Preserving and Processing of Fruit and Vegetables in South Africa 2025

This report on preserving and processing fruit and vegetables in South Africa includes comprehensive information on processed deciduous, citrus and subtropical fruit as well as dried and frozen fruit, juices and purees, and vegetables. There is information on the size and state of the industry, including manufacturing sales, production, and producer inflation. There is information on notable players, corporate actions, and influencing factors such as cyclicality and seasonality, post-harvest losses, and new technology and innovation.

The report includes profiles of 17 companies such as Pioneer Foods, RFG, Tiger Consumer Brands, Clover and Libstar, McCain, Ceres, Clover, Giants Canners, Frut, Summerpride Foods and Granor-Passi.

Introduction

• The fruit and vegetable processing and preserving industry adds value to raw produce, reduces post-harvest losses and extends shelf life to meet growing demand for convenient and shelf-stable food products.
• South Africa is well-positioned due to its favourable and diverse climate, well-established agricultural base and globally competitive fruit production industry.
• The country is a major exporter of canned fruit, dried fruit, fruit juice and frozen vegetables,
• The industry is anchored by major players, complemented by a growing number of SMEs and contract processors.
• Shifting consumer preferences are creating new domestic and export opportunities.

Market Trends

• Climate-resilient agri-tech and irrigation
• Growth in health-conscious and organic products.
• Growth of ecommerce and direct-to-consumer channels.
• Growth of processed fruit export opportunities and diversification.
• Increased use of agricultural waste by-products and waste reduction.
• Innovation in packaging.
• Private label expansion.
• Processing capacity expansion.
• Rising demand for convenience foods.
• Shift from bulk to niche and artisanal products and SME growth.
• Sustainability-driven product innovation and eco-conscious packaging.
• Technological and process innovation.

Market Opportunities

• Circular economy and converting food waste into materials or products.
• Cold chain and logistics infrastructure development.
• Expanding export markets.
• Growth of alternative retail channels and ecommerce.
• Investment in renewable energy.
• Niche products.
• Product diversification and value-added products.
• SME and agri-entrepreneur support.
• Technology adoption.

Market Challenges

• Access to raw materials.
• Climate change risks.
• Consumer shifts to private labels.
• Electricity reliability and energy costs.
• Food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Fragmented supply chains and crop seasonality.
• Labour constraints and technical skills shortages.
• Logistics and infrastructure.
• Post-harvest losses.
• Rising input and production costs.
• Waste and by-product management.
• Water scarcity and sustainability pressures.

Market Outlook

• The industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by health-conscious consumption, the convenience of ready-to-eat foods, expanding export opportunities and private label products.
• Global demand is expected to remain strong, driven by health and wellness trends and the need for shelf-stable, convenient food options.
• The sector is expected to continue adopting advanced technologies and process innovations.
• Ongoing challenges include energy insecurity and infrastructure bottlenecks, rising input and operating costs, climate change, water scarcity, and regulatory and market access constraints.
• Geopolitical instability and trade policy uncertainty present risks.