About the Markets

What is a Market?

A market is a place where people gather to engage in commercial activities, such as buying and selling provisions, livestock, and other commodities. It can also refer to an area or arena where commercial transactions take place.

Why do we have Fresh Produce Markets in South Africa?

A fresh produce market functions as a hub that brings together buyers and producers. Its primary purpose is to establish the daily prices of fresh produce through a price discovery mechanism. The market provides a competitive environment where buyers can negotiate prices and barter. It plays a crucial role in the sales process for producers and is one of the major channels for selling fresh produce in South Africa and Africa. Furthermore, it serves as a sales platform for fresh produce of varying sizes, volumes, quality, and grades.

In South Africa, Registered Market Agents sell produce on behalf of farmers. They are governed by the Agricultural Produce Agents Act No. 12 of 1992 (amended 2003) which prescribes, amongst other requirements, how they will handle the farmer’s money. These agents register with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) and after complying with certain requirements of Act 12 can open for business. By reacting to the laws of supply and demand on a daily basis, fresh produce commission markets remain the purest form of price establishment available to farmers and buyers.

SOUTH AFRICAN FRESH
PRODUCE MARKETS

The Process for Farmers

Our business process consists of 7 effortless steps, which are intricately managed by the Grow team. From stage 1 where the farmer makes an enquiry, through to the final stage where proceeds are paid into the farmer’s account, we take pride in ensuring efficiency and reliability.

Follow the diagram below step by step to understand how to send produce to the Grow Group.

The Process for Buyers

Buying fresh produce through Grow is simple, efficient and supported every step of the way. From registration through to collecting your produce, every step is designed to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Follow the diagram below to learn how the buyer process works.

THE BUYER NETWORK

  • Buyers on the market range across the SEM 1-10 groups
  • There is free access and no barriers to any buyer within the market
  • All buyers are regularly invited to all our promotions/product launches.
  • Pre-orders are welcome
  • 10 000 – 20 000+ registered buyers on each of the four main Fresh Produce Markets.

Retailers

Wholesalers

Independent Retail

Informal (Hawkers)

Processing

Hospitality Industry