Update on the GCC countries
The Middle East market maintained strong post Eid, driven by high demand and elevated prices for South African lemons, Spanish navels, and South African plums, largely due to limited supply.
| 1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham) |
| 1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals) |
| 1.00 USD = 121.03 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) |
| 1.00 USD = 86.03 INR (Indian Rupees) |
| 1.00 USD = 19.30 ZAR (South African Rand) |
Citrus
Rainfall in the Hoedspruit and Letsitele regions in the Northern production areas has disrupted lemon picking. Picking and packing will resume once weather conditions improve. Most growers have completed their initial lemon packing and are planning for a second and third pick in the coming weeks. Attention is now shifting toward packing Star Ruby grapefruit in these Northern regions.
Market update
South African lemon prices hit record highs in Saudi Arabia, driven by limited supply. However, lemon prices are expected to stabilise by 17-18 April once more shipments of lemons are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia from South Africa.
There is strong demand for early Spanish navels, supported by limited volumes and high interest from the European market. Prices for Egyptian Valencias are expected to increase due to market shortages.
Currently, the only mandarins available in the market are from Morocco.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Pome
Pome fruit
South Africa
Middle East – Export volumes of apples from South Africa to the Middle East have decreased by 19% compared to the same period last season.
Market update
Although limited volumes of South African summer pears remain in the market, a few more containers are still expected to arrive. These will overlap with the new season’s South African winter Forelle and Vermont Beauty pears, creating competition and putting downward pressure on prices. This is unfavourable for the first arrivals of the new season Forelle and Vermont Beauty pears in Saudi Arabia, which are expected to land this week (week 15). An increase in pear volume offers from South Africa could lead to added market pressure in the coming weeks as more shipments arrive.
Royal Gala apples from South Africa are seeing strong demand, driven by limited availability. This is reflected in a 19% decrease in shipments to the market compared to the same period last season. Meanwhile, demand for Granny Smith apples from Chile and South Africa is rising, as Serbia approaches the end of its season.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Grape, Stone, Kiwi Fruit
Grapes
No report.
Market update
Red Globe grapes remain stable, with prices expected to rise in the coming weeks as supply tightens. Indian white grape volumes are nearly finished, leading to a sharp increase in prices for the Autumn Crisp variety from South Africa, driven by limited availability and strong quality.
Stone Fruit -South Africa
Middle East – Export volumes of South African plums to the region have remained consistent compared to last week, showing a 30% increase compared to the same period last season.
Market update
A shortage of plums following Eid has caused a sharp rise in prices for plums from South Africa.
Kiwi fruit
Iranian kiwifruit is currently available in the market, selling at $19.75–$22.00 per 10kg in Saudi Arabia. Customers are showing caution when it comes to placing orders at the higher price points for Chilean fruit.
Mangoes -South Africa
No Report
Market update
No Report
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
India / Bangladesh
India
Shipping
Shipping is causing the markets either to be over or under supplied and this is playing havoc with pricing. Turkey Red Delicious will be out of the market earlier this season.
.
Bangladesh
Still Eid holidays
Most customers still coming back from EID holidays and first Western Cape Royal Gala containers are only been cleared this week. Indications are that the apples will be sold just below cost.
SA Statistics
Decofrut Statistics
Follow links to our social pages