Frozen vegetables market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for frozen vegetables in the SADC region showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023, starting at 167.5 thousand tons in 2018, falling to 113.3 thousand tons in 2019, then recovering to 174.4 thousand tons in 2020. Growth continued to 190.7 thousand tons in 2021, followed by a decline to 155.7 thousand tons in 2022 and a sharp increase to 229.8 thousand tons in 2023.

By 2024, global industry developments included the launch of new frozen vegetable product lines by major companies such as Green Giant and Conagra Brands, introducing convenient and health-oriented options. Partnerships like Bonduelle's initiative to develop recyclable packaging aimed to reduce plastic use, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainability, while consumer preferences continued to evolve towards healthier frozen vegetables.

Production frozen vegetables in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, SADC's frozen vegetable production rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 183.7 K t of frozen vegetables, marking a significant 43.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 37.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 127.9 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 3.4%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 4 709 t and peaked in 2019 at 61 618 t, with a dramatic 13.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, frozen vegetable exports from SADC totaled 44 882 t, representing a sharp year-on-year decrease of 27.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 59.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a staggering rise of 1 208.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda, Kenya, and Burundi emerged as the main markets for exports in kind. Uganda accounted for 43.6% of exports, Kenya for 13.6%, and Burundi for 0.5%. Together, these three countries represented 57.7% of total export flows.

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

In 2020, SADC exported frozen vegetables worth 23 534 K $ US, which corresponds to a strong drop of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 22 657 K $ US, while the maximum value was reached in 2019 at 26 991 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 19.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, there was no single dominant market for frozen vegetables in value terms. Uganda accounted for 9.6% of exports, the United Kingdom for 2.4%, and the Netherlands for 2.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 14.4% of total exports, with the remaining 85.6% distributed among many smaller partners, each holding modest individual shares.

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 to SADC

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, SADC's frozen vegetable imports totaled 35 598 t, constituting a decline of 24.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 28.5%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 10.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a rise of 8.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, frozen vegetables were imported into SADC from many countries. Even the largest destinations—Belgium, China, and New Zealand—together represented only 41.9% of total imports in kind, highlighting the diverse sourcing of these products.

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 imported frozen vegetables worth a total of 38 727 K $ US in 2020, corresponding to a strong decrease of 23.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 25.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 9.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a modest rise of 0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Belgium accounted for 24.6% of imports, New Zealand for 6.9%, and China for 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 38.1% of total import flows, while the remaining 61.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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