In General

Eid celebrations in the Middle East will commence on 20 March and continue over the following 3–4 days. While this is typically a festive and vibrant period, sentiment this year remains somewhat subdued, with a mix of celebration and caution due to the ongoing situation in the region.

Market activity remains relatively slow; however, price levels continue to stay high across most commodities. Pears are the exception, with sufficient supply currently available in the market, therefore putting more price pressure on pears.

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

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have made customers more cautious in their purchasing decisions. Higher freight costs, additional war risk surcharges, and transport delays are also impacting the overall market activity.

On the positive side, citrus enjoys a longer shelf life compared to other commodities, encouraging customers to favour it over more perishable products such as grapes and stone fruit. And with a limited lemon supply, selling prices have further increased.

South Africa

Rain in the Northern parts of South Africa is slowing down harvesting and packing. Next week’s supply will still be limited.

Grapes           

South African seedless grapes (Red & Black) are still available. Supply is very limited, and prices are stable. Seeded grapes are less available with selling prices picking up.

Kiwi      

Chile is expected to commence its kiwifruit harvest in the coming weeks. This is likely to present a strong market opportunity in the Middle East, particularly as supply from Iran has stopped.

Stone Fruit

Apricots: The season has finished and last sales sold for good prices. Less fruit is available, and what remains might not always be the best quality.

Plums: There aren’t many available, with supply that is low, prices may stay the same or increase slightly.

India

War Disruption

Market is currently good for those that are lucky enough to have fruit arriving. Market will come under pressure once all vessels pending with fruit on it will arrive. All Southern Hemisphere countries shipping much more apples than last year to India. We foresee a lot of price pressure coming in the market with the oversupply. We saw what happened on Oranges in India from SA last year and are cautious that the same thing may happen on apples this season with the big increase on supply.

Bangladesh

Market Overview

The wholesale market and banks will be closed during Eid al-Fitr celebrations from 19th to 23rd March.

Additionally, 26th March is a public holiday in Bangladesh as the country celebrates its 55th year of independence.