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Fresh Vegetables - Southern Africa

Southern Africa
  • Revenue in the Fresh Vegetables market amounts to US$4.55bn in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.74% (CAGR 2025-2030).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$107bn in 2025).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$61.47 are generated in 2025.
  • In the Fresh Vegetables market, volume is expected to amount to 2.84bn kg by 2030. The Fresh Vegetables market is expected to show a volume growth of 5.6% in 2026.
  • The average volume per person in the Fresh Vegetables market is expected to amount to 33.1kg in 2025.

Definition:

The Fresh Vegetables market covers several types of fresh edible plants (both whole or part of, fresh and chilled) that haven't been canned, frozen, dehydrated, or preserved in any way. This market is divided into seven submarkets that are tomatoes, potatoes, leafy vegetables, cabbage vegetables, onions, root vegetables & mushrooms, and other fresh vegetables such as pumpkins, eggplants, zucchinis, cucumbers, paprikas, bamboo shoots, and legumes.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

In-Scope
  • Tomatoes and potatoes
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Cabbage vegetables
  • Onions, root vegetables and mushrooms
  • Other fresh vegetables (e.g. pumpkins, eggplants, zucchini, beans, cucumber)
  • Pre-sliced and pre-cut vegetables
Out-Of-Scope
  • Frozen vegetables
  • Processed vegetables
  • Vegetable-based ready-to-eat meals
  • Salad kits/ Vegetable kits
  • Fresh vegetable dips
  • Out-of-home consumption

Revenue

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update:

Source: Statista Market Insights

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Source: Statista Market Insights

Volume

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Source: Statista Market Insights

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Source: Statista Market Insights

Price

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Source: Statista Market Insights

Sales Channels

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Source: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

Most recent update:

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Fresh Vegetables Market in Southern Africa is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as fluctuating weather conditions, changing consumer preferences for healthier diets, and increased competition from imported produce, which affects local supply and pricing dynamics.

Customer preferences:
Consumers in Southern Africa are increasingly prioritizing fresh, locally-sourced vegetables as part of their quest for healthier lifestyles, reflecting a shift towards sustainability and nutrition. This trend is amplified by the growing influence of urbanization, with younger generations embracing plant-based diets and organic produce. Additionally, cultural nuances, such as traditional cooking practices, are evolving to incorporate more fresh vegetables, further driving demand. Social media platforms are also playing a vital role in shaping consumer preferences, as they promote awareness of health benefits and innovative recipes.

Trends in the market:
In Southern Africa, the Fresh Vegetables Market is experiencing a surge in demand for organic and locally-sourced produce, driven by consumers' increasing focus on health and sustainability. Urbanization is fueling a shift towards plant-based diets, particularly among younger demographics who prioritize fresh ingredients. The integration of traditional cooking methods with contemporary culinary trends is also influencing purchasing behaviors. Additionally, social media is elevating awareness of the nutritional benefits of fresh vegetables, urging industry stakeholders to adapt their offerings and marketing strategies to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances:
In Southern Africa, the Fresh Vegetables Market is shaped by diverse climatic conditions that support a wide range of crops, enhancing local production capabilities. Cultural preferences for indigenous vegetables play a vital role, with traditional recipes driving demand for specific produce. Regulatory frameworks promoting organic farming are gaining traction, encouraging sustainable practices among farmers. Additionally, informal markets remain a critical distribution channel, reflecting community-based consumption patterns and providing accessible options for urban consumers seeking fresh, affordable vegetables.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Fresh Vegetables Market in Southern Africa is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as agricultural productivity, trade policies, and consumer spending patterns. The region's economic health, characterized by GDP growth and inflation rates, directly impacts the purchasing power of consumers, affecting demand for fresh produce. Favorable fiscal policies that support agricultural subsidies and infrastructure development enhance local production capabilities, while global economic trends, such as commodity price fluctuations, influence export opportunities. Additionally, increasing urbanization and changing dietary preferences drive demand for fresh vegetables, aligning with global health trends emphasizing nutrition and sustainability.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

Key Market Indicators

Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

Most recent update:

Source: Statista Market Insights

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