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The average weekly price of potatoes during the first 44 weeks of 2025 at South Africa’s fresh produce markets (FPMs) showed a week-on-week increase of 8%. Figure 1, which tracks the weekly average price across all markets and potato classes and sizes, shows that the average price in week 44 stood at R51.15 per 10 kg bag. This represents not only a week-on-week increase but also a year-on-year decrease of R18.78 compared to the corresponding week in 2024, underscoring heightened price volatility and market fluctuations.
Stock levels and price trends
Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between supply and demand by analysing average daily stock levels alongside price trends. Elevated stock levels typically place downward pressure on prices. The average daily stock across South African FPMs was 805 687 bags (10 kg) during the first 44 weeks of 2025. In October, this figure rose to 809 849 bags – 10% higher than the October 2024 average of 734 501 bags.
Sales volumes and trends
Figure 3 presents a year-on-year comparison of monthly sales volumes, showing a 39% increase in October 2025 compared to October 2024. Despite this growth, cumulative sales for the first 44 weeks of 2025 totalled 88.6 million 10 kg bags, which is 1 198 297 bags above the five-year average for the same period, as shown in Figure 4. Notably, the average price in 2025 is R0.46 less than the five-year average.
Monthly sales trends at FPMs, depicted in Figure 5, indicate a significate month-on-month increase, with October 2025 recording 10.9 million 10 kg bags sold, compared to 8.4 million bags in September 2025. This represents a volume increase of 2 464 061 bags (10 kg). The three months from July to September saw record sales at FPMs with 25% higher volumes than the five- and ten-year averages.
Bag sales and averages
Table 1 outlines the number of bags sold at the various FPMs during the first 44 weeks of 2025.
The five biggest markets during this period were collectively responsible for 83.6% of the country’s sales, showcasing their pivotal role in the potato supply chain. The average price per 10 kg bag across all classes and sizes is also reflected in Table 1.
In terms of the top average price per 10 kg bag fetched at the markets during the first 44 weeks, Nelspruit Market led with R65.87 per 10 kg bag followed by Kei Market at R64.25 per 10 kg bag and Cape Town Market at R61.56 per 10 kg bag. In terms of Class 1 (all sizes) sales, Nelspruit, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town Markets’ total sales consisted of 84, 78, 76 and 70% bags, respectively, with Johannesburg the highest of the top five markets.
Figure 6 illustrates the year-on-year price change at the top five markets for the first 44 weeks of 2025, with all markets experiencing price declines. Johannesburg Market’s price showed the greatest percentage decline, with a price decrease of 21.1%.
However, Figure 7 highlights a corresponding 9.8% year-on-year increase in sales volume at this market. The volumes sold at Tshwane Market increased by a notable 12.7% year-on-year, with higher volumes placing downward pressure on prices.
Regional performance
Figure 8 indicates sales performance at regional level. KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Free State showed a decline in the first 44 weeks of the year. The Eastern Free State, Northwest, Limpopo and Sandveld regions recorded volume growth. The Eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Free State, North West, Limpopo and the Sandveld collectively accounted for 81% of total national potato sales in the first 44 weeks of 2025, as summarised in Table 2.
The classification of potatoes also varies significantly by region, as shown in Table 2. Regions such as Limpopo, North West and Gauteng led in Class 1 sales, with 85, 81 and 90% of their sales falling into this premium category, respectively. Overall, 13 of the 15 regions maintained a Class 1 sales ratio above 60%, reflecting consistent quality standards across much of the country. – Dikgetho Mokoena and Jodie Hattingh, Potatoes SA
For more information, email Dikgetho Mokoena at dikgetho@potatoes.co.za or Jodie Hattingh at jodie@potatoes.co.za