Update on the GCC countries

The market sales and prices are expected to pick up for most commodities pre-Ramadan sales. Ramadan is expected to start on 28 February 2025.

Pakistan mandarins are in high demand for pre-Ramadan and Ramadan sales due to their sweetness and low prices.

The Middle East market is supplied with lemons from Egypt and Turkey at lower price levels, however there will be a demand for early lemons from South Africa.

Despite a shortage of apples, demand and sales are not rising as expected.

South African stone fruit, particularly peaches, nectarines, and plums are in demand.

South African mangoes continue to struggle with low price levels.

Chile will face challenges in competing in the market with the same commodities—apples, grapes, and Angelino plums—being available simultaneously with South African products, as the market tends to prefer South African produce.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

The early-season lemon harvest in South Africa’s Northern regions has been delayed by two weeks. Volumes are expected to increase by weeks 8–9, towards the end of February, as all growers begin packing.

Market update

The market currently receives lemons from Egypt and Turkey at lower prices. However, the very early new-season South African lemons remain the preferred choice.

Grapes -South Africa             

The Hex River Valley season is expected to conclude around week 14, which is standard for the region. The white grape harvest has been finished, and attention is now shifting to Crimson, along with other red and black varieties like Scarlotta Seedless. The packing of Crimson, which accounts for approximately 80% of South Africa’s final grape exports, is moving at a slower pace due to the gradual development of colour, which is causing delays in packhouse activities.

Market update

The Middle East is receiving grapes from South Africa, while India has started to supply the market at lower prices. Some customers prefer the more affordable Indian grapes, while higher-end customers opt for the South African grapes at higher prices.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

Middle East – Exported volumes from South Africa have increased by 7% for plums and 69% for apricots. However, peach exports are down by 17%, and nectarine exports have declined by 19% compared to the same period last season.

Market update

Market demand for South African Stone fruit remain strong for pre-Ramadan arrivals on peaches, nectarines, and plums with less demand on apricots. 

Kiwi fruit – Market update

No report.

Cherries Chile

Delayed shipping has resulted in Growers and exporters in Chile are calling the current situation a “major crisis” for their industry, as over 1,300 containers carrying around 5 million boxes of cherries are delayed.

These cherries could have generated between $60 – $130 million in revenue from the Chinese market if they had arrived before the critical Chinese New Year sales period. The delay, combined with a 51% increase in cherry export volumes from Chile to China, has created an unprecedented crisis for the Chilean cherry industry.

Market update

The only available option is from New Zealand.

Mangoes -South Africa

The Kent variety is expected to be finished within the next week, while the Keitt variety is anticipated to begin around weeks 7, 8, or 9.

Market update

The Middle East market remains sluggish, with low price levels for South African mangoes. Peruvian mangoes are in the market, offering good quality at higher prices. However, due to the current market conditions for South African mangoes, this is driving down the prices of Peruvian mangoes, preventing them from reaching their expected higher price points.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

No report.