South African potato prices have surged by 15% on average in the past week, according to industry data released Wednesday. The increase follows black frost damage to crops in Limpopo, a key potato-producing area.
Potatoes are a crucial starchy staple in South Africa, alongside maize meal and bread. The nation produced 2.4 million tons of potatoes in 2023, ranking as Africa’s third-largest producer behind Egypt and Algeria.
Data from Potatoes SA revealed that average prices for 10 kg of potatoes rose to 85.31 rand ($4.80) by Aug. 28, up from 74.24 rand a week earlier. Prices have surged even more in Nelspruit and Cape Town, where a bag now costs nearly 100 rand.
The price increases began accelerating during the last two weeks of July. Limpopo, usually a major supplier from July to December, was severely affected by frost, causing significant crop damage.
This price spike occurs as South Africa’s food inflation eased to 3.9% in July, the lowest since January 2020, and consumer inflation dropped to 4.6%, its lowest in three years.
