South Africa Lime Market Size

South Africa Lime Market Analysis

The South Africa Lime Market size is estimated at USD 223.25 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 300.88 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.15% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• Citrus is the most important agricultural product in South Africa. South Africa is one of the major producers of lime, with a total acreage of 30,190 hectares. The major cultivars of lime in South Africa are Eureka, Lisbon, Genoa, Limoneira, Fino, and Lime. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS), in 2020-2021, South Africa produced 626,791 MT of lime fruit.
• The area planted with limes in South Africa more than doubled over the past seven years, driven by improved global demand and rising global prices. However, the positive trend in the area planted has flattened in recent years due to the bearish movement of export prices received by producers.
• More than 40% of the area planted with lemons consists of orchards that are five years or younger, indicating that growing volumes of limes will reach the market in the next five years. Ideally, the season peaks from January to May; however, South African growers can harvest all year round. Bearss and Tahiti are the most planted varieties of lime in South Africa.
• Limes are rich in flavonoids, which have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Lime juice has been used in West Africa for many years to treat and prevent cholera. It is often used in cooking, while slices of lime are also popularly used to garnish cocktails and other drinks. High levels of new plantings, a wide range of uses, improved water management techniques by farmers, and duty-free exports of lime are some of the factors driving the production of lime in South Africa, thus, leading to higher production and exports of lime.