South African ports are still under pressure with vessel omissions, short shipments, and equipment shortages that have caused a knock-on effect with cargo rolling over.  This is an ongoing weekly problem in all ports and causing continuous pressure on the South African fruit industry.

The market is becoming stronger for Valencia oranges from South Africa. Egypt should make a decision in the next week as to whether the new season for Navel oranges will start on the 15^th November or the 01^st December. This will also depend on how the fruit colours up.

On-going poor market conditions with slow sales rates and price levels for South African soft citrus varieties in the GCC countries.

Although there has been a slight decrease in both lemon and grapefruit price levels, there is still a high demand for both these commodities with high price levels.  The continued increase in demand and price levels for Lemons, Grapefruit, and pears from South Africa is due to the limited availability and supply from South Africa.  

• 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 and Valencia Lates. Northern Growers will finish packing in week 38/39. The Eastern Cape growers have started packing Midknights. The Western Cape growers will start picking Valencia varieties around week 37/38.

Navel oranges showing a small increase in volume. Late varieties, like Cambria, are still being packed.

The Western areas in South Africa are picking and packing Nadorcott/Tango soft citrus. Currently, Nadorcott soft citrus seems to be peak between count 1X – 1.

Late season lemons in the Western Cape are at the tail-end of the season and nearly done.

Shipped YTD from South Africa

Lemons to the Middle East – a decrease of 7% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Grapefruit to the Middle East – an increase of 17% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season. 

Soft Citrus to the Middle East – an increase of 68% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Oranges to the Middle East – a decrease of 6% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update:

In general, the market is showing positive trends for Valencias from South Africa with an increase in both sales and demand due to the end of the Egyptian season for oranges. A slight decrease in market price levels for Navelates from South Africa, however high demand and high price levels for Cambria variety.

Continued poor market conditions for soft citrus varieties due to the high volume in the market from South Africa.

The new season for Turkish lemons will start making an arrival in the UAE by the end of week 36.  Turkey will have a big lemon crop this season.

In General

The revised protocol for the export of citrus from South Africa to China is very important for the Lemon sector of the South African citrus industry. Until now low volumes of lemons have been exported to China due to the disinfestation treatment requirements. This change will result in increased exports of lemons to China in the 2022 season.

Kiwi fruit

Kiwi fruit volumes shipped from Chile to the Middle East remain low at 24% less on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Stone fruit – South Africa – short update for the new season

Cold weather in the Western Cape is causing havoc with the new season crop. Fruit is going to be late, with small sizing.  Similar crop on all commodities as last season, therefore, high volumes of Plums will be available again for the new season. 

India

South Africa has shipped 100 containers of Oranges in one week to India. This could cause prices to drop drastically. Shipping is however erratic and who knows what will be shipped the next week. Vermont/Forelle still selling well. Packham struggling to sell. The local Royal Gala Apple has started and this is affecting the price of imported apples.

Bangladesh

The resultant impact of severe logistical constraints has caused prices to soar to artificially high levels on Oranges and Golden Delicious apples in particular.

These prices are unsustainable and will need to stabilise in order to support healthy market behaviour.  

Export stats show significantly increased volumes en route, thereby anticipating increased supply to feed the demand and establish more realistic market levels.  

The availability of Chinese mandarins in the market has tempered demand for the more expensive South African offering.