Update on the GCC countries

Despite South African oranges and Royal Gala apples from other origins not seeing significant growth in demand, prices have remained stable.

The market is expected to see increased cherry volumes as South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and Chile supply more fruit in the coming weeks, providing fresh options for retailers and wholesalers, leading to more competitive price levels .

Italian white grapes have been in strong demand, partly due to the shortage from Spain and the conclusion of their season, which has led to higher prices and increased interest from buyers.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

No report.

Market update

The South African orange market in Saudi Arabia remains stable, with Valencia oranges priced between $14.65 and $16.50.

The market is expected to see new arrivals soon, with the first Egyptian navels scheduled to enter by December 1st, followed by Turkey Valencia oranges expected from December 15^th.

The market is performing well for Nadorcott mandarins from Australia, with prices at $29.35 per 9kg. Despite the strong demand, availability is limited, and the fruit is being showcased prominently in retail stores due to its attractive appearance. On the other hand, Peru also offers mandarins, but prices remain stable due to the mixed colour of the fruit, which has a slight greenish tinge. Despite this, the taste remains excellent, helping to maintain consumer interest​.

Grapes -South Africa             

The Limpopo region is currently packing Early Sweet and Prime seedless white varieties as well as Starlet red seedless grapes.

The Sugar Crisp in the Northern Cape and Sweet Celebration grape varieties in the Trawal area is look very promising this season.

Market update

The Italian grape season has ended; however, the crop was down by 40% this season. Due to the shortage, Italy prioritized the UK and European markets. Limited shipments of superior-quality Italian grapes reached the Middle East, with market prices escalating to $29.00–$30.00 per carton. Grapes are now sourced from Lebanon and Turkey; however, the quality is suitable for wholesale markets, but insufficient for retail standards.

First shipments of South African grapes are expected to arrive in the Middle East market in the coming weeks.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

Initial stone fruit export estimates for the 2025 season are that Apricots are projected to increase by 9%, while peaches are expected to decline slightly by 1%. 

Nectarines: Although the total forecast is to rise by 4%, this is driven by high-yielding varieties coming into production. Early nectarines have been affected by adverse weather conditions , negatively impacting early varieties, which are predicted to drop by 8% compared to last season.

Plums: Projected volumes are expected to increase by 12% due to more favourable weather conditions compared to the previous two seasons.

Market update

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

First shipments of South African Stone fruit are expected to arrive in the Middle East market in the coming weeks.

Kiwi fruit – Market update

The Middle East market is currently receiving a significant supply of kiwifruit from Iran, with prices ranging between $14.50 and $16.00 for a 10kg carton. In contrast, Greece has offered its kiwifruit at a landed cost of $18.00 per 10kg. Given these price differences, Greece is likely to struggle to compete with Iran, which offers a more cost-effective option. Due to the significant price disparity, Greece is unlikely to secure sales in the Middle East.

Cherries

The South African cherry season is currently in full swing, though challenges have shaped the crop this year. Unfavourable weather conditions, particularly frost in September, reduced the overall volume. Despite this, the high quality of the cherries has increased strong local and international demand.

The Chilean cherries are off to a strong start and China remains the primary export market, however, there are increasing efforts to diversify exports to other markets due to the increased crop this season.

Market update

Cherries are currently being offered via airfreight from multiple origins, including Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Chile. Price competition remains strong among these suppliers, with market dynamics influenced by quality, freshness, and logistics efficiency.

Mangoes -South Africa

The picking of the early mangoes from the Malelane area is expected to start in week 48/49 depending on the fruit’s internal maturity.

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.