Update on the GCC countries

Fruit Logistica in Berlin is being held on the 5 – 7 February 2025, 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.

Update on the GCC countries

The market is currently supplied with competitively priced lemons from Egypt and Turkey, though demand for new season South African lemons is increasing.

In the Middle East, apple prices remain stable but are expected to rise ahead of pre-Ramadan sales. Additionally, the first summer pears from South Africa have started arriving.

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

Citrus fruit – South Africa 

In the northern regions of Musina and Vivo, lemons are running about two weeks behind schedule this year due to a late cold spell followed by the current warm temperatures. The general sentiment among growers in the north is that overall lemon volumes will be lower this season. From the Hoedspruit and Senwes areas, reports indicate that the first pick consists mainly of larger sizes (88 – 113), with very few smaller sizes available.

Market update

The market is currently receiving lemons from Egypt and Turkey at competitive prices. However, there is growing demand for lemons from the new South African season.

Grapes -South Africa             

The Hex River region is focusing on the packing of the crimson red seedless grapes along with other red and black varieties.

Market update

Grapes are being supplied to the Middle East from South Africa and India, while the Chilean season for Red Globe grapes is expected to start in mid-March.

Stone Fruit -South Africa          

Middle East – Exported volumes from South Africa have decreased by 26% for plums, peaches 23% and Nectarines 27%. However, apricot exports are still up by 69% compared to the same period last season.

Recent favourable weather conditions in the plum-growing regions have enhanced the overall quality and flavour of South African plums.

Market update

The market demand for South African stone fruit remains high for pre-Ramadan arrivals of peaches, nectarines, and plums, while demand for apricots is lower.

Kiwi fruit – Market update

No report.

Mangoes -South Africa

The Hoedspruit area is currently harvesting the Keitt variety, and exporters anticipate that prices for both Kent and Keitt will rise due to potentially limited export volumes. Packaging is expected to continue until the last week of February.

Market update

Price levels in the Middle East have increased and are showing more positive results, a trend that is expected to continue due to the limited availability of later varieties from South Africa.

India

No report.

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Bangladesh

No report.