Orange juice market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the East African orange juice market volume expanded from 17 890 thousand liters to 19 001 thousand liters, peaking at 19 151 thousand liters in 2019. A sharp contraction occurred in 2021, when market size fell to 13 055 thousand liters, before recovering in the following years. This overall growth was supported by a substantial rise in domestic production, which more than doubled from 8 971 thousand liters to 17 542 thousand liters over the period. At the same time, imports were nearly halved, declining from 10 755 thousand liters to 5 736 thousand liters, while exports increased from 1 836 thousand liters to 4 277 thousand liters.

By 2024, global factors began to shape the market more visibly. Disease outbreaks and extreme weather events, including frost and hurricanes, drove up orange juice prices worldwide, reducing supply from major producers like Brazil and affecting import-dependent regions such as Eastern Africa. Local Kenyan production benefited from favored varieties like the seedless and sweet Pixie orange, which meets processor and urban consumer demand. Consumer behavior also shifted, with some turning to alternative beverages due to higher prices and health considerations related to sugar content. Efficient distribution practices in the region further supported market access and sales.

Production orange juice in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Top producers of orange juice, 2017-2020

World map of production of orange juice, 2017-2020

Orange juice production in Eastern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 15 861 K l of orange juice, marking a 27.4% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 83.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 22.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Exports orange juice from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, K l

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 1 833 K l, while 2019 saw the peak at 3 320 K l, representing a 1.8-fold difference. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 81.1%. In 2020, Eastern Africa exported 2 770 K l of orange juice, a substantial decrease of 16.6% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind remained highly diversified. South Africa accounted for 22.4% of exports, Qatar for 9.8%, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.7% of total flows, with the remaining 62.3% coming from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of orange juice exports from Eastern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 4 847 K $ US, an 18.7% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 97.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. South Africa held 24.2% of exports, Botswana 12.2%, and Qatar 6.9%. Combined, these three countries captured only 43.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports orange juice to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, K l

Orange juice imports into Eastern Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported a total of value_last_year K l of orange juice, which is 50.8% less than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 59.6%, representing an annualized decline of 26.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt were the main sources for imports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 28.6% of imports, South Africa for 27.0%, and Egypt for 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 64.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Orange juice imports into Eastern Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 6 175 K $ US, a sharp decline of 36.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 58.5%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 25.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands played leading roles in imports in value terms. South Africa accounted for 38.9% of imports, Saudi Arabia for 16.0%, and the Netherlands for 6.2%. Jointly, these three countries took 61.1% of total flows.

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

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