Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

The market remains strong for Grapes and especially in Saudi Arabia with high price levels for Red Globe Grapes from Chile as well as for the last Plums from South Africa. The market remains stable for Lemons, Oranges, Mandarins and Pome fruit, however downward market trend on sales and price levels for Star Ruby Grapefruit. Bananas remain under pressure since the beginning of the year, and this is mainly due to the oversupply from Ecuador.

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

Citrus fruit

There was a decrease in exported volumes of 24% on Lemons, Navels 73% and 25% on Soft Citrus from South Africa to the Middle East compared to the same period last season. The packing of the first early Turkey Valencias will start next week in the Northern areas with growers who have the early crop but the fruit will be de-greened. The normal Turkey Valencia harvest “pick” should start in week 23/24. It seems that as with Lemons and Star Ruby, the Valencia sizing will be slightly smaller this season and peaking more on count 72. There will be enough bigger sizes on the earlier varieties which might peak on count 64. Most producers are packing Star Ruby at a slower pace or have stopped packing until week 27/28. The first Cara Cara Navels will be de-greened and packed next week from the Northern areas. The Lemons from the Eastern Cape has started slowly due to slow colour development due to the hotter weather, however the colour is developing with the temperature that has decreased. The peak of lemons should start in the next 2 weeks. Navels has just started and looking positive with sizing smaller this season compared to last season.

Market update

The market remains stable for Lemons, however downward market trend on Star Ruby Grapefruit due to high volumes that has made arrival in the market. The market is only supplied with Navels from Spain at high price levels ($16.00 – $17.35 for 9kg) and is expected to stop loading from Spain at the end of May to receive supply from South Africa at lower price levels for 15kg Navels. Mandarins from Spain and Egypt (only stored volumes) is available. Spain are finished with Nadorcotts and only offering Orri variety ($16.50-$17.00 for 9kg), however prices are too high. The ongoing Red Sea crisis is impacting many things including the availability of transportation that is very limited, and at high prices to transport the goods between the Middle East countries.

Grapes -South Africa             

No report.

Market update                        

No report.

Stone Fruit -South Africa and Chile            

No report.

Cherries  

No report.

Mangoes

No report.

Market update

No report.

Kiwi fruit – South Africa                      

The Gold Kiwi from South Africa is becoming sought after Globally.  Production started about 5 years ago and is increasing year on year.    

Kiwi fruit – Market update 

The market is supplied with Kiwi fruit from Iran, South Africa (Red or Gold colour), Chile and Greece.  

India

Fatigue in the market  

There is fatigue in the market due to less consumerism because of higher inflation and taxes. Customers that sold 500 cartons a day are moving 80 cartons. Street vendors that moved 2 cartons per day now move 1 carton in 3 days. This causes the supply chain to be full and a slowdown of payments.

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Bangladesh

Apple market still under pressure  

The expected increase in pricing of Apples has not materialised and the Apple market remains under pressure.