Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal has increased its export volumes by 8% since the start of the deciduous fruit season, compared to the previous year with exports of pome fruit, berries, grapes and Stone fruit from December 2022

Downward trend in prices for late season Forelle pears from South Africa due to higher volumes that were stored for later in anticipation of higher market price levels.

Royal Gala apples from Italy is anticipated to be out of the market by the end of February due to the quality that is not expected to hold for longer.

Lower volumes of Mangoes from South Africa making arrival in the market due to the Tommy Atkins that finished and small volumes of Shelley variety being shipped until the Keitt variety starts.

Due to lemons from Egypt, Turkey, and China still available in the market, the Middle East wants to start shipping more lemons from South Africa later and towards mid-February to make arrival towards the end of the lemon season from these other countries.

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

The packing of the first early lemons from the Northern areas started towards the end of week 3. However, this is the first pick for some growers who only packed for one week and their second pick will only start again in the next 2-3 weeks. Lemon volumes should therefore start picking up in the next 2-3 weeks with more growers packing.

Market update

The market is still supplied with lemons from Egypt, Turkey, and China, however the volume from Turkey seems to be lower this season. The expectation is that these countries will be out of the market between mid-end of March, however Turkey could be out of the market by beginning of March due to lower volume and the quality might not hold for longer.

Mangoes – South Africa

There is less volume of Keitt from South Africa and therefore the market will become very short over time on this variety from South Africa.

Market update

The market is currently supplied with Mangoes from South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Yemen, and Ghana. The supply from Kenya has increased and more volume is continually arriving to the market with poor quality and at low price levels. However, the mango variety “Taymor” from Yemen is holding at high prices due to very good quality and taste (sweet taste). There has also been an increase in price levels during this week for Mangoes from South Africa.

 Grapes

The Hex River region is down between10 – 20% on grapes, however the percentage will differ between varieties. There is a shortage especially on white seedless varieties such as Autumn crisp and Sweet Globe.

The overall industry volumes will be down between 25 – 30%.Continued high demand and price levels for grapes to Europe/UK to secure the volume and fulfil programs.

Market update

The Middle East market is supplied with grapes from South Africa and Peru. Chile is anticipated to start with the first harvest of Red Globe grapes in week 7.

Stone Fruit

Middle East – Increase of 8% on plums, 21% on Nectarines, 20% on Apricots exported from South Africa on cumulative volumes shipped to date compared to the same period last season. However, peaches are down by 15%.

The past week has been slow on the packing of plums.  To date the season has been 1 week earlier. 

There is usually a gap in supply between Fortune and Laetitia varieties, however due to the Laetitia variety ripening slower than expected, it is moving back into its traditional time slot. Indications are that the fruit will only be harvested towards the end of next week (week 5). The anticipation is that the delay will result in better sizing.

Cherries

No report.

India

No feedback.

Bangladesh

No feedback.