Update on the GCC countries

The Middle East citrus market continues to face declining demand on citrus fruits, due to an oversupply of fruit, a higher demand for local fruits, and reduced consumption during the school holiday period, as many residents are away on vacation. However, market activity is expected to improve from the first week of September, coinciding with the reopening of schools and the return of residents from holiday travel.

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

Letsitele is wrapping up with the last Midknights before moving on to Valencia. Valencia sizing is expected to be marginally smaller than Midknigths. The Senwes area is finished with Late Navel types and will soon finish with Late Mandarin types. Midknight Valencia packing has started and favourable weather conditions is leading to good progress with the crop.

The Eastern Cape has an estimated 15% of there lemon crop left to be packed. Europe is pulling strong on Lemons at unprecedented values. The Eastern Cape started with late mandarins and are expected to continue the next 5 weeks. Cambria packing is ongoing and peaking on count 72/88.

The Western Cape is in full swing with Late Mandarins. Peak size is count 2. The Western Cape is the latest mandarin producing area and will continue for the next 7 weeks. Cambria is ongoing and Midknight should start within the next 2 weeks. Good picking weather resulted in high productivity and throughput through the packing facilities.

Market update

The orange market remains under pressure. However, with the upcoming arrivals of Cambria, and Midknight Valencias, the anticipation is that market conditions will improve in demand stronger pricing expected for these varieties.

The market for lemons and soft citrus is expected to improve in the coming weeks as volumes begin to decline. A similar trend is anticipated for Valencias, particularly as supply from Egypt decreases. There is still no clear indication as to when Egypt will exit the market.

Grapes – Market Update           

No report.

Kiwi fruit

Market preference is for local summer fruits and not Kiwi fruit.

Pomegranates – Market update

No report.

India

Local apples start

Local apples have started putting price pressure on small size imported apples. USA and India are in trade talks that have the possibility of reducing the import duties of USA apples to India. The USA can supply Royal Gala apples for 11 months of a year. USA Royal Gala was still arriving in the market 2 weeks ago.

Bangladesh

High Citrus demand

Overall, a strong market on all fruit except Chinese Grapes. Large volumes of South African soft citrus have been shipped. Small arrivals of South African oranges sold out quickly, showing strong demand.