Update on the GCC countries

Overall demand and sales remain slow across the GCC countries but are expected to improve with the return of schools on 25 August.

The Middle East market continues to experience downward pressure across all citrus and soft citrus categories, with slow movement overall. However, lemons and Cambria oranges have remained stable this week, while pears are showing steady week-on-week improvement.

Local stone fruits are still available on the market, though in limited volumes. Meanwhile, pomegranate shipments from Egypt and Yemen have begun.

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

Letsitele Fully transitioned to Valencia oranges, which are forecasted to be smaller than seedless varieties. 3–4 more weeks of strong, high-quality Valencia packing is expected. In Senwes final orchards of lemons, Late Navels, and Late Mandarins are being packed and should finish this week.

In the Eastern Cape only limited lemon volumes remain; some growers are wrapping up. European demand for lemons remains high. Late Mandarins are still being packed, with +- 4 weeks left. Cambria and Witkrans packing continues, with good fruit quality being reported. Valencia varieties are peaking on count 88/105.

The Western Cape Packing of Late Mandarins (mainly Nadorcott and Tango) is in full swing. Good eating quality with acids still around 1.00 and Brix above 13. Cambria packing is steady, with good colour observed. Midknight oranges will start in week 34.

Market update

The market continues to face pressure across Valencias, Navels, and soft citrus varieties.

Egyptian Valencias remain available on the market in limited volumes, with prices now aligning closely with those of South African Valencias. Only the Midknight variety is commanding a slightly higher premium.

The new season of Egyptian lemons is expected to begin within the next 20 days, pending export approval. Initial volumes will be limited, but sufficient supply is anticipated to meet market demand by the first week of October.

Grapes – Market Update           

No report.

Kiwi fruit

At present, only Chilean kiwifruit is available in the market, as the new season from Iran has yet to begin. Chinese kiwifruit has now started, marking the first time the Middle East will receive supply from China.

Pomegranates – Market update

No report.

India

No report.

Bangladesh

Valencia Market Update

The market remains strong for imported South African Valencia oranges. Growers in the northern regions of South Africa have four weeks remaining in their Valencia packing season. Global demand continues to be high, with all international markets competing for the same fruit.