Market Report Week 31 - 2025

Update on the GCC countries

The Middle East market is experiencing downward pressure across all commodities, except for Cambria oranges and Royal Gala apples, which continue to perform well. However, prices remain stable and have not risen to the levels that were initially expected.

1.00 USD = 3.67 AED (Emirate Dirham)

1.00 USD = 3.75 SAD (Saudi Riyals)

1.00 USD = 122.27 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka)

1.00 USD = 87.33 INR (Indian Rupees)

1.00 USD = 18.20 ZAR (South African Rand)

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

Citrus

Letsitele has completed packing the last of the Midknights and has now fully transitioned to Valencia. As expected, Valencia sizing is marginally smaller than that of the Midknights. The last of the Star Ruby grapefruit is expected to be packed this week, marking the end of the grapefruit season.

The Senwes area has finished both Late Navel and Late Mandarin types. Midknight Valencia packing is progressing well, supported by continued favourable weather conditions, which are driving strong throughput.

In the Eastern Cape, approximately 5–10% of the lemon crop remains to be packed as the region nears completion. Demand from Europe remains strong, with record-high prices for lemons continuing. Late mandarin packing is well underway, with about 4 weeks of activity remaining. Cambria packing continues, with peak sizes still holding at count 72/88.

The Western Cape remains in full production of Late Mandarins, with peak size still at count 1/2. The Western Cape area is now expected to continue for another 6 – 7 weeks on Mandarins. Cambria packing continues steadily, and Midknight packing is expected to commence within the next week. Consistently good weather continues to support high picking rates and efficient packhouse operations

Market update

There has been a slight improvement on lemon prices in the market, however other citrus categories—particularly oranges and soft citrus—continue to face significant pressure.

Demand and pricing for Valencias are expected to improve, driven by reduced supply from Egypt and stronger colour development in the later South African Valencia varieties compared to the earlier season Turkey valencias.

Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)

Pome

Pome fruit – South Africa

South Africa is nearing the end of the season for packing Royal Gala and Gala apple varieties, with only one to two weeks of packing remaining.

Market update

Despite strong market demand for Royal Gala and Gala apple varieties, prices remain steady and have not reached the anticipated levels. The first shipments of the new season Royal Gala apples from Italy are expected to begin next week, with arrival in Saudi Arabia projected between the last week of August and beginning of September.

The pear market remains under pressure, but a gradual recovery is expected in the coming weeks as supply begins to get less.