There has been an increase in the demand for Lemons from South Africa and that is due to Turkey and Egypt that will be out of the market by the end of March.

Price levels and demand remain stable for apples from South Africa; however, the demand is anticipated to increase as the Northern Hemisphere is almost finished with apples.

Slight decrease in price levels for South African mangoes over the last two weeks, however prices are expected to increase over the next few weeks, as the South African season has ended for mangoes.

Decrease in demand for Red Globe grapes from South Africa and price levels are volatile at this stage.

• Citrus
• Pome
• Grape, Stone & Kiwi Fruit
• India & Bangladesh
• PPECB Statistics

Argentina is expected to be 7% down on lemon volumes this season and this can be an opportunity for South Africa to other markets around the globe. Turkey has revised their lemon crop to be 20% down this season compared to last season.

Citrus fruit – South Africa

Most growers will start packing lemons from next week (week 11). The total lemon crop from South Africa is estimated to be up by 2.6 million cartons with a total estimate of 37.3 million cartons compared to 34.7 million in the 2022 season.

Market update

There is a slightly higher demand currently for Lemons from South Africa and that is due to Egypt and Turkey that is expected to end by the end of March. However, once the supply from South Africa increases, the demand will go down and stabilize.

Mangoes – South Africa

The season is finished from South Africa.

Market update

Continued downward trend in price levels for South African mangoes in the market. However, the market is anticipated to start picking up as the season for South African mangoes is finished. The market is still supplied with mangoes from South Africa, Yemen, and Kenya.

 Grapes

South Africa is at the tail-end of the grape season with the last packing of red globe expected to be next week (week 11).  The packing of Crimson red seedless grapes will continue for the next 1-2 weeks.

Market update

Lower demand for Red Globe grapes from South Africa with price levels more volatile. Red Globe from Chile has started but volumes to the Middle East are still low due to the uncertainty of the current market situation. Chile will have Red Globe available until week 16/18 (mid-end April).

Stone Fruit

There is about 5-6 weeks left with the packing on CA stored volumes of Angelino plums. The fruit is peaking on smaller sizes (size B &C).  The last shipping week will be in week 17 (end of April).

Cherries

No report.

India

It was good to travel to Mumbai last week. Market was holding on pears and then the collapse happened on the weekend. Nobody wants pears anymore and importers are making big losses, if they can move the fruit. Iranian apples are now banned from India and this could open more apple opportunities for SA apples. The delays in Cape Town port are exacerbating the poor market conditions as well, as vessels will all make arrival the same time. SA is dumping the market with too much fruit.

Bangladesh

My first time in Chittagong and in the CTG fruit market. This is one of the cleanest markets I have seen in this part of the world. The market is expected to be good during Ramadan and then a big collapse is expected. The delays in Cape Town port could cause that fruit does not arrive during Ramadan and then the importers will have to sell the high priced fruit at losses. Local fruit also starts after Ramadan and this will put further pressure on imported fruit. The weak exchange rate and high import duties are making imported fruit too expensive for most of the population.