Peaches and nectarines market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the South African peach and nectarine industry faced a significant shortage of rootstocks, limiting new plantings. Despite this, market volume grew from 136.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 139.5 thousand tons in 2019 and further to 153.8 thousand tons in 2020.

Market volume dipped slightly to 152.2 thousand tons in 2021, then rose to 171.0 thousand tons in 2022 before declining to 160.2 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market fluctuated, peaking at $315.4 million in 2022 after a drop to $246.9 million in 2019.

By 2024, peach hectareage was declining while nectarine plantings expanded, reflecting a shift in grower preferences. Weather challenges and logistical disruptions at the Port of Cape Town affected exports, which fell to 28.7 thousand tons. In 2025, market access was granted to China for stone fruit, and new False Codling Moth legislation was introduced for exports to the EU and UK. Exports rose to 36.7 thousand tons, supported by favourable weather conditions, though logistic challenges at Cape Town harbour persisted.

Production peaches and nectarines in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, South Africa ranked as the 17th largest producer of peaches and nectarines from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2018-2021

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of peaches and nectarines grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 181.1 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 18.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.9%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of peaches and nectarines production in South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 338.2 million US dollars, showing a significant rise of 18.6% from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 8.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 279.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.2%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's export volume of peaches and nectarines rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 30 038 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 31.9% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 62.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates were the main markets for South Africa's peaches and nectarines exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 40.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 20.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 18.9%, together making up 80.2% 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

Export value of peaches and nectarines from South Africa increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 56 080 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp advance of 51.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value rose by 48.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 36 427 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.5%.

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

In 2018-2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates led as the top buyers of South Africa's peaches and nectarines by value. The United Kingdom accounted for 47.4% of export value, the Netherlands for 19.9%, and the United Arab Emirates for 15.8%, collectively representing 83.1% of total export value.

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 peaches and nectarines to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's import volume of peaches and nectarines declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 155 tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 42%, with an average annual decline of 16.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 081 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 4.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 44.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated the geographical structure of South Africa's peaches and nectarines imports by volume, accounting for 96.5% of total import flows.

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

Import value of peaches and nectarines in South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports registered 2 018 thousand US dollars, down by 0.6% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 48.2%, with an average annual decline of 19.7%.

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

Over 2018-2021, Spain dominated the structure of South Africa's peaches and nectarines imports by value, with a share of 93.2% 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