Update on the market in the GCC countries. 

Continued high demand for new season Apples, Pears, and Grapes from South Africa for pre-Ramadan sales and for Ramadan (10 March 2024).  

In General

Fruit Logistica in Berlin is being held on the 7 – 9 February 2024, and hosts exhibitors from over 90 countries with trade visitors from 140 countries to take part in the most important trade fair for the fresh produce industry.  This is a good opportunity for suppliers and customer to connect and access the global market.

Cape Town port in South Africa  

Delays at Cape Town port is negatively impacting fruit exporters. The City of Cape Town has called on the President to implement urgent reforms to address the problems with cargo handling at the Port of Cape Town.  

Red Sea crisis 

At least 150 fewer vessels have gone through the Suez Canal in January compared to the same period in 2023. Vessels have had to be re-routed around the Southern tip of Africa.

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

Citrus fruit – In general

Lemon packing from the Northern areas in South Africa was delayed this week due to heavy rain earlier in the week. Volumes are still expected to pick up by week 8 – 9 towards the end of February when all growers have started packing. Egyptian Oranges are being affected by not being able to ship through the Red Sea. The longer voyage will impact the sales from Egypt due to the higher shipping cost that will affect the grower and the customer.

Market update

The market is full of lemons with supply from Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Syria, and China. Price levels continue to decline for Egyptian lemons. The Egyptian currency has weakened from 30 – 90 allowing Egypt to drop price levels to the market for good quality lemons that will be in the market until at least mid-March if not longer. South Africa is competing with Egyptian lemons at low price levels for good quality, and the risks are high to send any lemons to the market that hasn’t coloured up (green lemons).

 Grapes -South Africa             

There is only about 2 – 3 weeks left on packing of Red Globe Grapes in the Hex River region, while Thompson White Seedless Grapes have finished for the season. Other white seedless varieties being packed is Sweet Globe and Sugra Crisp.

Grapes – Chile  

The harvest of Grapes in the Northern Regions is in full swing, while the Central Area is just preparing to start. The Chilean Grape committee forecasts 62,5 million boxes, a 3,3% increase in comparison with last season. The big volume will come, but later in the season.

Market update                        

Continued increase in demand for Red Globe Grapes from South Africa for Ramadan.

Stone Fruit

The packing of the late season Nectarines from South Africa is delayed by 1 week and packing should start next week (week 7), however volumes are limited. Middle East – Exported volumes shipped from South Africa is down by 21% compared to the same period last season.   Plums from Chile should start in week 8/9, however with the ongoing logistical constraints/challenges faced by shipping lines due to the on-going issues in the Red Sea, longer voyage/ transit times might be more of a challenge when it comes to shipping plums to the Middle East.

Cherries  

No report.

Mangoes

The Kent, Keitt varieties are in full swing, with the fruit peaking on size 7/8/9. The season is expected to end by mid-March.

Market update

Continued downward trend in price levels for the Tommy Atkins variety of Mangoes from South Africa as higher volumes of Mangoes make arrival in Dubai market. However, sales and price levels are expected to increase with the arrival of Kent/Keitt varieties after the gap of 2 – 3 weeks between the end of the Tommy Atkins and the arrival of the new Kent/Keitt varieties.

Kiwi fruit                        

No report.

India

No report.

Bangladesh

No report.