Update on the GCC countries

Demand and prices for Royal Gala apples in the Middle East are rising due to shortages and earlier-than-expected season endings from other countries.

The price of South African Forelle and Vermont Beauty pears is also increasing as supply volumes continue to decline.

White grapes are in high demand, with limited supplies from Turkey, Peru, India, and South Africa, but both demand and prices are expected to decrease as supply increases in the coming weeks.

South Africa is providing limited stone fruit due to supply constraints, while Australia is supplying peaches and nectarines, and Italy plums.

The Middle East market is facing pressure from high volumes of cherries from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa.

The first South African mangoes are expected to arrive by mid-December.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

No report.

Market update

No report.

Grapes -South Africa             

South African grape volumes are under pressure due to lighter bunches, a delayed harvest, and strong demand in the EU and USA, where markets are currently empty. Many producers are selling fruit at just above cost to secure shelf space in supermarkets. However, South Africa has managed to airfreight volumes at above-average returns.

The early regions—Namibia, Limpopo, and the Orange River—are well into their harvest, with White Seedless dominating exports. Limited volumes of Red Seedless are being shipped to the USA, Canada, and high-paying supermarket programs in Scandinavia and the UK. South Africa anticipates sustained pressure on pricing throughout the season and do not expect prices to drop as later regions begin harvesting. Waiting for lower prices may lead to missed opportunities.

Brazil has wrapped up its season earlier than usual, while Peru is adopting a strategy similar to Chile’s, prioritizing exports to the USA and Canada. These markets offer shorter and more cost-effective shipping routes, along with stronger sales and better returns compared to the EU and certain UK supermarket programs.

Market update

White grapes are currently in high demand, with limited supplies from Turkey, Peru, India, and South Africa. However, as supply volumes increase in the coming weeks, both demand and prices are expected to decline.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

Year-to-date exported volumes to the Middle East are lower compared to the same period last season, with plums down by 21%, peaches by 56%, nectarines by 53%, and apricots by 32%.

Market update

South Africa is supplying limited quantities of stone fruit due to restricted availability. The market is also receiving peaches and nectarines from Australia, while plums continue to be sourced from Italy.

Kiwi fruit – Market update

No report.

Cherries

The South African cherry season is nearing its end and is expected to conclude by weeks 51 or 52.

Chile is packing at full capacity to ship as much volume as possible to China in time for Chinese New Year on January 29, 2025, with the final shipments planned for week 52.

Market update

The Middle East market remains under pressure from a significant influx of fruit from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. These countries are aggressively supplying the region with high volumes at highly competitive prices.

Mangoes -South Africa

The early production region (Malelane and its surroundings) is beginning to wind down its export season, though local fruit marketing will continue. The three weeks of high temperatures contributed to an earlier peak, but the lower-than-average rainfall is expected to improve fruit quality upon arrival. Meanwhile, the Hoedspruit region is now packing at full capacity. Fruit sizing has increased slightly, though smaller fruit sizes remain a challenge due to the season’s heat and limited rainfall.

Market update

The first South African mangoes are expected to arrive in the Middle East market by mid-December.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

No report.