Update on the GCC countries

The Middle East market is experiencing a strong demand for certain fruits, particularly Red Delicious apples from the USA, grapes from Italy, and soft citrus from Peru and Australia.

Turkey has a strong presence in the Middle East market for different commodities throughout the season, and this makes it challenging for other countries to compete effectively, as many Turkish suppliers operate on a 90% commission basis.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

No report.

Market update

Valencia oranges from South Africa in the Middle East is experiencing an unexpected downturn in both demand and prices, despite South Africa being the sole supplier. This situation seems to be from a high volume of oranges in the market, which has put downward pressure on prices, contrary to initial expectations.

The market is performing well for Nadorcotts from Australia and Peru, and with South Africa being out of the market due to the end of their season, this has created an opportunity for Australia and Peru to gain more market share in the region. Spain will soon be supplying 7kg Clementines with leaves in the next 12-15 days. Clementines with leaves are considered a premium product.

Grapes -South Africa             

The first harvest from the Orange River region is expected to start in week 48, with Early Sweet and Prime white seedless being packed until week 49/50.

In the Northern Cape, early varieties such as Early Sweet, Prime, Tawny and Evans Delight are showing a strong crop so far, however mid-season varieties such as Thompson, Sweet Celebration and Sweet Globe have struggled during the fruit set after being hit by a heatwave, resulting in a lower yield.

Market update

The Middle East market is currently supplied with grapes from Italy, Lebanon, and Turkey, with a strong performance from Italy’s Autumn King and Autumn Crisp white seedless varieties. These varieties are popular due to their high quality and taste.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

The Stone fruit season in the Western Cape has been off to a slow start with low volumes on nectarines and peaches due to the recent rain and the earlier frost/hail affecting the quality and low brix levels of the fruit. 

Market update

The market is supplied with stone fruit from Australia (airfreight) and Turkey (plums).

Kiwi fruit – Market update

Greece, traditionally known for producing high-quality kiwifruit, has not entered the Middle East market yet because the price point is too high to compete with Iranian kiwis.

The arrival of Gold and Red exotic kiwifruit from Italy is expected in mid-November. These varieties are seen as premium, and targeted in high-end retail outlets as well as for hotel, restaurant, and catering.

Cherries

Although the South African cherry crop has been affected due to adverse weather conditions in certain areas, and is expected to be down this season, the Chilean season is off to a strong start and with a forecasted estimated increase of 59%.

Market update

Small volumes of cherries from South Africa have already been airfreighted to the Middle East, while the first cherries from Australia and Argentina are expected to be airfreighted to the Middle East from week 46 and should be available during November – December.

Mangoes -South Africa

The expected crop for the 2025 season is likely to be influenced by climatic conditions and face some challenges. This has caused a reduced fruit set and some crop loss in certain regions, including the Hoedspruit areas, where Tommy Atkins variety may decrease by 10 – 20% this season. However, later mango varieties, such as Kent, Keitt, and Shelly varieties seem to be less affected.

Market update

The market is currently supplied with Mangoes from Egypt but is expected to be out of the market in the next 2-3 weeks.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

No report.