In General

The situation at Saudi Arabia’s airports remains concerning following another serious attack, this time at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Although the airport appears to have reopened, potential disruptions to flight schedules and connecting flights could impact South African stone fruit and cherries currently underway.

Valencia prices dropped slightly this week due to increased supply, although market levels remain high. Cambria prices continue to rise on the back of limited availability. Lemons remain under pressure, while Nadorcott mandarins continue to show positive market trends.

Only limited volumes of South African stone fruit are currently being airfreighted to the Middle East, with prices remaining high due to high airfreight costs.

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

Lemons

The lemon market remained under significant pressure, with sales movement continuing to be extremely slow. Demand remained weak, making trading conditions challenging.

Oranges

South African Late Navels and Valencia oranges continued to achieve good price levels, supported by limited market availability. Vessel delays continued to affect supply, helping to maintain firm prices.

Grapes           

Egyptian grape volumes remained limited, with demand continuing at relatively low levels. Italian grapes remained available and continued to achieve good price levels.

Stone Fruit

Plums
Spanish plums remained available in the market, while demand continued to be weak. Sales movement remained slow, putting pressure on market performance.

Kiwi
The market continues to have high volumes of Iranian kiwi fruit, keeping prices under pressure. China has also started offering kiwi fruit (9kg), although these volumes have yet to enter the market.

Cherries

In addition to the expected decline in the South African cherry crop this season, Chile’s new cherry crop is also forecast to be lower than last season due to excessive rainfall.

The market is now receiving new-season cherries from South Africa, while the first Chilean harvest is expected to begin in weeks 44–45.

India

No report. 

Bangladesh

Apples

Even though different varieties are being received from China and India, there is still a demand for South African Golden Delicious apples.