South African ports are still working away the back log caused by the recent cyber-attack which caused major disruptions to all South African ports. All ports are operational now and with CGA (Citrus Growers Association) advising all citrus growers to stop picking/packing from last week Friday 6^th August to 12^th August, this helped to alleviate some of the congestion at ports and cold stores.

In general, all citrus commodities are not performing well in the market with the exception of lemons due to the limited availability. There is an increase in demand for late Star ruby grapefruit. Continued high demand with high price levels for apples and pears.

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

Citrus – South Africa

Valencia’s colour development was very good, due to the season start being delayed. Current Valencia varieties being packed include Midknight, Bennies and Gusocora. Northern Growers will finish packing in week 35/36. Currently, in the Eastern areas of South Africa, Cambria Late Navels seem to be peaking on smaller sizes (count 88/105).

The Northern and Western areas in South Africa are picking and packing Nadorcott / Tango soft citrus.

The last Grapefruit is currently being packed in the North-Eastern areas of South Africa.

Shipped YTD from South Africa

Lemons to the Middle East – a decrease of 15% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Grapefruit to the Middle East – an increase of 12% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season. 

Soft Citrus to the Middle East – an increase of 50% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Oranges to the Middle East – a decrease of 14% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update: All Egyptian volume should be out of the GCC countries by mid-late August. Slight increase in price levels for Egyptian oranges due to less volume in the market.

In general, poor market conditions for soft citrus varieties due to the high volume in the market from South Africa . The arrival of Argentinian soft citrus is adding to the market pressure.

Increase in demand and price levels for both lemons and late star ruby grapefruit from South Africa with limited availability.

Mandarins – Peru: In Peru, it is estimated that in July, mandarin exports could reach over 62 000 metric tons and a growth of 31% in volume and 35% in value year-on-year.  Peru is currently in its late mandarin season and the season is expected to end in September/October. Late mandarin varieties include Murcott’s, Nadorcott’s, and Malvaceo.

Kiwi fruit

Kiwi fruit volumes shipped from Chile to the Middle East remain low at 26% less on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Continued high demand and high price levels for Kiwi fruit not only in the GCC countries but around the Globe. Chile is at the tail-end of their Kiwi season.  Kiwi fruit from Iran has started making arrival in the market since the beginning of August.  This is 2-3 weeks early.

Greece and Italy have experienced late frost and this will impact the new season’s overall volumes.

India

Imported apples sales have dropped drastically and this is affecting prices. Vermonts still selling well. No sales on Packhams. Soft citrus is moving though at a loss. Orange prices have increased and importers are now only losing a little bit.

Bangladesh

Recent weeks have seen further improvement in price levels in the market. Even mandarins have improved slightly, however considerable volumes have been shipped in recent weeks causing concern.

The impact of the shipping line shortage on this trade is clearly evident in the container volumes (lack thereof) shipped to Chittagong compared to this time last year.