The demand for lemons and limes in South Africa has shown steady growth. In 2023, the demand stood at approximately 103.42 thousand metric tons. Forecasts predict a consistent increase over the coming years with the following year-on-year variations: 2024 by 3.75%, 2025 by 3.90%, 2026 by 3.69%, 2027 by 3.47%, and 2028 by 3.29%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028 is projected to be around 3.62%.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts of climate change on citrus production, shifts in consumer preferences, and trade policies affecting import and export dynamics. Additionally, sustainability initiatives might influence production practices and market demands.