South African consumers are faced with high prices for potatoes and onions. A 7kg bag of potatoes costs at least 100% more now than it did a year ago, while a 10kg bag of onions was 63% higher year-on-year (y/y).
At most large retailers, a 7kg bag of potatoes was trading at between R110 and 150, while a 10kg bag of onions was trading at R180 to 250, depending on the class. A 10kg bag of white onions was trading at R130 to 140, while a 10kg bag of red onions was trading at R280.
Potato prices have more than doubled over the past year, showing a 102% increase in price in October 2023. Data collected from the Bureau of Food and Agricultural Policy has shown that the instability in demand for fresh produce has exacerbated increases owing to lower outputs.
Hanrie Greebe, communications manager at Potatoes South Africa, said prices were determined by fresh produce markets, responding to market dynamics like supply and demand, and were influenced by seasonal variations, product availability and grading. Greebe said one of the primary factors contributing to the price increase was the significant impact of load-shedding on the industry, which had hindered farmers from maintaining consistent irrigation practices.
[ R10 = €0.49 ]
Source: farmersweekly.co.za