Update on the GCC countries

There was an increase in sales and price levels for pre-Hajj sales for Mecca. While the market typically quiets down during the pilgrimage itself, demand is expected to rise again as pilgrims transition from Mecca to Medina for the final leg of Hajj — with soft citrus and apples to be in strong demand.

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

Priority in the Eastern Cape is to finish packing Novas by the end of next week (week 25), and then the focus will shift to lemon and navel packing.

In the Northern areas, Grapefruit supply will continue, with major producers extending their harvest to maintain availability. Lemon packing is finished.

With valencia packing, Turkey valencias is the only variety currently being packed, with Midnight and Alpha Valencia varieties expected to begin around weeks 26/27. Early-season fruit is in high demand, with markets competing and prices remaining highly competitive.

On Soft citrus, packing in the Northern areas is finished on nova and leanri varieties. RHM is at the tail-end and packing is expected to finish next week (week 25). Nadorcott packing will start soon, however sizing is peaking on size 1X/1XX .  

Market update

Lemons are maintaining strong performance, and the market outlook remains positive. Despite a recent rise in export volumes from South Africa, prices are expected to stay firm at elevated levels — unless the upward trend in weekly shipments continues, it may begin to put pressure on market price levels.

Chinese mandarins are nearly cleared from the market, leaving South Africa as the sole supplier of soft citrus with no competing markets at present. The market remains stable, particularly in Madina, where demand has increased during the final stage of Hajj. However, as multiple soft citrus varieties begin to arrive in the coming weeks, prices are expected to come under pressure.

With Spanish navels now finished, South Africa is the sole supplier of navel oranges in the market. However, movement has been sluggish, as buyers have shifted their preference toward Egyptian Valencias, which offer a deeper orange colour and good taste.

In general, limited volumes of Egyptian oranges remain available for export. This season has faced significant challenges, primarily due to the rise of local orange juice concentrate factories, which are absorbing a substantial portion of the crop. These factories have created strong demand—especially for smaller sizes—driving up prices and significantly reducing the volumes allocated for export markets.

Grapes – Market Update           

No report.

Kiwi fruit

The market is currently supplied with Hayward variety kiwifruit from Chile and Iran, alongside the gold variety from New Zealand. Kiwifruit from all these origins is commanding high price levels across the board.

Pomegranates – Market update

No report.

India

India apple crop expected earlier

The India apple crop is expected to start 2 weeks earlier on 15 July. Currently the apple market is still strong with good demand and movement through the chain.

Bangladesh

No feedback

No feedback due to Hajj Holiday in Bangladesh. Importers/customers should be back at the office on 15 June.