Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

The market remains stable on all commodities except for Mandarins from South Africa, as the market is flooded with volumes. Fruit is standing in coldstores (predominately Novas/Leanri varieties) as it is not moving in the market. The sales rate is very slow.

.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

In the Northern regions, the volumes affected by frost damage is still uncertain. Some fruit will be picked and sent straight to the juice factory.

The crop on Oranges will be less this season from South Africa, and the EU will push for smaller sizing (count 72/88), and that will mean that the Middle East and other countries who prefer these counts, will compete with Europe for the smaller fruit. 

The season is expected to end sooner on citrus than indicated.

Market update

The first early Cambria from South Africa made arrival in Dubai market, however volumes are still low, and some supply was re-exported to Saudi Arabia.  Prices are high; however, the level of pricing going forward will depend on the quality received or if there will be a shortage of supply from South Africa.

Although there are still Egyptian Valencias in cold stores in Egypt, the market is not optimistic that the Oranges can be stored for much longer as the quality will not last. Egyptian Valencias is expected to be out of the market during the month of August.

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 currently only Kiwi fruit available from Chile in the market.  However, the Iranian Kiwifruit season has just begun. Iran is the fourth largest producer of Kiwifruit, with around 300 000 tons.

The season looks promising and besides the large domestic market for Kiwi fruit, there is also a high global demand for Kiwi fruit, and the re-opening of the Indian market at the beginning of the new season is good news for Iran.

India

No report.

.

Bangladesh

Internet Shutdown

Bangladesh experienced a “near-total” internet shutdown for about a week due to protests against the government employment rules. Receivers had no communication with the world outside for several days. All containers were left in port as the port was closed and the city was under curfew. On Wednesday the banks opened only few hours. Receivers hope that all will be back to normal by Sunday/Monday.