Due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic, Fruit Logistica that was to take place on the 18-20 May 2021 has been cancelled. Fruit Logistica is a key event focused on fresh produce and held annually attracting more than 78,000 across the globe to attend this event in Berlin and where suppliers and customers can connect within the industry. All efforts are being made to make this possible in February 2022. 

International flights to Saudi Arabia as well as the opening of all international airports in the country will come into effect from the 17^th May 2021.  This allows Saudi citizens to travel abroad as well as lift the suspension of international flights.

Sales in the GCC countries remain slow and no high demand for any commodity in particular.

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

There is a high volume of Egyptian oranges and although sizing is smaller, the oranges will still be available in the GCC countries when the South African Navels start.

Lemon forecasted estimates are only 2% up compared to the 2020 season.

Shipped YTD – South Africa

Lemons to the Middle East – Decrease of 39% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update: Although the GCC countries are supplied with lemons, there isn’t an oversupply due to South Africa being later than usual as a result of the rain in the Northern areas that hampered packing.

In general: Argentina started shipping lemons from the Salta province in week 9 and shipments were predominate to Russia, Canada and the Middle East. Argentina has 20-30% fewer lemons compared to the 2020 season.

Grapes

UAE/Dubai market who depend largely on the hospitality sectors to take a large portion of grapes have been negatively affected since the Corona virus.  The decrease in grape sales is not only in Dubai but in all the GCC countries.

Shipped YTD – South Africa

Grapes to the Middle East –  Decrease of -11%  on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared  to 2020 season

Stone fruit

Plum inspections passed for export YTD by the end of week 10 was up by 44%  compared to the same period last season.

Shipped YTD from South Africa

Plums – Middle East – Increase of 38% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Nectarines – Middle East – Increase of 6% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update: Continued downward pressure on price levels in the GCC countries and sales remain slow.

In general, price levels in Europe have started to pick up for Stone fruit.  Stock on older varieties has been sold and as new varieties arrive it is being sold.

India

USA has decided to issue a NON-GMO certificate which means that they can now ship to India again. SA and Chile are shipping big volumes of Apples to the market expecting an empty market because USA would have been out. The volumes will start to hit the market from middle April onwards. Pears are still selling well and moving. Citrus is been sold at a loss by importers. Plums have collapsed in the Middle East and thus importers in Dubai are sending plums on consignment to India. Looks like some tough months laying ahead.

Bangladesh

Whilst the market in Bangladesh continues to tick over in consistent style to previous weeks, the costs and challenges of logistics are ever increasing. Demand for South African apples is very good – although getting product to market is a challenge in itself.

Citrus seems to be slowly creeping out of the doldrums.