Potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets in South Africa expanded from 17,303 t in 2018 to a peak of 22,473 t in 2020. This growth was initially driven by increasing domestic potato production and projected yield improvements, which lowered raw material costs for processors. Urbanization trends and consumer preference for processed potato products, often viewed as luxury goods, further supported demand during this period.

From 2021 onward, severe and persistent load shedding (electricity supply interruptions) disrupted irrigation systems, reducing potato yields and supply. Escalating input costs for fertilizers, diesel, and labor, exacerbated by global supply chain pressures, made potato cultivation less profitable. Consequently, many farmers shifted to other crops, causing potato flour production to plummet from 19,051 t in 2020 to 6,324 t in 2023 and shrinking the overall market volume to 7,754 t.

Production potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

Potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets production in SADC has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, SADC produced 19 051 tonnes, marking a 15.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 951 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 0.7%.

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

Exports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets from SADC

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets exports from SADC have rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 298 tonnes, showing a significant increase of 53.5% compared to 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports decreased by 41.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 194 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 56.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, along with Special Categories, were the main buyers of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from SADC, together accounting for 10.2% of total exports in volume.

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

Potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets exports from SADC have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, SADC exported 1 014 thousand US dollars' worth of these products, representing a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 38.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha led as the top buyer of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from SADC, holding a 6.0% share of total export value.

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

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

Imports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets to SADC

Imports in kind, t

The market for potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets imports into SADC showed volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 572 tonnes, with the largest decline of 27.7% recorded that year. In 2019, imports surged by 72.9%, the largest increase in the period. By 2020, imports totaled 3 719 tonnes, a 36.8% rise from the previous year, resulting in a 2.4-fold variation from the 2018 low to the 2020 high.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany were the primary suppliers of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets to SADC. Belgium accounted for 27.8% of imports in volume, the Netherlands for 16.5%, and Germany for 13.8%, together making up 58.1% of total imports.

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

Potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets imports into SADC have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 4 458 thousand US dollars, up 21.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 24.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.7%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 2 154 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 39.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 69.9%.

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

The import market in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diverse. Belgium, Germany, and Portugal were key suppliers, with shares of 23.2%, 13.7%, and 12.9% of total import value, respectively. Together, they accounted for 49.7% of total flows, while the remaining 50.3% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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