
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 243.58 Million |
Market Size (2030) | USD 335.30 Million |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.60 % |
South Africa Lime Market Analysis
The South Africa Lime Market size is estimated at USD 243.58 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 335.30 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- The lime fruit market in South Africa plays a significant role in the country's agricultural sector, driven by both domestic consumption and export opportunities. Limes are widely used in South Africa for fresh consumption, juices, and as a culinary flavoring ingredient. They are commonly incorporated into beverages, desserts, and salads, making them a staple in households and restaurants alike. The global trend toward healthier eating habits has positively influenced the lime market. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients, limes have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. This rising demand for lime-based products, such as juices, smoothies, and flavoured water, has encouraged manufacturers to introduce new lime-containing products. For example, in 2023, Miller Genuine Draft expanded its product line with the launch of 'Miller Lime,' a new entrant in the flavoured beer category
- The growing potential of organic lime in international markets has sparked increased interest in organic lime farming. According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, South Africa exported 5,861 metric tons of organic limes in 2022. To meet the rising demand for organic fruits in both domestic and international markets, some South African producers are transitioning to organic lime production, which is supporting market growth. However, trade regulations also influence the international lime trade. In 2022, the European Union introduced new regulations for South African citrus imports, requiring compliance for consignments arriving after July 14, 2022. Consequently, the combination of rising local demand, the shift toward organic lime production, and evolving trade regulations is shaping the South African lime market during the forecast period.
South Africa Lime Market Trends
Rising Area Harvested Under Lime Drives the Market
- South Africa’s lime production thrives in regions with optimal climate and soil conditions. Key areas like Limpopo and the Western Cape leverage these favourable conditions to support large-scale lime cultivation for export markets. The primary lime variety grown in South Africa is the Persian lime, also known as the Tahiti lime. These limes are seedless, larger, and more durable than other varieties. FAOSTAT data indicates that the area harvested for lime cultivation expanded from 29,939 hectares in 2021 to 35,273 hectares in 2022. This increase in harvested area has directly supported higher production levels, with lime output rising from 6.5 million metric tons in 2021 to 7.7 million tons in 2022, according to FAOSTAT.
- As a major producer and exporter of limes, South Africa’s citrus sector faces growing energy demands for irrigation, refrigeration, packing, and processing. To tackle these challenges, farmers are implementing advanced farming techniques, such as improved irrigation systems and pest management practices, to boost lime production. Solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as sustainable energy solutions. RenEnergy, with over 12 years of experience in the agricultural sector, provides customized solar energy solutions to address the specific energy needs of South African farmers, ensuring sustainability in production and processing. Therefore, production improvements, and an expanding cultivation area are key factors driving lime production growth during the study period.

High Export Potential Aids the Market
- South Africa plays a vital role in the global citrus market, with limes being a significant export commodity. The country has been experiencing steady growth in lime exports, supported by favourable production in the country driving the global competitiveness. According to ITC Trademap, lime exports increased from 557 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 565 thousand metric tons in 2023. In 2023, South Africa became the fourth-largest lime exporter, achieving self-sufficiency in production. The primary export destinations include Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, where demand for fresh and nutritious products is rising among health-conscious consumers. The ITC trade map identifies the Netherlands (21%), UAE (11%), Russia (8%), United Kingdom (7%), Iran (6%), and Iraq (5%) as the leading importers of South African limes.
- South Africa benefits from trade agreements like the EU-South Africa Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), which provide preferential access to European markets. The removal of tariffs on specific agricultural exports, including limes, strengthens the competitiveness of South African citrus in Europe. Additionally, in 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development announced initiatives to support the citrus sector by fostering multilateral relations with Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore to enhance market access in the East. Consequently, the combination of increasing production and strong trade partnerships is projected to sustain the growth of South Africa's lime exports during the forecast period.

South Africa Lime Market News
- February 2024: AB InBev's South African Breweries (SAB) allocated 19 million rand (USD 999,000) to a lime farming project in northern Limpopo. This investment seeks to enhance domestic lime production and address a local shortage impacting traditional drinking practices.
- April 2023: Summer Citrus, a South African company, announced that its 2023 harvest of limes produced in containers increased by 76% compared to the previous year.
South Africa Lime Industry Segmentation
Lime is a small, lemon-shaped, greenish-yellow citrus fruit with a juicy, sour pulp, rich in ascorbic acid. The South African lime market report analyzes the production(volume), consumption(value and volume), import(value and volume), export(value and volume) and price trend of South African lime. The report offers the market size and forecasts in value (USD) and volume (Metric Tons) for all the above segments.
South Africa | Production Analysis |
Consumption Analysis and Market Value | |
Import Analysis by Volume and Value | |
Export Analysis by Volume and Value | |
Price Trend Analysis |
South Africa Lime Market Research FAQs
How big is the South Africa Lime Market?
The South Africa Lime Market size is expected to reach USD 243.58 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.60% to reach USD 335.30 million by 2030.
What is the current South Africa Lime Market size?
In 2025, the South Africa Lime Market size is expected to reach USD 243.58 million.
What years does this South Africa Lime Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South Africa Lime Market size was estimated at USD 227.50 million. The report covers the South Africa Lime Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Lime Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South Africa Lime Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South Africa Lime market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South Africa Lime analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.