In-shell almonds market in Southern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the in-shell almond market in Southern Africa showed variable consumption, reaching a peak of 1 245 tonnes in 2020 before declining to 1 015 tonnes in 2022 and recovering to 1 163 tonnes in 2023. Early in the period, the market was underpinned by growing domestic demand and a consumer shift toward fresh, locally grown almonds, as the Western Cape region emerged as a suitable area for cultivation.

Domestic production held steady between 1 037 and 1 055 tonnes per year, while imports generally fell from 183 tonnes in 2018 to 135 tonnes in 2023, indicating a move toward greater self-sufficiency. A temporary spike in exports to 194 tonnes in 2022 significantly reduced domestic supply, contributing to that year's market contraction. By 2024, global supply chain disruptions placed further pressure on import volumes, and the market saw expanded local grower participation through licensed agreements with over 50 farmers.

The regulatory environment evolved with the proposal of new food labelling and advertising rules in 2023, which aimed to harmonize requirements and prevent misleading claims for almonds and other foodstuffs. These changes coincided with rising consumer interest in health benefits and environmentally friendly products, trends that supported almond consumption as a nutritious choice.

Production in-shell almonds in Southern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

Southern Africa's in-shell almond production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 1 048 tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019 levels.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports in-shell almonds from Southern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed significant volatility during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 41.4 tonnes, then declined sharply to reach their lowest point in 2020 at just 8.1 tonnes - a 5.1-fold difference between these years. The 2020 figure represents a substantial 72.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The most dramatic growth occurred in 2018, with exports surging by 185.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Russia, and Mozambique remained the top buyers of Southern African in-shell almonds, accounting for 16.2%, 9.6%, and 2.4% of total export volume respectively. Together, these three markets represented 28.1% of all in-shell almond exports from the region.

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

World map of product's exports from Southern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited considerable volatility throughout this period. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 210.1 thousand US dollars, while the lowest occurred in 2020 at 39.6 thousand US dollars - representing a 5.3-fold difference between peak and trough. The 2020 figure marks an 81.2% decline compared to the previous year. The most significant growth in export value occurred in 2019, with a 67.0% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Spain, and Mozambique played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of Southern African in-shell almonds in value terms. Russia accounted for 29.4% of export value, Spain for 15.4%, and Mozambique for 2.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 47.2% of total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports in-shell almonds to Southern Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Southern Africa imported 205.1 tonnes of in-shell almonds, representing a significant 25.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 77.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 21.0%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.4% decrease, while the strongest growth was recorded in 2018 with a 57.9% increase.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the United States dominated Southern Africa's in-shell almond import structure, accounting for 72.6% of total import volume. Other markets collectively represented the remaining share, forming a less significant portion of import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Southern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, in-shell almond imports to Southern Africa declined in 2020. Import value reached 819.5 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 17.3% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 991.1 thousand US dollars, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with a 19.1% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the dominant source of in-shell almond imports to Southern Africa in value terms, accounting for 72.0% of total import value. The remaining 28.0% was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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