• Why are sunflower seeds important in South Africa?
  • Sunflower seeds are also an important food source in South Africa – the seeds are pressed and crushed for their oil, which is primarily used as cooking oil in many local households. The extraction process of oil from seed results in sunflower meal, or sunflower oilcake, which is a valuable by-product in the feed industry.
  • What is sunflower seed oil used for in South Africa?
  • In South Africa sunflower seed oil is mainly used for human consumption. It is used at home or in restaurants and fast food outlets for frying and it is also used by food manufacturers as an ingredient in many food products such as salad dressings, mayonnaise and margarine.
  • How long does sunflower seed oil last in South Africa?
  • The technology used for processing in South Africa is on par with foreign competitors (need to confirm). Sunflower seed oil has a shelve life of 12 months (FAO, 2010). The tables below lists the sunflower seed processing companies as well as the oilseed refineries and their capacities.
  • Where is sunflower seed oil processed?
  • The processing and refining takes place in either Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal near Durban harbour. The refined sunflower seed oil can then be exported from Durban harbour. In South Africa sunflower seed oil is mainly used for human consumption.
  • How much does sunflower cooking oil cost in South Africa?
  • £3.42 South African exporters are able to provide 2 liter bottles of sunflower cooking oil at a FOB price of US$ 2.08 per 2 litre bottle (Alibaba, 2011). If an exchange rate of £1 = US$ 1.64781 (4 May 2011), then the FOB price of one 2 liter bottle of oil will be £1.27.
  • Can South Africa export sunflower oil to the UK?
  • South African exporters will need to consider voluntary measures when supplying to UK retailers. Unlike mandatory measures, sunflower oil originating from South Africa does not have to comply with private standards to enter the UK.