Update on the GCC countries

The Middle East market continues to show strong demand for citrus and apples. While the pear market remains under pressure, a more positive outlook is expected within the next month as lower volumes are shipped.

The final volumes of South African plums have reached the market but are currently facing pressure.

Iranian kiwifruit is performing well, maintaining good demand and price levels.

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

In the Northern areas, the bigger Star Ruby producers will continue packing for some time to allow for a more gradual release of their crop. However, overall volumes are declining as the peak harvesting period has passed.

Soft citrus is being packed with 90% of Nova packing complete.  Fruit quality has remained excellent throughout, with sizing peaking on count 1.  Leanri variety should be around 90% complete by the end of this week. This large-sized mandarin is peaking on Count 1XX and 1XXX, with limited small-sized fruit in the mix. The Leanri packing in the Eastern and Western Cape has just begun, with sizing peaking on Count 1X /1.

The RHM (Royal Honey Murcott) variety is expected to peak in weeks 22/23 in the Northern areas,  the fruit colour is good, and sizing is peaking on count 1X/1.

Turkey valencias had a slow start but is expected to pick up from weeks 23/24.

Lemon harvesting in the North is nearing completion, while the Eastern Cape is currently in full swing with lemon packing. Demand remains strong, with high price levels. Several markets are actively competing with Europe for available volumes.

Market update

Lemons continue to perform well, and the market is expected to remain strong with high price levels.  In contrast, the soft citrus market is currently stable but faces the risk of oversupply in the coming month, as all mandarin varieties from South Africa become available.

South African Navels have arrived in Saudi Arabia and are achieving good prices. However, Spanish Navels (9kg cartons) are commanding even higher prices, largely due to superior quality and flavour.

The Valencia market has strengthened compared to last week, particularly over the past four days, driven by reduced supply from Egypt. Pricing for the first early Turkey Valencias from South Africa will be influenced by the external colour of the fruit.

Grapes – Market Update           

The market supplied with Egyptian grapes.

Kiwi fruit

The market is currently dominated by Iranian kiwifruit, which is being sold at high price levels. Some volumes from Chile have started to arrive, but availability remains low.

India

Pears

Apple pricing has stopped increasing and are slowly declining. Prices should start to increase by middle to end of June. Pear sales still struggling.

Bangladesh

Soft Citrus Market

Demand for South African soft citrus has started.