Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market volume for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in South Africa increased from 249 thousand tons to 253 thousand tons. This growth was supported by continued government investment in national fresh produce market infrastructure, which improved market access for small-scale farmers. However, in 2020, market volume contracted to 246 thousand tons due to global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected South Africa's fresh produce sector.

Market volume stabilized at 247 thousand tons in 2021 as the ongoing effects of the pandemic influenced supply chains and consumer behavior. A recovery followed in 2022, with volume rising to 254 thousand tons. This increase coincided with the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan in May 2022, which provided policy support for agro-processing and market access improvements, alongside a broader industry focus on marketing and branding to boost demand.

The market expanded further to 264 thousand tons in 2023, with its value rising sharply to $185.8 million. This growth was supported by the findings of the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry in March 2023, which addressed market access challenges, and a noted consumer shift towards plant-based and functional foods. Early 2024 data showed a 5.68% sales increase for pumpkins at key regional fresh produce markets, indicating sustained demand.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa ranked 20th globally in the production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2018-2021

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 276.4 thousand tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a modest increase of 2.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 0.4%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Pumpkins, squash, and gourds production in South Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 166.9 million US dollars, representing a year-on-year rise of 13.1%. From 2018 to 2021, production expanded by 31.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Pumpkins, squash, and gourds exports from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, South Africa exported 31 016 tonnes, which is 20.9% higher than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 51.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 18 908 tonnes, with the largest decline of 7.4% occurring that same year. The most significant increase was in 2020, with a jump of 35.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Botswana were the leading destinations for South Africa's pumpkins, squash, and gourds exports in kind. The United Kingdom accounted for 33.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 27.5%, and Botswana for 11.8%, collectively representing 72.8% 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

Pumpkins, squash, and gourds export volumes from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 18 728 thousand US dollars, a 33.4% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 93%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.5%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 9 036 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 6.9% occurring that year. The most significant increase was in 2020, with a rise of 55.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Botswana were the main destinations for South Africa's pumpkins, squash, and gourds exports in value terms. The United Kingdom held 32.9% of exports, the Netherlands 32.4%, and Botswana 7.3%, together accounting for 72.6% of total export flows.

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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, South Africa's import volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds amounted to 1 571 tonnes, a decrease of 36.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 35.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 467 tonnes, with the largest increase of 44.3% occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia was the primary supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to South Africa, accounting for 85.8% of total imports in kind, while a diverse group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

In 2021, South Africa's imported pumpkins, squash, and gourds volumes totaled 551 thousand US dollars, marking a contraction of 28.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 44.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 17.8%. The largest drop was in 2019, with a decrease of 39.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2020, with a rise of 28.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Namibia dominated imports in value terms, accounting for 75.0% of total flows, with a fragmented group of other markets making up the rest.

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

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