Introduction – South Africa’s Strawberry Market in Statistical Focus
Strawberries may be small, but their impact on South Africa’s agricultural export market is anything but. Over the past few years, South Africa has made serious strides in strawberry production and exports, turning heads in global markets—especially in the Middle East.
Let’s talk numbers. In 2022, the country produced around 12.86 million kilograms of strawberries. Fast forward to 2023, and that number jumped to 40,000 metric tons. That’s a massive leap, driven by the country’s diverse climate, which allows for longer growing seasons and multiple harvests across different regions.
Even though South Africa holds just 0.13% of the global market share for strawberries, ranking 38th worldwide, its exports tell a different story. In 2023, South Africa exported 4.69 million kilograms of strawberries, a 32.96% increase from the previous year. The total export value? A whopping $28.14 million.
So, where do all these berries go? The Middle East is the top destination, with countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain snapping up the bulk of shipments. The UAE alone imported nearly $12 million worth of strawberries in 2023.
The demand is so strong that the local industry has doubled in size over the past four years. And as of May 2025, farms are transitioning from the Southern Cape to inland regions like Brits and Bela-Bela to keep up with the “insatiable” demand.
In short, South Africa is growing more strawberries, exporting more strawberries, and making a name for itself in the global market. But for businesses looking to source strawberries from South Africa, choosing the right supplier is key—and that’s where a data-driven approach comes in.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
To really understand South Africa’s strawberry export machine, we need to look at the numbers behind the scenes.
In 2023:
– Production hit 40,000 metric tons.
– Exports totaled 4.69 million kilograms.
– Export Value reached $28.14 million.
Here’s how that breaks down across key markets:
– UAE: $11.83 million (1.75 million kg)
– Saudi Arabia: $6.66 million (928,000 kg)
– Qatar: $2.53 million (322,500 kg)
– Kuwait: $1.84 million (257,800 kg)
– Bahrain: $1.11 million (154,900 kg)
These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re strategic. The Middle East’s appetite for fresh fruit, especially premium strawberries, continues to grow. This makes South Africa a go-to supplier thanks to its proximity, climate, and logistical readiness.
On platforms like Freshdi, buyer activity and Request for Quote (RFQ) volumes for South African strawberries have been steadily rising. This aligns with the country’s increasing export numbers and reflects real-time demand signals from global buyers.
Top 9 Verified Strawberry Suppliers in South Africa – Leading Exporters by Volume
When it comes to sourcing strawberries from South Africa, not all suppliers are created equal. The following companies stand out for their export volumes, global reach, certifications, and excellent buyer feedback on Freshdi.
Here are the Top 9 Strawberry Suppliers in South Africa in Year 2025:
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SHOPRITE CHECKERS (PTY) LTD.
A well-established player in South Africa’s fresh produce scene, known for consistent supply and export readiness. -
Service Master Holding Pty Ltd
Offers high-quality strawberries with a reputation for meeting international standards. -
SHOPERIT CHECKERS (PTY) LTD
Another strong arm of the Checkers group, specializing in fresh fruit exports. -
VEMA HOLDINGS PTY LTD
Focused on IQF and frozen strawberry blends, ideal for foodservice and manufacturing clients. -
Shady And Sonz Automobile Pty Ltd
A diversified supplier with a growing reputation in the fruit export business. -
Cape Country Exports (Pty) Ltd
Specializes in exporting premium strawberries from the Western Cape region. -
BF GLOBAL TRADING (PTY) LTD
Known for their premium fresh strawberries and reliable logistics. -
C Import And Export (Pty) Ltd.
Offers broad export capabilities with a strong focus on quality assurance. -
GOLDEN STAR BV
A global exporter with a solid track record in delivering fresh produce worldwide. -
TIFFANY ANDERSON GROUP PTY LTD
Specializes in organic and IQF strawberries, catering to health-conscious and bulk buyers.
