Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
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This week’s GS Intelligence report tracks GCC wholesale floor prices, softer apple baselines, sharp lemon price drops in KSA, and the systemic strain breaking down the South African export season.
Powered by Global Star Group, GS Intelligence delivers weekly market intelligence for growers, exporters, logistics networks, and fresh produce buyers.
Key market highlights
Week 39 brings clear pricing corrections. Royal Gala apples softened across origins, while citrus remains sharply split: South African Valencias gained momentum, but KSA lemons dropped US$3-US$4 in Dammam and Jeddah, and mandarins stayed trapped under heavy floor pressure.
Wholesale floor prices (regular sizes)
Aggregated ranges across regional distribution floors:
Apples (overall Royal Gala softening)
Italy: Royal Gala: US$28.53-US$30.67; Golden: US$28; Fuji: US$27.73-US$28; Dolce Vita: US$30.67; Evelina: US$30.67; Kanzi: US$34.67-US$36; Pink Lady: US$32-US$33.33
South Africa: Royal Gala: US$28-US$32; Gala: US$25.33-US$28; Granny Smith: US$32-US$36; Crisp Pink: US$25.33-US$26.67; Royal Gala Beaut: US$30.67-US$31.47
Chile: Royal Gala: US$29.33-US$32; Granny Smith: US$33.33-US$41.33; Red: US$33.33-US$37.33
Bananas
Philippines: US$13.87
Ecuador: US$14.40-US$15.20
India: US$11.47-US$12
South African citrus
Lemons (dropped US$3-US$4 in Dammam and Jeddah):
KSA: US$10.67-US$16; UAE: US$18.52; Bahrain: US$18.55-US$19.88
Oranges (regional variations):
Navels: KSA US$15.47-US$18.67; Bahrain US$30.48;
Cambria Navels: KSA US$22.67-US$26.67; UAE US$25.87; Bahrain US$30.48
Valencias: KSA US$17.33-US$25.33; UAE US$25.06; Bahrain US$19.88-US$22.53
Mandarins (continuing under pressure):
Nova: US$8.53-US$10.67; Nadorcott: US$16-US$17.33; Leanri: US$8.53-US$10.67; Orri: US$12-US$14.67; Tango: US$14.67-US$17.33
South African Pears
Forelle: US$25.33-US$32.53; Vermont Beauty: US$22.67-US$25.33
(For a detailed breakdown by individual city and grade, please refer to our full published price sheet.)
The macro view: a season of shared suffering
Week 39 highlights a compounding disaster: chronic transit delays from extended routing, irregular vessel batching, severe quality degradation, inland transport hurdles, customs friction, and an absolute wall of silence from carriers and insurance providers.
Every single party touching the South African supply chain this season is bleeding value – from the farmer dealing with compromised condition and diminished returns, to the Gulf importer eating massive transit losses and fighting warehouse gridlock, when accountability vanishes down the line, the entire commercial framework fails.
Industry perspective: As we look toward the end of this year’s South African citrus campaign, what key changes must importers and growers push for in next season’s freight contracts?
Disclaimer: This report summary has been produced by GS Intelligence using information it believes to be accurate. Fruitnet does not accept liability for any error or omission.
