South Africa’s fresh produce markets moved more goods in April 2026, but earned less money in the process, exposing pressure points in the country’s food distribution system and raising concerns about oversupply, pricing and operational bottlenecks.
This is according to a market performance report compiled by Nkateko Mtombeni, a third-year BSC Agricultural Economics student at the North-West University (NWU), who compiled the report with Dr Lindikaya Myeki, a senior lecturer in the subject group Agricultural Economics.
“The fresh produce market remains an important part of South Africa’s food system, but the latest figures show that higher volumes do not always translate into higher revenue,” says Nkateko. “The trends also point to the need for stronger market coordination and improved supply chain management.”
The report analysed data from the South African Union of Food Markets on 16 national fresh produce markets.
According to the report, issued in mid-May 2026, the fresh produce industry generated total revenue of R1,9 billion in April this year, representing a 10% decline compared to the same month in 2025. During the same period, tradable mass increased by 12% to 270 000 metric tons.
Leading markets
Johannesburg remained the country’s leading fresh produce market, generating R919 million from 122 000 metric tons of produce traded. Tshwane followed with R378 million, while Cape Town, Durban and Ekurhuleni completed the top five markets. Together, the five markets accounted for 88% of the total market share.
Nkateko says the figures reveal how dominant the larger metropolitan markets are in South Africa’s agricultural economy.
“The concentration of trade in a few major markets highlights the importance of infrastructure and logistics in determining market performance,” she says.
The report highlights potatoes as the largest contributor to revenue, accounting for 22% or R428 million of total earnings. However, the potato sector experienced declines in most major markets.
Market bottlenecks
The report links the decline to oversupply, climate variability and supply chain challenges. Potatoes SA CEO Willie Jacobs is quoted in the report as saying the country’s markets currently handle an average of 1,2 million 10 kg-bags of potatoes per week, but volumes above 800 000 bags create bottlenecks that reduce quality and increase losses.
Onions contributed 13% or R252 million to total revenue, with the Gqeberha market leading performance in that category. Smaller markets such as Emalahleni and Vereeniging recorded significant declines.
Tomatoes generated R210 million, accounting for 11% of industry revenue. The average tomato price dropped from R14 962 per metric ton in April 2025 to R11 300 in April 2026 as tradable mass increased. Pietermaritzburg, Matlosana and Welkom emerged as the strongest tomato markets during the period under review.
The report also notes recent developments affecting the sector, including the closure of the Kei and Mbombela fresh produce markets by the Agricultural Produce Council. Another development was a High Court judgment handed down in Mahikeng concerning payment disputes involving the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market in Klerksdorp, potentially affecting future operations at the market.
While some factors affecting revenue are beyond the control of the fresh produce industry, others can be addressed through better market condition and supply chain management. The NWU report is an invaluable source of well-researched market information.
Nkateko Mtombeni is a third-year BSc Agricultural Economics student at the NWU.
