There has been a slight increase in the demand for South Africa lemons, however not at higher price levels. 

The GCC countries are still supplied with apples from the Northern Hemisphere and therefore price levels and demand remain stable for apples. The market has not yet anticipated the shortage on Royal Gala volumes from South Africa, Chile, and New Zealand.

There is a demand for the first Forelle and Vermont beaut pears from South Africa, even though there are still summer pears in the market.

Slight increase in price levels for South African mangoes over the last week and this is due to the South African season that has ended.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa

Growers in the Northern areas have started to pack lemons and volumes will continue to increase week on week.

Middle East – decrease of 35% on volumes shipped from South Africa compared to the same period last season.

Market update

There is a slightly higher demand currently for Lemons from South Africa, however price levels are stable and the market will not pay high prices for South African lemons. 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

Increase in price levels for Mangoes from South Africa due to less availability as the season has ended. The market is still supplied with mangoes from South Africa, Yemen, and Kenya.

In General

Mexico expect a 5-8% increase on their mango production this season.  The season runs from January to September with the peak being between April and August.

Grapes

South Africa

According to the latest estimate for table grapes, South Africa should export around 63.6 million 4.5kg equivalent cartons in the 2023 season. It is anticipated that the overall harvest volumes will be approximately 18.2% lower than the 2022 season and 11.4% lower than the original estimate. 

In General

Chile is expected to be 4% down on their grape estimate that was given less than a month ago.

Market update

The market is supplied with grapes from South Africa and India.

Stone Fruit

No report.

Kiwi

The crop from Chile is estimated to be down by 15-20% this season, however sizing and quality is good. Some growers are 2 weeks earlier and will start in the next 2 weeks (week 13). The Middle East is supplied with Kiwi fruit from Iran at very low-price levels, and Chile will not be able to compete with these prices. Chilean Kiwi fruit to the Middle East this season is going to depend on what Iran will do with their Kiwi fruit crop this season.

New Zealand volumes could be down by as much as 30% this season.

Cherries

No report.

India

So SA shipped nearly 1200 pallets of Packhams in one week to India. This means that the bottom will fall out of the pear market and Packham returns will be horrible. First Vermonts have started as well. Royal Gala pricing still holding due to less fruit in market from Northern Hemisphere.

Bangladesh

All fruit shipped to date should arrive during Ramadan and a good market is expected after that. Importers are cautious of the market for the 6 weeks after Ramadan and are pushing prices down very low. Brazil offering fruit at very low prices that will affect SA pricing as well.