Cabbage and carrots market trends
Cabbage volumes are low at the moment. Prices are higher than last year with a monthly average of R2.70/kg for the month of March. This is due to the lower volumes produced this year compared to the last year caused by extreme weather changes. Prices over the last 3 months have been relatively stable. We expect the prices to come down over the next three months, not going over the current average of R2.70/kg.
Onion prices are lower than the prior year. Volumes were high and the quality was not good which had a downward impact on the prices. However the markets are recovering and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. Volumes are also expected to be low over the coming weeks which will also drive up price.
Due to the expected increase in demand over the Easter period we expect carrot prices to be higher. Less volumes have been seen over the last two months, however the demand was healthy, which led to the prices being at higher levels compared to last year. We predict the prices to remain high at around an average of R4/kg during the month of April and May due to fewer producers during this time, however prices are expected to come down from June through to July due to an expected increased supply of carrots during those months.
Onions and potatoes market trends
Onion prices are lower than the prior year. Volumes were high and the quality was not good which had a downward impact on the prices. However the markets are recovering and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. Volumes are also expected to be low over the coming weeks which will also drive up price.
Due to the expected increase in demand over the Easter period we expect the Carrot prices to be higher. Less volume have been seen over the last two months however the demand was healthy, which led to the prices being at higher levels compared to last year. We predict the prices to remain high at around an average of R4/kg during the month of April and May due to fewer producers during this time, however prices are expected to come down from June through to July due to an expected increased supply of carrots during those months.
Based on seasonality potato prices would have been expected to be the highest during this time of the year however potato prices have come down from January until March due to the reduced quality in the crop and higher volumes produced. Prices are expected to stabilise over the next three months, however they could be at levels lower than prices this time last year.
Tomatoes market trends
Tomatoes have seen a shortage in volumes in the last few months due to the high humid temperatures in the northern region as well as hail in the Brits region, all of which have resulted in the high prices seen. These volumes are expected to decline over the next few months which will have a downward impact on the price. We believe prices have reached their peak, and will remain at this level during the Easter period and then slightly decrease.
