Strawberries market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

Strawberry production in the SADC region grew steadily from 9 239 t in 2018 to 13 638 t in 2023. Over the same period, the domestic market volume for fresh strawberries fluctuated, peaking at 11 849 t in 2019 before declining to 10 670 t in 2023. This trend coincided with a dramatic shift in trade, where exports surged from 220 t to 3 908 t, while imports fell by nearly 30%.

The production increase in 2022 aligned with global supply dynamics, as lower strawberry output in Europe due to adverse weather and labor shortages created opportunities for expanded production and export from Southern Africa. By 2023, South African strawberry exports had grown by over 4000% compared to 2014 levels, a key factor explaining the reduction in domestic market volume as more produce was directed overseas. The market remains highly concentrated, with about a dozen growers responsible for 90% of the supply.

Ongoing regulatory developments, including amendments to pesticide residue limits and food safety legislation, alongside new labeling and packaging requirements, shape the operational environment. Furthermore, the Competition Commission's Fresh Produce Market Inquiry, initiated in 2023, has identified significant barriers to entry for small-scale farmers and inefficiencies in market distribution, which influence the structure and competitiveness of the sector.

Production strawberries in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

Strawberry production in SADC has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, SADC produced 11 227 tonnes of strawberries, marking a gradual rise of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 18.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 9 239 tonnes, with the largest decline of 2.2% occurring that same year. In contrast, the largest increase of 14.1% was observed in 2019.

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

Exports strawberries from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From the low in 2018 to the high in 2020, export volumes varied by a factor of 7. In 2020, strawberry shipments from SADC to abroad amounted to 1 547 tonnes, representing a significant increase of 242.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 220 tonnes, with the largest decline of 63.7% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. The United Arab Emirates (23.5% of exports in kind), Qatar (4.1%), and Kuwait (3.5%) jointly represented 31.0% of total flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 69.0%.

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

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest export value was observed in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.1 times. In 2020, strawberry export volumes from SADC totalled 8 513 thousand US dollars, up by 126.1% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 757 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.6% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (39.9% of exports in value terms), Kuwait (6.5%), and Qatar (6.4%) consistently remained the main destinations for exports in value terms, together accounting for 52.8% of total 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 strawberries to SADC

Imports in kind, t

SADC imported a total of 1 227 tonnes of strawberries in 2020, marking a decrease of 30.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 18.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 757 tonnes, with the largest increase of 33.0% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt (47.3% of imports in kind), Ethiopia (7.8%), and Portugal (1.2%) consistently occupied leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind, jointly accounting for 56.4% of total flows.

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

After a two-year improvement, SADC's strawberry import volume declined. In 2020, SADC imported strawberries worth 3 750 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a robust decrease of 22.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 750 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 15.6% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt (26.5% of imports in value terms), Portugal (3.5%), and Ethiopia (3.1%) formed the largest group of suppliers of strawberries to SADC. However, their combined contribution was limited to 33.1% of total imports in value terms, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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