Fresh Produce Market - What we do

The city of Durban is situated in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa and boasts the largest and busiest port in Africa.  The Durban Fresh Produce Market (Bulk Market) is  the fourth largest public market in South Africa with an annual turnover in excess of R500 000,000 per annum ($77,000,000).

History of Markets

Organised marketing got under way in Durban when the Market House was opened on New Year's Day in 1876. Trading at the Market House continued until a new building was completed in July 1901 opposite the central town railway station. Population growth and increases in demand and supply for fresh produce made it necessary for the market to move away from the city centre to Warwick Avenue on the 3rd January 1940.

From 1956/57, in keeping with policy adopted by other markets in South Africa, market agents and co-operatives were introduced to the market. Agents auctioned produce on behalf of producers or farmers.  By 1973 the sale of produce by auction ceased.  Agents are now given floor space and sell produce, for a commission, to buyers, on behalf of the farmers.

Relocation of the Market

Traffic congestion in the Warwick Avenue area and limited space to expand the market led to the market's relocation to its present site.  The site was selected for its proximity to the then railway administration and major road transport routes.

The site is situated about 9km from the City centre and is sufficiently remote to avoid being affected by traffic congestion, yet close enough to the commercial centres to service them. The new Durban Market, situated off Edwin Swales Drive, in Flower Road, Clairwood, was finally commissioned in 1975 and is regarded as the most modern and aesthetically pleasing market of the 17 National Fresh Produce Markets.

Facilities

Durban Market is the only air-conditioned market in Africa. After three decades Durban Market is still the envy of many due to the excellent facilities and services provided to its many suppliers and buyers.

How Markets Work

Markets in South Africa essentially function on a commission-based system.  Market agents and the market owners (municipality) receive a commission from producers for the services supplied to producers by the markets. Fresh Produce Markets in South Africa are mostly owned and managed by local government.