Continued positive market trends and price levels for South African valencias in the Middle East market due to less volumes being shipped.

Increase in demand for Polish and Serbian apples and late season pears from South Africa.

The Middle East market would like to start with early season red globe grapes from Peru but are competing with high prices levels for the first grapes going to China and the USA market.

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

Morocco is 30% down on soft citrus volumes due to the ongoing drought. Spain had a lot of rain and has less soft citrus. There is therefore a higher demand for soft citrus in Europe and other countries including the Middle East due to limited supply.

Egypt is expected to have a good 2023 citrus season with an expected increase of 20% in production due to favorable weather conditions.

Market update

Continued increase in demand, sales, and market price levels for South African valencias . Market trends are expected to remain positive with increased price levels due to less volume available in the market.

Exported volumes from South Africa, indicate 13% decrease on oranges and lemons are up by 4% compared to the same period last season.

 Grapes

The packing of the first Early Sweet and Prime white seedless varieties started this week from the Orange River in the Northern Cape. Berry sizing is expected to be similar to last season with a high percentage of XL fruit.

There has been rain up north in the Marble Hall and Groblersdal areas and this will affect the grapes. There is a high demand for grapes in Europe.

Stone Fruit

By the end of week 45, exported volumes from South Africa to the Middle East on peaches were down by 27%, Plums 65% (by airfreight), however nectarines increased by 39% and Apricots 344% compared to the same period last season.

Several nectarine and plum orchards that were planted over the last 5 years will continue to support volume growth, fruit quality and sizing of the fruit.

Supply is expected to be more stable and reliable this season given that the logistical bottlenecks have been sorted out.

Cherries

By the end of week 45, exported volumes (airfreight) from South Africa to the Middle East on cherries was down by 27% compared to the same period last season.

Chilean cherry production has been impacted by unexpected rain and hail in regions of Santiago, Curicó and Linares. It is still too early to estimate the damage in these regions.

Mangoes

The Tommy Atkins variety of mangoes is maturing two weeks earlier than last season and is peaking with high volumes mid-end of December. This variety will finish in week 02 (+ 10 January). Tommy Atkins crop could be down between 15-20% this season due to weather conditions; however, a good average crop is expected for the later mango varieties such as Kent, Keitt and Shelly.

Although there is a later start to the Peruvian mango season, there is a projected volume increase of 20-25%.  The season usually starts now or slightly later for Peruvian Mangoes and expect a steady supply throughout December through to January.

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

India

No feedback.

Bangladesh

No feedback.