Tomato juice market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African tomato juice market experienced initial growth from 2018 to 2020, driven by specific industry factors. A severe drought in 2018 reduced tomato processing volumes, constraining juice production. However, rising consumer health consciousness increased demand for healthier juice options in 2019, supporting market expansion. This was followed by a significant 22% rise in tomato juice processing activity in 2020, which boosted output and market volume to over 2.2 million liters.

After reaching a peak in 2020, production and market size declined over the next two years. Production fell from 2.22 million liters in 2020 to 1.74 million liters in 2022, while market volume dropped from 2.22 million liters to 1.69 million liters. A partial recovery occurred in 2023, with production rising to 2.01 million liters and market size to 1.82 million liters.

In later years, industry dynamics continued to evolve. Consumer preferences shifted towards juices with nutritional benefits in 2024, prompting manufacturers to expand sugar-free and reduced-sugar ranges, while global supply chain factors affected ingredient costs. By 2025, structural challenges such as high unemployment and limited access to financing for smallholder farmers influenced tomato supply, alongside technological advancements and sustained consumer demand for natural, well-labeled juice products.

Production tomato juice in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

Top producers of tomato juice, 2018-2021

World map of production of tomato juice, 2018-2021

South Africa's tomato juice production saw growth for two consecutive years before declining in 2021. That year, production reached 1 977 thousand liters, representing a significant 11.1% drop from 2020. The peak production was recorded in 2020 at 2 223 thousand liters, which also marked the largest annual increase of 9.2%.

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

Exports tomato juice from South Africa

Exports in kind, K l

Following two years of decline, South Africa's tomato juice exports rebounded in 2021, reaching 70.4 thousand liters—a 25.5% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 47.5%, averaging an annual decline of 19.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 56.1 thousand liters, which also saw the steepest drop of 54.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia were the primary destinations for South Africa's tomato juice exports by volume. Namibia accounted for 30.7% of exports, Botswana for 14.7%, and Zambia for 8.5%. Together, these three markets made up 53.9% 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

After a two-year downturn, South Africa's tomato juice exports in value terms increased in 2021, totaling 82.6 thousand US dollars—a modest 3.5% rise from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, however, export value decreased by 39.7%, with an average annual decline of 15.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 79.8 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 32.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia were the key buyers of South African tomato juice by value. Namibia held a 31.5% share of export value, Botswana 14.0%, and Zambia 9.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 55.0% of total export value.

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 tomato juice to South Africa

Imports in kind, K l

South Africa's tomato juice imports continued to grow for the second straight year in 2021, reaching 53.7 thousand liters—a 9.5% increase from 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports rose by 25.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 30.8 thousand liters, which saw the largest decline of 28.2%. In contrast, 2020 recorded the biggest increase of 59.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Poland dominated South Africa's tomato juice imports by volume, accounting for 82.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller sources.

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 tomato juice imports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, totaling 49.3 thousand US dollars—a moderate 4.5% year-over-year gain. However, from 2018 to 2021, import value decreased by 6.8%, averaging an annual decline of 2.3%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 30.8 thousand US dollars, which also saw the sharpest drop of 41.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 53.3% rise.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Poland was the leading source for South Africa's tomato juice imports by value, holding a 77.6% share of total flows. Other markets combined accounted for the remainder.

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

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