Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

The market sales and price levels have picked up during this week for Pre-Ramadan sales except for Bananas and Grapes that are under pressure due to the oversupply in the market. Ramadan in the Middle East is expected to start on the evening of Sunday, 10 March 2024.

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

Citrus fruit – In general

Middle East – Exported volumes on Lemons shipped from South Africa is down by 23% compared to the same period last season.

Market update

The market sales and price levels have picked up for Egyptian Lemons pre-Ramadan sales. Hopefully, a higher volume of Egyptian and Turkish Lemons will be sold pre-Ramadan and during Ramadan to take the pressure off the South African Lemons that is due to make arrival in the market soon.

 Grapes -South Africa             

South Africa is at the end of their Grape season. At the end of last week, the top 3 varieties of grapes exported from South Africa was Crimson Red Seedless, Autumn Crisp White Seedless, and Scarlotta Red Seedless grapes.  

Market update                        

Middle East – Exported volumes on Grapes shipped from South Africa is down by 3% compared to the same period last season. The market is supplied with Grapes from South Africa and India.  Although less volume has been exported from South Africa to the Middle East, there is still an oversupply in the market with volumes from South Africa and India,  resulting in a downward trend in price levels.

Stone Fruit -South Africa and Chile            

Middle East – Exported volumes on Plums shipped from South Africa is down by 7% compared to the same period last season, however, there has been an increase of 29% on Nectarines shipped to the Middle East.   The Angelino Plums from South Africa will be shipped from week 11-14 and then the season will be finished.

Cherries  

No report.

Mangoes

The mango season in South Africa is finished, and the tail-end of the volume will be packed for the local market.

Market update

The market price levels and sales remained stable with no significant increase as expected for Pre-Ramadan sales.

Kiwi fruit                        

No report.

India

No report.

Bangladesh

South African apple prices stable 

Polish Apple sales are slow and Chinese Apples are losing around $2.50 per carton with prices going down each week. South African Royal Gala prices, however, remain stable. The market and sales should pick up now as Ramadan starts.