Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

The market remains strong for Grapes and Plums with limited availability of Grapes from Australia and Chile and Plums from South Africa. Grapes from Egypt will start soon. The market remains stable for Lemons, Mandarins, and Pome fruit,  however, there has been an increase in the demand for Navels from South Africa due to limited availability and Spain will be out of the market soon. There has also been a slight increase in the demand for Lemons from South Africa. The market is expected to increase during Hajj that will be celebrated between the 14^th – 19^th June 2024 in Saudi Arabia, when many Pilgrams from around the world are expected to take part in this Holy Pilgrimage.

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

Citrus fruit

Citrus fruit from South Africa is 20% down this season.  There was a decrease in exported volumes of 24% on lemons, navels 43% and 13% on Soft Citrus from South Africa to the Middle East compared to the same period last season. The first early Turkey Valencias that have been de-greened are being packed this week, however, most of the packing of the Turkey Valencias that are not de-greened will on start in week 23/24. All Valencia types are starting to break colour with the night temperatures that are dropping. The packing of the first Cara Cara Navels from the Northern areas will start this weekend, and the early Witkrans Navels and Cambria should start in week 27/28 (beginning of July). Due to unforeseen weather conditions in the Eastern Cape during this week, the packing on Lemons was hampered. The packing of Novas in the Eastern Cape is in full swing.

Market update

The market remains stable for Lemons, however there is an increase in demand for Navels from South Africa due to the limited supply in the market. Spain is at the tail-end of the season for Navels, and then there will only be the option of navels from South Africa. The first arrival of Mandarins from South Africa has arrived in the market with high price levels due to limit options available from Spain and only the Orri variety at high price levels for 9kg cartons. Valencias from Egypt are low-priced, however trucking costs from Egypt to the Middle East is expensive, due to contraband that was found in a truck, and this has pushed up the price of Valencias.

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 – Market update 

There is limited options of Kiwi fruit available in the market with supply predominately from Iran and Greece with limited availability from South Africa. Chile has not made arrival in the market yet.

India

No pick up in market  

The Apple supply chain is still full and fruit sold 3 weeks ago is till stuck in the chain. Even Pears are now struggling to move. Looks like inflation is now showing its ugly head.

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Bangladesh

Mandarin Market Positive  

Volumes on imported Chinese Mandarins have dropped, causing prices to increase. The South African Soft Citrus crop has been delayed because of slower colour development.