South Africa: Markets Sell 76 Million 10-kg Potato Bags in 37 Weeks as Limpopo Volumes Fall 19%
South African fresh produce markets sold 2.23 million more potato bags than the five-year average by week 37. Limpopo sold 19% less, while the Northern Cape, North West and Free State grew.
Fresh produce markets in South Africa have sold more potatoes than usual this year. According to Potatoes South Africa, the markets sold 76,014,089 bags of 10 kg in the first 37 weeks of 2026. That is 2,232,874 bags more than the five-year average.
The average price so far this year is R50.75 per 10-kg bag. In the week to 11 September, the average price was R66.19 per bag. This was 1% higher than in the previous week. The number of bags sold rose 14% week on week.
Regions move in different directions
Limpopo remains the largest supplier. It accounts for 45% of sales on the fresh produce markets. However, Limpopo sold 19% fewer bags than in the first 37 weeks of 2025. Its volume is 1,150,914 bags below the five-year average. Its potatoes fetched an average of R66.11 per 10 kg.
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Other regions filled the gap. Sales from the Western Free State rose 6%. The Northern Cape sold 38% more bags, and North West sold 22% more. KwaZulu-Natal added 16%. Sales fell in several other regions: Eastern Cape by 41%, Ceres by 17%, South Western Free State by 9% and Sandveld by 5%.
Quality and prices
Quality was generally good in August. Class 1 potatoes made up 76% of market sales. Class 2 made up 17%, and classes 3 and 4 made up 7%. Seven of the 14 regions kept a Class 1 share above 70%.
Prices differed by region. Limpopo had a Class 1 share of 84%. The Western Free State had 73% and an average price of R62.13 per 10 kg. The Northern Cape had 51% and an average of R61.66. The Eastern Free State averaged R59.79.
Why it matters
National supply is above average, even though the largest region delivers less. Growth in the Northern Cape, North West and Free State has kept the markets well stocked. Among the four largest regions, Limpopo had both the highest Class 1 share and the highest price.
For growers, this makes grading and quality a key part of income. Buyers can expect steady volumes from several regions. The latest week showed a small 1% price rise, while volumes grew faster.
Photo: A potato harvest (not South Africa) (illustrative). David Edwards / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
