Update on the GCC countries

The Middle East fruit market is showing a mix of stability and some challenges across different fruit categories.

While there hasn’t been a notable rise in demand for South African oranges, prices have remained steady. However Australian mandarins are receiving strong demand due to their quality and pricing, despite limited availability​.

The market is currently seeing a steady supply of apples, with a variety of origins supplying the region. Polish apples is expected to see an increase in demand due to their timely availability, but competition from other origins is intensifying​.

South African stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines are moving into the market, with mixed reports of production challenges. The fruit is priced at competitive rates, but availability is fluctuating, particularly for early varieties affected by weather.

The market is experiencing higher volumes of cherries as South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and Chile increase their supply.

Overall, the market is competitive, with strong retail demand for high-quality fruits but also fluctuating supply dynamics and price pressures due to seasonal shifts and external competition.

• 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 no notable increases in demand, sales, or prices. This outcome contrasts with earlier expectations for this time of the season, when a surge in demand was anticipated. Currently, only South African Valencia oranges are available, and the market has not experienced the expected changes in price or sales volume.

Meanwhile, Australian, and Peruvian Nadorcott are performing well in the market. Despite strong demand, supply remains limited.

Grapes -South Africa             

The new harvest from the Augrabies area in the Northern Cape started this week, with the packing of their Early Sweet and Prime varieties. The weather forecast predicts very hot temperatures, which will be ideal for increasing the sugar levels in the early-harvested grapes The heat in week 47 will accelerate the ripening of mid-season varieties, and the Flame, Tawny, and Evans Delight varieties are expected to be ready for harvest by weeks 49, 50, and 51, respectively.

Market update

The Italian grape season has concluded. Currently, grapes are being sourced from Lebanon and Turkey, though their quality is more aligned with wholesale markets and falls short of retail standards.

The first consignments of South African grapes are anticipated to enter the Middle East market in the coming weeks, offering a fresh supply option.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

South African stone fruit exports are in full swing. Forecasts indicate a solid increase in overall exports. Additionally, while logistical challenges at the Port of Cape Town have been a concern in previous seasons, improvements are anticipated due to ongoing infrastructure enhancements​.

Market update

The market is currently receiving stone fruit from Australia via airfreight and plums from Turkey.

In the coming weeks, the first sea shipments of South African stone fruit are expected to arrive in the Middle East, providing additional supply to the market.

Kiwi fruit – Market update

The Middle East market is currently well-supplied with kiwifruit from Iran. This substantial price difference continues to make it challenging for Greece to compete with Iran’s more economical option, reducing the likelihood of Greece entering the market at higher price levels.

Cherries

The South African cherry season is in full swing .Currently, the local market remains strong supporting stable price levels. However, with increased volumes expected next week, prices are anticipated to decrease. South Africa is competing with other key suppliers, including Argentina, Australia, and Chile, for market share at very competitive price levels.

Market update

Cherries are currently available via airfreight from various origins, including Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Chile. The market remains highly competitive, with all origins pushing for sales at comparable price points, adding pressure to maintain market share.

Mangoes -South Africa

The export season is set to begin with early production areas starting in weeks 48 and 49. The largest export region, Hoedspruit, will commence exports one to two weeks later. While some producers anticipate a decline in the industry’s total output, this typically does not significantly impact export volumes.

Early production areas tend to prioritize high-priced local markets, resulting in limited volumes for export during the initial weeks. On average, total mango exports amount to approximately 1 million cartons annually, with a considerable portion of the fruit also being shipped in bulk to Ghana for processing purposes.

Market update

The market is currently supplied with mangoes from Egypt, but this supply is expected to conclude within 1–2 weeks. Meanwhile, the Middle East has begun receiving mango offers from Peru through both airfreight and sea freight. Additionally, the arrival of new-season mangoes from South Africa is anticipated in the coming weeks, further diversifying the market supply.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

No report.