Prepared sweetcorn market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The prepared sweetcorn market in South Africa expanded from 7 533 t in 2018 to 7 837 t in 2019, a 4% increase in volume. This growth was followed by a contraction to 7 590 t in 2020, a decline of 3%.

Market volume then stabilized around 7 500 t in 2021 before recovering to 7 767 t in 2022. By 2023, the market reached 7 693 t, marking a period of stability. During this time, consumer preferences shifted towards plant-based and convenient food options, supporting demand. Additionally, frequent load shedding episodes influenced supply chains and production schedules for frozen and prepared foods, including sweetcorn. Major producers like McCain emphasized freezing locally grown sweetcorn at peak freshness, aligning with trends for local sourcing and quality.

Production prepared sweetcorn in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked as the world's eighth-largest producer of prepared sweetcorn.

Top producers of prepared sweetcorn, 2018-2021

World map of production of prepared sweetcorn, 2018-2021

South Africa's prepared sweetcorn production grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 8 295 tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 0.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 6.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

Exports prepared sweetcorn from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's prepared sweetcorn exports expanded for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 939.0 tonnes, reflecting a steady year-over-year rise of 4.2%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 44.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 13.0%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 573.4 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 11.8%. In contrast, 2020 recorded the biggest increase at 57.1%.

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

During 2018-2021, Eswatini, Namibia, and Botswana were the primary destinations for South Africa's prepared sweetcorn exports, together making up 80.8% of the total volume. Eswatini accounted for 44.7%, Namibia for 19.2%, and Botswana for 16.9%.

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

The value of South Africa's prepared sweetcorn exports rose for the second year running. In 2021, exports hit 1 297 thousand US dollars, up 16.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 span, export value increased by 15.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 1 038 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest drop of 7.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini, Namibia, and Botswana consistently led as the top destinations by value, collectively representing 81.0% of total exports. Eswatini contributed 46.3%, Namibia 17.8%, and Botswana 17.0%.

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 prepared sweetcorn to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's prepared sweetcorn imports fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 141.4 tonnes, a sharp 46.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports dropped by 65.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 30.0%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 500.8 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 21.4%. The following year, 2020, recorded the biggest decline at 47.2%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Thailand was the dominant supplier of prepared sweetcorn to South Africa, accounting for 95.6% of total import volume.

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

The value of South Africa's prepared sweetcorn imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value stood at 196 thousand US dollars, down 43.4% from the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 52.4%, with an average annual decline of 21.9%. The highest value was in 2019 at 507 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 23.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand remained the key partner for imports by value, making up 92.4% of the total.

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

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