Fruit and vegetable juices market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the South African fruit and vegetable juice market experienced significant fluctuations in volume, starting at 160.2 million liters and peaking at 280.1 million liters in 2022 before contracting to 221.3 million liters in 2023. The primary growth driver throughout this period was the sustained health and wellness trend, which increased consumer demand for reduced-sugar and functional juices. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp market decline in 2020, temporarily reversing the upward trajectory.

The market expansion in 2019 was fueled by new product launches targeting health-conscious consumers, such as sugar-free juices. In 2020, volume fell by 38% due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite continued interest in healthier options. Recovery followed in 2021–2022, with volume growing by 86% over the two years, supported by the introduction of exotic and vegetable juice blends as well as a focus on sustainable packaging. The 2023 contraction in volume was partly offset by resilient premium‑segment sales, which helped limit the value decline to 6%.

In the later years of the period, industry dynamics continued to evolve. In 2024, several brands launched child‑focused juice products with added health benefits, while vegetable price inflation began affecting raw material costs. By 2025, supply‑side factors such as adverse weather and input cost shifts were influencing production expenses, and South Africa maintained its strong integration into international juice trade.

Production fruit and vegetable juices in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 15th globally in fruit and vegetable juice production volume.

Top producers of fruit and vegetable juices, 2018-2021

World map of production of fruit and vegetable juices, 2018-2021

Following two years of decline, South Africa's fruit and vegetable juice production rebounded in 2021. The country produced 364.6 million liters that year, marking a solid 12.0% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 6.2%, averaging an annual decline of 2.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 325.6 million liters, which also saw the steepest drop of 15.8%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa's fruit and vegetable juice output was valued at 480.5 million US dollars, representing a substantial 42.3% year-over-year growth. Between 2018 and 2021, production value increased by 21.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 337.6 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 16.8%.

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

Exports fruit and vegetable juices from South Africa

Exports in kind, M l

South Africa's fruit and vegetable juice exports declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. The country shipped 238.6 million liters abroad, down 1.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 23.3%, with an average annual decline of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Between 2018 and 2021, Botswana, the Netherlands, and Namibia were the largest buyers of South African fruit and vegetable juices by volume, accounting for 14.6%, 10.6%, and 10.3% of exports respectively. However, their combined share was just 35.5% of total volume exports, indicating a diversified country structure.

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, M $ US

After two years of reduction, South Africa's fruit and vegetable juice exports by value increased in 2021. Exports reached 314.4 million US dollars, reflecting a dramatic 25.6% year-over-year uptick. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 250.3 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 16.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Botswana, and Namibia formed the largest group of buyers by value, accounting for 16.5%, 12.1%, and 8.1% of exports respectively. Their combined contribution was limited to 36.7% of total export value, highlighting a diversified country structure.

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 fruit and vegetable juices to South Africa

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, South Africa imported 80.2 million liters of fruit and vegetable juices, up 21.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 3.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 66.2 million liters, while the highest was in 2019 at 107.7 million liters. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 38.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 30.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Argentina, and Spain were the main sources of fruit and vegetable juice imports to South Africa by volume, accounting for 53.9%, 18.9%, and 5.9% respectively. Together, they represented 78.7% of total volume imports.

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, M $ US

South Africa imported 94.9 million US dollars worth of fruit and vegetable juices in 2021, a 33.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 9.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 70.9 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 113.3 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 37.5%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, China, Argentina, and Spain remained the dominant sources of fruit and vegetable juice imports by value, together accounting for 77.8% of total import flows.

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

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