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, a drop in Italian grape prices, and a critical procurement warning for the upcoming South African summer fruit season.
Powered by Global Star Group, GS Intelligence delivers weekly market intelligence for growers, exporters, logistics networks, and fresh produce buyers.
Key market highlights
Most core categories held steady with minor wholesale floor adjustments in Week 41, but volume dynamics are shifting fast. Italian White Grapes took a sharp US$4 price hit this week as high-quality, competitively priced Lebanese grapes became widely available. Meanwhile, the hangover from the South African citrus season continues, with lemons and mandarins pinned under continuous price pressure.
GCC wholesale floor prices (aggregated ranges across regional distribution floors, in US$)
Apples
Italy: Royal Gala ($26.67-$29.33); Golden ($26.13-$28.00); Fuji ($26.67-$27.73); Red ($38.67-$43.20); Dolce Vita ($29.33); Evelina ($28.80-$29.33); Kanzi ($34.67); Pink Lady ($32.00)
South Africa: Royal Gala ($26.67-$29.33); Royal Gala Beaut ($31.47); Gala ($24-$26.13); Granny Smith ($30.67-$36.80); Crisp Pink ($22.67-$24.00)
Grapes
Italy white grapes: $13.33-$15.47
South African citrus (regular sizes)
Lemons (continuous pressure): KSA ($10.67-$15.47); UAE ($16.88); Bahrain ($15.90)
Oranges: Navels: KSA ($16-$20); Bahrain ($18.11-$19.03); Cambria Navels: KSA ($22.67-$29.33); UAE ($25.87); Bahrain ($30.11); Valencias: KSA ($22.67-$30.67); UAE ($27.24); Bahrain ($31.80)
Mandarins (continued downward pressure): Nadorcott ($14.67-$17.33); Tango ($14.67-$16); Orri ($10.13-$12.53); Leanri ($9.87-$12); Nova ($8-$9.33)
South African pears
Forelle: $26.13-$29.33; Vermont Beauty: $22.67-$25.33
For detailed pricing, please refer to our full published price sheet.
Strategic outlook
The mandarin anomaly: For the first time in Middle East trade history, we are sitting in Week 41 with all varieties of South African mandarins simultaneously available on wholesale floors. The market is still fighting to clear this accumulated volume, proving just how badly extended transit times have fractured normal seasonal transitions.
The shift to airfreight: Burned by months of disastrous maritime transit delays, carrier unresponsiveness, and quality claims, South African suppliers are refusing to load upcoming table grapes and stonefruit via sea transit. Expect a massive structural pivot toward high-cost, limited-volume air shipments, fundamentally changing landed cost structures for this South African summer season.
Industry Perspective: How is your team structuring procurement budgets to absorb high-cost air shipments for upcoming South African stone fruits and grapes? Let us know.
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.
