Update on the GCC countries

With continued strong demand across all citrus and soft citrus varieties, South Africa is well-positioned to benefit from favourable market opportunities.

Royal Gala apple demand is steadily rising due to limited supply.  South African pears are experiencing slow sales, accompanied by a drop in market prices this week.

Plums are seeing strong market demand; however, availability remains limited.

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

The Eastern Cape has begun packing soft citrus and lemons. Limited volumes of the first navels are scheduled to be packed starting next week.

In the Northern areas, smaller growers have completed their grapefruit packing, while larger growers will continue to pack to prevent oversupplying the markets. Only a small volume of lemons remains to be packed.

Packhouses that de-green their fruit may begin packing Turkey Valencias as early as next week (week 20) or in week 21. Growers that don’t de-green their fruit with start packing Turkey Valencias in week 24.

Growers will focus on packing the early Turkey valencias for the European market.

Market update

The market outlook remains positive, with strong demand for South African lemons and Egyptian valencias. The current lack of navel oranges on the market presents a strong opportunity for South African navel exports

The first Novas from South Africa have arrived in Saudi Arabia via re-export from Dubai and are performing exceptionally well, achieving high prices for 10kg cartons. Despite the lower quality, strong demand is being driven by limited availability, with Chinese mandarins being the only alternative. The current market shortage stems from the Spanish season ending earlier than expected due to rain, which negatively impacted both the volume and quality of mandarins.

Grapes – Market Update           

The market remains under pressure for Chilean Red Globe grapes, while the first arrivals from Egypt are expected within the next 10 days. Chile is unlikely to compete with the lower price levels for Egyptian grapes.

Kiwi fruit

Sustained high market prices for Iranian kiwifruit are being driven by limited availability, with improved quality this season further boosting demand.

India

War in Kashmir

War in the district has escalated between India and Pakistan. We hope this can get resolved quickly with limited loss if lives. Pear volumes have increased and this has put pressure on pricing and movement of fruit.

Bangladesh

Slow market

Sales in the market is sluggish and importers are losing money on oranges. This week a ship arrived with about 200 containers of apples.