Dynamic Ranking Note
It’s worth noting that platforms like Freshdi update supplier rankings regularly. Their “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters by Quarter” features reflect real-time business performance, buyer feedback, and RFQ volume—perfect for keeping tabs on who’s hot in the market.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Strawberry demand isn’t just growing—it’s evolving. Buyers now look for specific qualities: shelf life, sweetness, size, and even how the fruit was grown (organic or conventional).
Seasonal price swings are also a big factor. Prices generally peak at the start and end of the season when supply is lower. Mid-season, when production is in full swing, you can often negotiate better rates.
Smart buyers use platforms like Freshdi to track these trends. Real-time data on RFQs, supplier availability, and pricing helps you avoid overpaying—or missing out entirely—during high-demand periods.
And as more regions in South Africa ramp up production, especially Brits and Bela-Bela, we’re likely to see more consistent year-round supply. This is a huge win for importers looking for stable pricing and availability.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
South Africa’s strawberry export market is booming—and it’s no accident. With favorable climate conditions, strong Middle Eastern demand, and a growing list of verified suppliers, the country has positioned itself as a premium source for fresh and frozen strawberries.
For businesses, the key is working with top-performing exporters who meet global standards. Platforms like Freshdi make this easier than ever by offering:
– Verified supplier profiles
– Market intelligence
– RFQ history and trends
– Buyer reviews and performance metrics
In 2025, sourcing strawberries from South Africa isn’t just about finding a supplier—it’s about finding the right supplier, at the right time, for the right price. And data is the map that gets you there.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa’s strawberry exports hit $28.14 million in 2023.
- Middle East markets are the primary destination for these exports.
- Verified suppliers on Freshdi offer traceability, quality, and reliability.
- Demand peaks during off-seasons, so timing your purchase matters.
- Platforms like Freshdi are essential for real-time market insights.
Checklist for Strawberry Buyers in 2025
✅ Look for GAP and HACCP certifications
✅ Compare supplier performance on Freshdi
✅ Evaluate seasonal price trends
✅ Confirm supply capacity and export experience
✅ Track buyer reviews and RFQ fulfillment rates
Future Outlook – What’s Next for South African Strawberry Exports?
With demand continuing to grow, especially from health-conscious consumers and Middle Eastern markets, South Africa’s strawberry industry is set to expand even further. Expect:
– More investment in cold-chain infrastructure
– An increase in organic and IQF offerings
– Expanded growing regions for year-round supply
For buyers, this means more options, better pricing, and greater reliability—especially if you’re plugged into platforms like Freshdi, where you can track these changes as they happen.
How Freshdi Empowers Strawberry Buyers
Freshdi is more than a marketplace—it’s your procurement control tower. Here’s how it helps:
– Supplier Verification: Only certified, trusted suppliers
– Market Insights: Track export volumes, buyer trends, and pricing
– Global RFQs: Post and compare quotes from multiple exporters
– Dynamic Rankings: Know who’s performing best in real-time
References
- Tridge: Strawberry Market Insights – South Africa
- SME Blue Pages – Strawberry Production Data
- WITS World Bank Trade Data
- FreshPlaza – Industry Growth Trends
- Success Edge Exporters Network – 2025 Seasonal Update
FAQs
1. What makes South Africa a good source for strawberries?
South Africa offers favorable climate, long growing seasons, and high-quality fruit that meet global export standards—especially for markets like the Middle East.
2. When is the best time to buy South African strawberries?
Mid-season (late spring to early summer) offers the best balance of price and availability. Off-season purchases may cost more due to lower supply.
3. How do I verify strawberry suppliers in South Africa?
Use platforms like Freshdi to view certification, buyer reviews, RFQ history, and performance metrics.
4. Are frozen strawberries available from South Africa?
Yes. Suppliers like VEMA HOLDINGS PTY LTD and TIFFANY ANDERSON GROUP PTY LTD offer IQF and frozen options for bulk buyers.
5. Can I post RFQs directly to South African suppliers?
Absolutely. On Freshdi, you can post RFQs and receive competitive quotes from verified South African exporters.
