Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

Imports of fresh fruits and vegetable to the GCC countries continues to grow, with the United Arab Emirates becoming a hub for fruits and vegetables importing well over 3 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables annually, and this volume is increasing every year.  They re-export about 1 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables. The neighbouring countries are the main buyers of this volume with the main re-export items being Apples, Citrus, Kiwi, Watermelons, Onions,  and Garlic. The United Arab Emirates is the largest importer among the 6 Gulf regions, with Saudi Arabia being the other major importer, with just under 3 million tons. In total, the 6 Gulf countries import about 8 million tons of fresh vegetables and fruit.

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

Citrus fruit

The Northern regions are about 95% done with the packing of Novas.  The fruit is peaking on a size 2 and the quality is still good. Leanri estimates are down, and packing should be finished by the end of week 23 (next week). Fruit is peaking on size 1XX. The packing of the early Orri variety has just started, and the packing of the first Nadorcotts should start in the next 2 weeks. The packing of Navels up North was a bit delayed due to the colour, however packing is now in full swing. High prices are being offered by local juice factories for Navels and Valencias, and this is reducing the volumes being packed for export. The latest industry projection is that the Navel crop will be 15% down on volume and Valencias 3% this season. Lemon packing has been slow due to colour development and weather conditions that have also hampered packing. The latest prediction is that the industry will be down by 1.1 million cartons on Lemons this season. Grapefruit is about 50% complete for the season. The original estimate for the industry was 16.8 million cartons, and the latest predication is that the industry will end on 16 million cartons.

Market update

Increase in price and demand for South African Lemons, and this can be due to less volume that has been available from South Africa the last few weeks. The price for Spanish Navels in the market has dropped from $18.65 – $20.00 to $10.70 – $13.35 (9kg) with the arrival of South African navels. People have stopped buying Spanish Navels and will rather buy South African Navels. There is a high demand for Mandarins from South Africa due to this being the only option available, as the price for Australian Mandarins are too high. South Africa will have a good competitive advantage in the market, as Greece is only expected to start in August, and Argentina and Peru will also only start later. Drop in price for Valencias from Egypt and selling between $7.50 – $8.50 (15kg).

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 still limited options of Kiwi fruit available in the market with supply predominately from Iran and Greece.

India

Demand for SA citrus  

Demand for SA citrus is starting to show some light. The Egyptian season was a very difficult one due to the Red Sea closure and supply disruptions. The shipments that were delayed also had quality issues. The quality issues caused downward pressure on the pricing and the market in general. SA citrus is expected to be 10% – 20% lower than originally forecasted and also peaking on smaller size fruits.

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Bangladesh

Cyclone damaged local crops

This week there was a big cyclone over the whole country that damaged a lot of the local Lychee and Mango crop. Thus, it’s expected that these local commodities will finish early this year. Currently, there is only Chinese Soft Citrus in the market as the first South African Soft Citrus still needs to make arrival.