The retail market in the Middle East was 50-60% down due to “local residents” that went on vacation this year during the summer school vacation (end of June – end of August). This is the first year since Covid-19 restrictions that “local residents” could travel abroad.

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

The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has decided to close the export of Valencia oranges from non-Citrus Black Spot (CBS) free areas in South Africa to Europe. This decision was made due to the high risk that Valencia’s pose for citrus black spot non-compliance at the tail-end of the EU export season.

Market update

There has been a slight increase in the price of Valencias in the GCC countries and this is also due to Egypt that is out of the market. However, there has been a decrease in the demand and price levels for South African navels/navelates that are competing with Cambria variety of oranges from South Africa in the market.

There has been an overall increase in the volume of citrus shipped YTD from South Africa to the Middle East market by the end of week 35 compared to the same period last season. Exported volumes indicate 2% increase on oranges, lemons are up by 10% and 4% decrease in soft citrus.

Update on Kiwi Fruit and a market update in the GCC countries

The season has ended for Chilean kiwi fruit.  However, market price levels in the Middle East are still lower than the landed cost of Chilean kiwi fruit.

The market is still supplied with Kiwi fruit from Chile, New Zealand,  and Iran.

India

No feedback.

Bangladesh

Royal gala/gala apple prices starting to pick up. Goldens importers are losing money on. Easy peelers still making money in the market while Valencias are selling at a loss or breaking even. A lot of poor quality SA oranges in the market causing problems as this brings down the price of the good quality oranges. Poor quality selling at losses of $15 per carton due to waste and decay.