This week's South African AMT Fresh Produce Market Report by Dr Johann van der Merwe shows blueberry prices continue to struggle and are expected to stay under pressure for the remainder of the year, with a possible recovery from mid-January through April. Vegetable demand strengthened across most categories, pushing potato prices up by more than 10 per cent to R49.38 per kilogram (US$2.65), despite higher market volumes.
Butternuts, pumpkins, spinach, and cabbage also recorded price gains. Tomatoes, onions, and carrots moved lower due to increased supply entering the markets. On the fruit side, table grape prices declined by 20 per cent following an 88 per cent increase in volumes, with further reductions likely in the short term. Citrus performed well, with oranges and naartjies showing upward movement, while blueberries remain weak and slightly below levels recorded this time last year.
Overall market demand is expected to remain firm in the coming week, which may help stabilise pricing across several categories.
Source: AfricanFarming
