Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

The Middle East will celebrate the New Islamic New year on 7 – 8 July 2024. The market is strong and performing well on Apples and Pears. Soft Citrus and Navels are under pressure due to high volumes that have made arrival in the market. The market remains slower than usual due to the summer school holidays, with local people on vacation abroad. 

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

Rain in the Western Cape has hampered packing during the week.

Oranges – Some growers in the Northern areas are still packing Turkey Valencias, while other growers have moved over to packing Midknight Valencias.  Fruit sizing differs from orchard to orchard. Hoedspruit area is peaking on count 56/64, while Letsitele area is one to two sizes smaller and peaking on count 72/88. Midknight packing will continue for the next 3-4 weeks followed by Delta and Bennie Valencias and colour is already good.

The Valencia estimated crop can be further adjusted due to growers predicting smaller size fruit.

The packing of Cambria from the Eastern Cape is only expected to start in week 29/30 due to weather changes.

Mandarins – Tango’s are at the tail-end of the season in the Northern areas and growers are starting to pack Nadorcotts slowly due to colour development.

Lemons – Packing in the Sundays River Valley area is in full swing.

Market update

Lemons are stable with only a small increase in demand for good quality Lemons, due to volumes available in the market.  

Soft Citrus and Navels are under pressure due to high volumes that have made arrival in the market.

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 

Slight drop in price levels for Kiwi fruit from Chile. Iran is at the tail-end of the season and should be out of the market in August.

India

Poor quality SA Mandarins

Arrival of poor quality Mandarins have put the Easypeelers market under pressure and importers are selling below cost. The Apple and Pear market is still doing well and is expected to stay good until the local crop starts.

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Bangladesh

Citrus update

Currently, the Soft Citrus market is performing well due to less volume shipped. Growers up North in South Africa have started packing Valencia this week. With a high local Orange juice price, total exported volumes will be less this season.