by 11.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 15.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%.

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

During 2018-2021, Belgium and China dominated South Africa's imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.5% of total flows, while other markets made up the rest.

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

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