Update on the GCC countries

The market for apples, pears, and grapes remains robust due to a shortage of apples and limited supply of pears and grapes.

However, the Middle East market is under pressure as a large volume of cherries from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa enters the region. Each of these countries is aggressively promoting their volumes at very competitive prices.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

No report.

Market update

South African oranges have left the market, eliminating competition with the initial arrivals of the new season oranges from Egypt.

Grapes -South Africa             

Growers in the Northern Cape are set to begin harvesting Sugraone in week 50, followed by Thompson in week 51, and Sweet Globe in week 52. Additionally, their Crimson, Midnight Beauty, Sable Seedless, and Sweet Celebration varieties will start in week 51.

Market update

There is currently high demand for white grapes, with limited supply from Turkey, Peru, India, and South Africa. As supply increases in the coming weeks, both demand and price levels are expected to decrease.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

Export markets in general are currently undersupplied, and demand for deciduous fruit is strong overall.

Exports of apricots and nectarines are now beginning to gain momentum. Although peach export estimates are lower, sales are still expected to materialize due to the lack of supply in the market.

At this point, there have been no major logistical challenges.

Wind delays at the port of Cape Town were notably higher in November compared to previous seasons, but with the later start to the season, this has not been significantly impacted.

Market update

The market is receiving stone fruit (peaches and nectarines) from South Africa and Australia, while plums are being supplied from Italy.

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, with increased volumes expected to be available through the end of December.

Market update

The Middle East market is facing pressure due to a large volume of fruit arriving from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. Each of these countries is aggressively pushing their volumes at highly competitive prices, leading to a price war in the region.

Mangoes -South Africa

The Malelane (Onderberg) area had a slow start two weeks ago with smaller fruit (count 10/12’s), but the size should increase as the season progresses. All areas up North are experiencing extremely high temperatures, reaching the high 30s to 40°C, which is causing the mangoes to ripen earlier, while fruit growth is slower than usual. In regions with a lighter crop than last year, the fruit size is larger (count 7/8/9’s).

The peak season may arrive earlier than last year, as the Hoedspruit area (the largest export region) is harvesting earlier, overlapping with the early areas. Fruit quality appears to be better, with slightly higher pack outs. Due to the high temperatures, the Tommy Atkins crop may finish earlier than expected, with fruit maturing sooner.

Market update

The Egyptian mango season is coming to a close, and the market is currently receiving mangoes from Egypt, Yemen, Kenya, and Peru.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

No report.