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.

Later shipping from South Africa to other countries is anticipated and this can be up until week 43 (end of October).  This is not due to late fruit but due to shipping delays.

Although the market is becoming stronger for valencias from South Africa, prices levels are not exceptional. There is still no decision on whether the new Egyptian crop on navels will start on the 15^th November or the 01^st December, however, there is talk that it is more likely to start on the 01^st December.

There seems to be an interest in the late-season Nadorcotts from South Africa, however, the season is at the tail-end for this variety.

Lemon sales and price levels continue to do well, however, there seemed to be a drop in market price levels for Grapefruit from South Africa in the United Arab Emirates. This can be contributed to higher volumes from South Africa shipped to the market.

Almost 1,200 exhibiting companies from 40 countries will be participating in the Madrid fruit attraction to take place from 05-07 October 2021.

Chile is expecting a 12% increase in volume on cherries this season if there are no weather issues before harvest.

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

Citrus – South Africa

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 15% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season. 

Soft Citrus to the Middle East – an increase of 64% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Oranges to the Middle East – a decrease of 11% on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the 2020 season.

Market update:

Although the market is becoming stronger for valencias from South Africa, prices levels are not exceptional. A slight decrease in market price levels for Navelates from South Africa, however high demand and high price levels for Cambria variety. The Cambria variety is at the tail-end of the season with about 1 week of packing left.

In general,  soft citrus varieties are still under pressure due to the high volume in the market from South Africa, however, there is interest in the late variety Nadorcotts from South Africa.

The new season for Turkish lemons has started making arrival in the United Arab Emirates.  Turkey will have a big lemon crop this season.

In General

Spain expects their lemons crop to be down by -11.4% and soft citrus -9.9% compared to last season.  However,  Spain’s orange crop remains stable, and Grapefruit is up by 3% compared to last 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, size small.  Similar crop on all commodities as last season, therefore, high volumes of Plums will be available again for the new season. 

India

The increased freight rates from around the world may benefit RSA Apple’s supply to India. India pays import duties on the C&F value of the fruit. Increased freight rates from South America and the USA could make them uncompetitive when compared to SA. This could be good for the RSA apple crop in 2022.

Vermont/Forelle pears still doing well. Apples moving slowly. Some Indian importers are sending their SA oranges into Bangladesh when the market is short.

Bangladesh

Market sales are going well and at profitable price levels.

Limited shipping options from South Africa continue to throttle the volume, however stock en route is increasing with the recent improvement in capacity.

Mandarin price levels have improved and orange pricing has returned to more sustainable levels.