Vegetable prices fluctuating at the start of summer

Zama Sangweni explores how the five key vegetable commodities of cabbages, carrots, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes performed at the end of September, and the market conditions that can be expected in future.

- By Zama Sangweni

This article provides insight into expected market trends and price movements as we are heading into the last quarter of the year, considering recent supply volumes and consumer demand patterns.

CABBAGES

Average monthly cabbage prices fell by 16,7% (see Graph 1), supported by a 2,8% increase in average volumes supplied. Average year-on-year cabbage prices declined by 37,4%, supported by a 143,4% surge in annual volumes supplied.

For the week ending 26 September, average market prices for cabbage settled at a low of R1 496/t.

Analysts anticipate cabbage volumes to be limited during the last quarter of the year, with consumer demand expected to increase, so average prices may strengthen during the period.

CARROTS

Monthly trends showed a 17,7% increase in average prices (see Graph 1), despite an 18,2% rise in monthly volumes.

For the week ending 26 September, the average market price settled at R4 281/t, marking the lowest level recorded this year.