Potato & Onion Price Comparison | 5 Aug 2024

Summary

This week's AMT/John Deere Fresh Produce Market overview discusses the unusual drop in onion prices below potato prices for the first time since March, driven by high volumes and a strong upward trend in potatoes. The report also covers the Rand's sideways movement, Brent crude oil's volatility due to geopolitical tensions, and market trends for other produce like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. It forecasts a potential downward trend for onions, while highlighting the benefits of FieldNET Pivot Watch for farm irrigation management and promoting the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association's Southern Africa Conference.

Takeaways

• 📉 Onion prices dropped below potato prices for the first time since March.
• 💱 The Rand is currently trading at R18.18 per US dollar, moving sideways between R18 and R18.50.
• 🛢️ Brent crude oil price decreased to $77.90 per barrel due to volatile market conditions and geopolitical concerns.
• 🥔 Average national potato price increased by 16% to R80.75 per 10kg with expected shortages driving further price increases.
• 🍅 Tomato prices decreased by 18% to R8.07 per kilogram with expectations for prices to stay low during August and September.
• 🥕 Carrot prices remained stable at R3.92 per kilogram with higher volumes expected to keep prices low until October.
• 🧅 Average onion price decreased by 8% to R62.60 per 10kg, expected to drop below R50 and stay low until December.
• 🌶️ Pepper prices varied with green peppers at R18.43, yellow at R26.52, and red peppers increased by 12% to R33.75 per kilogram.
• 🍇 Average table grape price increased to R152.92 per kilogram, with pineapple, lemon, and blueberry prices also showing variations.
• 📅 International Fresh Produce Association's Southern Africa Conference will be held from August 5th to 6th in Cape Town.

Q & A

What is the focus of this week's AMT / John Deere Fresh Produce Market overview?

The focus of this week's overview is on onion prices, which have moved below potato prices for the first time since March, and the potential direction of these prices over the next month.

What is the current trend of the Rand against the US dollar?

The Rand is currently at R18.18 per US dollar and has been in a downward trend over the past few weeks, reaching lower highs each time, but now appears to be moving sideways within the band of R18 and R18.50.

How has the Brent crude oil price been affected by recent events?

The Brent crude oil price decreased to $77.90 per barrel due to volatile markets influenced by Iran's reaction to the murder of the Hamas' leader and weak PMI data from the US and China, which could lower demand for Brent crude oil.

What was the percentage increase in the average national potato price over the past week?

The average national potato price increased by 16% to R80.75 per 10kg with volumes 12% higher week on week.

What are the current prices for different sizes of potatoes?

The large potato price is at R90, mediums at R78, and smalls at R60 per 10kg.

When is the expected drop in potato volumes in Limpopo?

The drop in potato volumes in Limpopo is expected to come into the market at the end of August or the start of September.

How did the tomato price and volume change in the past week?

The tomato price decreased by 18% to R8.07 per kilogram with volumes increasing by 13%.

What is the current trend for onion prices compared to the previous month?

Onion prices are in a downward trend, decreasing by 8% to R62.60 per 10kg, and for the first time since March, they have moved below potato prices.

What is the expected trend for pepper prices in August?

The pepper prices are expected to remain on a higher level for the remainder of August due to lower volumes.

What is the FieldNET Pivot Watch and how can it benefit farmers?

FieldNET Pivot Watch is a monitoring system for irrigation systems that offers unmatched surveillance of any pivot, anytime, anywhere, providing cost-effective and time-saving solutions for farmers.

When and where is the International Fresh Produce Association's Southern Africa Conference taking place?

The conference is taking place from August 5th to 6th at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.

What is the latest information on the average price of bananas and their volumes?

The banana price increased to R7.32 per kilogram or R132 per 18kg box with volumes increasing by 8% week on week.

What are the current prices and trends for apples and pears?

The latest apple price decreased to R9.72 and is expected to stay on a higher level at least until November. The pear price decreased to R10.64 per kilogram and is likely to remain sideways over the next few weeks.

How did the avocado and table grape prices change recently?

The Avo price decreased to R14.78 per kilogram with volumes jumping by 15% week on week. The average table grape price increased to R152.92.