Positive market trends and price levels for South African valencia in the Middle East market due to less volumes being shipped.

There has been an increase in market demand for Polish apples and this can be contributed to the fact that Italy/France will end sooner this season.

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

Market update

The Middle East has showed notable positive market trends for South African valencias with an increase in sales and price levels. The first Egyptian navels should start making arrival in the market from the beginning of December. Continued increase in sales and price levels for late mandarins and lemons from South Africa with limited supply available.

Exported volumes from South Africa, indicate 14% decrease on oranges, lemons are up by 3% and a 6% decrease in soft citrus compared to the same period last season.

 Grapes

The Early Sweet and Prime white seedless varieties will be harvested in week 46 and week 47 (1-2 weeks) and the tawny red variety at the end of week 49 from the Orange River in the Northern Cape.

The Middle East market is supplied with grapes from Turkey.

The exports of Italian grapes are almost over, as the shelf life is not there anymore for shipments further than European markets.

Stone Fruit

By the end of week 44, exported volumes from South Africa to the Middle East have picked up considerably and indicate 105% increase on peaches, Nectarines are up by 87% and Apricots by 23% compared to the same period last season. The first volume of plums was airfreighted from South Africa to the Middle East.

Peaches – export volumes is estimated to be up by 2% compared to last season, however early season volumes is expected to be down by 2% compared to last season.

Nectarines – early season volumes is estimated to be up 9%, mid-season 24% and late season 10% compared to last season.

Apricots – export volume is expected to increase by 9% compared to last season, however this season’s harvest timing seems to be is in line with last year.

Plums – early, mid, and late season volumes are expected to be up by 4% respectively compared to last season.

Stone fruit has developed well in the Cape region due to the warm and sunny weather during Springtime. This has also boosted the sugar development on all stone fruit.

Cherries

Chilean cherry exports are projected to increase by 25% in the upcoming season. Chile is the world’s leading exporter of cherries and supplies 41.6% of the global market.

Mangoes

Mangoes that are grown at a higher altitude than others (temperatures more stable), they had a better fruit set with minimal fruit drop.

Whereas lower altitude growers had about a 50% fruit drop of the Tommy Akins variety and 20% fruit drop of the Keitt and Shelly varieties this season.

The Middle East market is currently supplied with Mangoes from Yemen, Egypt, and Kenya.

India

Packham stock is getting more and more each week as movement is very slow in India. This is also affecting the pricing and movement of Vermonts. The two weeks port strike may help to alleviate this a bit.

Bangladesh

Importers are starting to see small margins on Valencias. The margin is small due to increases on duties again. Golden delicious apples market is also doing well. The two week port strike in SA will also help to increase prices even more on oranges, with limited volumes en-route and Egypt only starting on 1 December 2022.