In General

The Madrid Fruit Attraction was held in Spain from 8 -10 October. This fair represents the marketing of fresh produce, with innovation, quality, and diversity and connects customers and suppliers from around the globe.

Update on the GCC countries.

The Middle East market continues to show positive market trends for Lemons, Grapes, Plums, and Granny Smith apples. 

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

There has been a 1% drop on Oranges exported to the Middle East from South Africa compared to the same period last season.

The citrus season in South Africa has come to an end,  with the last small volume of Valencias being packed in the Western Cape next week (week 42).

Market update

The market prices have still not picked up on South African Valencias as anticipated. However, the market is optimistic that the market trend will change and show more positive results in coming weeks when there is less volume available from South Africa in the market.

Lemon prices remain high for South African and Egyptian Lemons. The first new season Mandarins from Spain is expected to make arrival in the market soon. There are still high volumes of Cambria from South Africa available in the market, with a decrease in price levels.

Grapes -South Africa             

The first harvest from the Orange River region is 5 – 7 days later compared to the 2024 season. The first harvest from this region is expected to start from week 48, with Early Sweet and Prime white Seedless varieties.

In the Northern Cape and Trawal areas, the Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe, and Midnight Beauty varieties are expected to yield a good crop this season, as well as Sugar Crisp variety that will be in full production.

Market update                        

The market is currently supplied with Grapes from Turkey, Egypt, and Italy. Grapes from Italy are doing very well in the market and especially Autum Crisp, Sweet Celebration, Sweet Joy, and Ivory varieties. 

Stone Fruit -South Africa and Chile            

The early Northern areas have started with the first packing of Stone Fruit, and the Western Cape is expected to start with the packing of the first Peaches/Nectarines next week (week 42),  however this will differ from area to area, and the recent frost has also affected some of the crop. Nectarines are packed first followed by Peaches, however this year it could be at the same time.

Cherries  

The South African Cherry crop has been affected due to the recent rains and frost in certain areas. 

However, the Chilean season is off to a strong start with the first forecast for the 2025 season projecting record-breaking exports with an estimated increase of 59%. The climatic conditions have been favorable this year. The growth is also attributed to an expansion in Cherry plantations. 

Mangoes

No report.

Market update

No report.

Kiwi fruit – Market update 

Kiwi fruit from New Zealand selling in Dubai for high price levels at $17.70 (3.5kg) and $32.68 (5.8kg) for Kiwi fruit Gold variety.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

Big clearance after holiday

Yesterday, about 100 containers were cleared from the port after a long holiday. A big volume of Chinese fruit also arrived at the same time. All this volume has put pressure on the market.