Update on the GCC countries
The Middle East market is seeing mixed trends. The first early lemons from South Africa are expected to arrive next week, but demand is not expected to increase for Ramadan due to the season falling in winter, as lemons are typically in high demand during the summer for making juice.
Although small quantities of European apples remain, sales have been slow. On the grape front, there’s increased demand for White grapes due to limited availability from South Africa, as the season has ended.
The South African stone fruit market remains stable, with strong demand and high prices for peaches, while the overall market for South African grapes and peaches is strong, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
South African pears are also performing well with high prices, with limited availability.
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Citrus
Citrus fruit – South Africa
Early citrus growers in the Letsitele area up North were set to begin packing lemons at the end of February. However, heavy rain is expected over the next 1-2 weeks, which will delay the packing process.
Market update
Lemons are being supplied to the market from Egypt and Turkey, with Turkey anticipated to reach the end of its season by early April, and Egypt expected to finish even sooner. The first early lemons from South Africa are expected to begin arriving in the Middle East market by next week.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Pome
Pome fruit
South Africa
Middle East – Pear exports from South Africa have dropped by 63% compared to the same period last season. However, this decline is attributed to vessel delays during a specific week. The first shipments of Royal Gala and other red varieties from the Grabouw and Ceres regions have only recently been packed, with limited volumes being exported.
In General
Southern Hemisphere apple production is set to grow by 5,5% compared to 2024, with South Africa expected to maintain its leadership as the largest producer. In terms of supply, Brazil is second, followed by Chile, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia.
Market update
Although only small quantities of European apples remain in the Middle East market, sales have been slow and have not yet gained momentum. However, small shipments of summer pears have arrived in the market and are performing exceptionally well, commanding high prices due to limited competition and reduced volumes.
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
Grape, Stone, Kiwi Fruit
Grapes -South Africa
The Hex River region is nearing the end of its season for white and black grapes, while packing of crimson and other red varieties is in full swing, with completion expected by week 15.
Market update
Grapes are being supplied to the Middle East from both South Africa and India, with a high demand for South African white grapes, and a slight increase in demand for Red Globe grapes due to limited availability from South Africa. The Chilean season for Red Globe grapes is not expected to begin until mid-March.
Stone Fruit -South Africa
Middle East – Exported volumes from South Africa shipped to the Middle East have decreased by 29% for plums, peaches 24% and Nectarines 31% compared to the same period last season.
Market update
The South African stone fruit market remains stable, with strong demand and high prices for peaches driven by limited availability.
Kiwi fruit – Market update
No report.
Mangoes -South Africa
No Report
Market update
No Report
Market Prices (Dubai, Kuwait and Jeddah)
India / Bangladesh
India
Red Delicious selling slow
Gala Apple market very good and fairly empty. Full red apples are moving very slowly. Still some old/tired looking Packhams in market, but otherwise pear market is empty and looks promising. First SA pears should arrive next week.
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Bangladesh
Apple Update
Currently, there are Chinese Fuji and Qinguan apples available in the market. They will still be present in the market when South African apples make arrival. There are also small volumes of Polish stripey Gala coming to the market. New Zeeland apples shipments haven’t started yet.
SA Statistics
Decofrut Statistics
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