Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash, and gourds in SADC experienced substantial growth from 2018 to 2023. Production volumes increased from 797,000 tons to 1,032,000 tons, while the total market size expanded from 784,000 tons to 1,019,000 tons. This growth was accompanied by a near-doubling of the market's value, rising from $509.4 million to $904.1 million, reflecting stronger overall demand and higher output.

Following a peak in 2020, the market saw a modest dip in 2021 before stabilizing and growing again through 2023. This pattern resulted in a net gain of over 30% in market volume across the full period. The consistent expansion indicates a solid and growing domestic sector for these vegetables.

Recent observations for the vegetable sector highlight its resilience, with pumpkins and squash providing stable revenue streams. Marketing, packaging, and branding are identified as key factors for increasing demand and competitiveness. Furthermore, the fresh produce market in the region relies significantly on imports, which shape market access and supply dynamics.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in SADC has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, SADC produced 1 086 K t of these crops, marking a 28.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 26.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 797 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 7.3%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from SADC

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, SADC exported 23 614 t of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, representing a 65.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 78.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 21.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for SADC's exports in kind were the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Italy, which together accounted for 59.8% of total export volumes.

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

In 2020, SADC exported 14 824 K $ US worth of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, showing a significant increase of 54.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 71%, with an annualized growth rate of 19.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 9.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United Kingdom (33.7% of export value), the Netherlands (28.2%), and Italy (4.3%) remained the key partners for SADC's exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 66.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to SADC

Imports in kind, t

The import market for pumpkins, squash, and gourds in SADC showed volatility during the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 4.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 861 t, reflecting a sharp decline of 37.5% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 169 t, which also saw the largest increase of 323.6%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Special Categories (with 2.3% of total import flows) and Niue (0.8%) were the leading markets for SADC's imports in kind of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

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

Foreign supplies of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, SADC imported 2 608 K $ US worth of these crops, showing a decrease of 3.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 2 745 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Special Categories held the top positions in SADC's import structure in value terms, together accounting for 3.8% of total import flows.

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

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