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 KSA floor price benchmarks across apples, bananas, and citrus, ongoing clearance friction at Jeddah Port, and severe quality variance in South African arrivals.
Powered by Global Star Group, GS Intelligence delivers weekly market intelligence for growers, exporters, logistics networks, and fresh produce buyers.
Key Market Highlights
Wholesale trading across KSA’s core distribution hubs – Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah – remained stable in Week 35 with only slight adjustments from Week 34 levels. However, this surface-level price stability conceals a growing two-tier market where buyers pay top-tier rates for sound fruit while heavily discounting compromised quality.
Commodity Spotlight
KSA wholesale floor prices – aggregated ranges across Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah floors.
Italian Apples: Red: US$40-US$42.67; Golden: US$30.67-US$32; Fuji: US$28.80-US$30.40; Dolcevita: US$33.07; Evelina: US$31.47-US$33.07; Kanzi: US$36; Pink Lady: US$34.67-US$36
South African Apples: Royal Gala: US$32-US$34.67; Gala: US$29.33-US$29.87; Granny Smith: US$30.67-US$32; Royal Beaut: US$33.33-US$36; Crisp Pink: US$27.73-US$29.33
Bananas: Ecuador & Philippines: US$16.53-US$17.33; India: US$13.33
South African Citrus (Regular Sizes): Navels: KSA: US$16-US$20; UAE: US$16.88; Bahrain: US$26.50
Cambria Navels: KSA: US$21.87-US$25.33; UAE: US$21.79-US$22.33; Bahrain: US$27.30
Valencias: KSA: US$16-US$18.67; UAE: US$16.88-US$17.43; Bahrain: US$14.58
Lemons: KSA: US$12.80-US$16; UAE: US$14.98; Bahrain: US$17.23-US$18.55
Mandarins: Nadorcott: US$13.87-US$16; RHM: US$13.87-US$15.47; Leanri: US$10.67-US$11.47; Nova: US$9.33-US$11.20
For a detailed breakdown by individual city and grade, please refer to our full published price sheet.
Logistics & Quality Watch
Jeddah Gate Squeeze & Reefer Shortage: Customs clearance cycles at Jeddah Islamic Port remain slow, compounded by an acute shortage of available reefer trucks for immediate haulage out of the port gates.
Condition Loss on South African Citrus: Extended ocean voyages combined with post-discharge dwell time are degrading fruit condition, leading to erratic arrival quality and unpredictable floor availability.
Strategic Outlook
With port delays extending cargo age, trade desks must execute immediate condition triage upon container opening. Channel sound, premium-grade fruit directly into long-standing retail contracts, and clear variable-quality lots swiftly through wholesale channels to protect margins before condition issues worsen.
Industry Perspective
Is your team facing reefer truck availability bottlenecks out of Jeddah Port this week? Share your operational feedback with us.
