Although the Middle East market remains stable on valencia oranges from South Africa, there has been a slight downward trend in price levels over the past two weeks, however there is a continued increase in sales and market price levels for lemons from South Africa due to the limited availability.  The first lemons from Turkey and Egypt have made arrival in the market and the new season navels from Egypt is expected to start making from the beginning of December.  

The market price levels in the Middle East have remained stable over the past week on all apple varieties from different countries, despite an overall increase in volumes. Continued high demand for late pears from South Africa with limited availability.

The Asia Fruit Logistica will be held in Bangkok this year and will take place on the 2-4 November 2022 and will attract customers and suppliers from across the Globe to attend the fresh fruit and vegetables trade show.

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

South Africa is at the end of the citrus season in the Western Cape, with this being the last week of shipping and maybe next week to the Middle East, due to the back log of containers as a result of the Transnet port strike.

Market update

The first Lemons from Turkey and Egypt have started to make arrival in the Middle East market.

Continued increase in price levels for South African lemons and Nadorcotts in Saudi Arabia due to limited availability.However, the price for valencia oranges from South Africa dropped slightly in the Middle East from week 42-43.

Exported volumes from South Africa, indicate 7% increase on oranges, lemons are up by 17% and a 3% decrease in soft citrus compared to the same period last season.

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

Volumes are picking up on both peaches and nectarines.

There is still an overall shortage on airfreight to all destinations. Sea freight containers is being loaded as far as possible with some logistical issues due to shortage of equipment.

Chilean cherry volumes are expected to increase by almost 18% for the new season.

Cherries from South Africa will be available for export until mid-December.

India

Importers are dropping pear prices each day. Over supply of Packhams is causing importers to lose $4 to $5 per carton. We are not sure why importers are dropping prices on Vermont’s as the market is good. There were no shipments out of SA for two weeks due to strikes and this should help the market to have some time to clean up a bit.

Bangladesh

Red Apples and Oranges selling at losses. Arrival of poor quality oranges from SA is causing problems in the market. Easy Peelers, Pears and goldens are still selling well.