Sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African market for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts saw its volume grow from 855 t in 2018 to 1 204 t in 2020, even as domestic production faced headwinds. The introduction of the Sugary Beverages Levy in April 2018 and a reported 20.4% drop in raw fruit and vegetable output raised producer costs and constrained local supply, which was offset by increased imports to meet demand. A consumer shift towards healthier alternatives contributed to a market contraction to 1 080 t in 2021.

Market volume then experienced significant volatility, jumping to 1 545 t in 2022 before falling sharply to 878 t in 2023. This period coincided with a peak in production at 1 401 t in 2022, followed by a decline and a substantial increase in exports the next year, which reduced domestic availability.

By 2024, consumer prices for key inputs had risen sharply, with sugar up 16.3%, fruit 6.6%, and vegetables 13.2%, influencing consumption amid adverse weather and changing production costs. Looking ahead, the emergence of new players offering healthier options like cactus waters and a strong trend towards plant-based, functional foods are shaping consumer preferences in the sector.

Production sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 20th globally in the production of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts.

Top producers of sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 980.8 t, marking a 14.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, production rose by 17.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 698.0 t, which saw the largest decline of 16.5%. In contrast, 2020 recorded the biggest increase at 23.1%.

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

Exports sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts showed volatility from 2018 to 2021. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 129.2 t, with a sharp decline of 70.1% that year. By 2021, exports rebounded to 394.1 t, a 163.9% jump from 2020. The peak in 2018 was 3.3 times higher than the 2019 low, highlighting significant fluctuations.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa's exports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts were spread across many countries. The top three partners—Namibia (19.4% of exports), Lesotho (13.7%), and the Netherlands (13.3%)—together accounted for 46.4% of total export volume, indicating a diverse market with no single dominant destination.

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

Export values for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts were volatile from 2018 to 2021. The lowest point was in 2020 at 321 K $ US, following a 51.2% drop in 2019. In 2021, exports surged to 674 K $ US, a 109.9% increase from the previous year. The peak in 2018 was 2.6 times higher than the 2020 trough, reflecting notable market swings.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's export revenue for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts was distributed among numerous markets. The leading partners—Namibia (16.3% of export value), Zambia (16.2%), and the Netherlands (10.6%)—combined for 43.2% of total value, with many smaller countries holding modest shares, underscoring a fragmented export landscape.

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 sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's imports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts fell for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 493.7 t, remaining largely unchanged from 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports grew by 9.4%, with an average annual increase of 3.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 503.0 t, which saw an 11.5% rise. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 1.7%.

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

During 2018–2021, South Africa's imports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts were concentrated among a few key suppliers. The Netherlands (39.0% of import volume), Greece (28.5%), and Italy (12.9%) formed the core group, together making up 80.4% of total imports, showing a more consolidated import structure compared to exports.

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

South Africa's spending on imported sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 209 K $ US, up 4.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, import value rose by 10.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main sources of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts for South Africa by value were the Netherlands (31.9% of import value), Greece (31.6%), and Italy (14.1%). These three countries accounted for 77.6% of total import value, highlighting a strong reliance on a limited number of suppliers.

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

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