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 covers GCC wholesale prices, Navel and Valencia price swings, and the silent treatment importers are facing from ocean carriers over damaged citrus 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 markets across the Gulf stayed mostly flat this week with only minor price shifts on staple lines. South African lemons and mandarins are still under heavy floor pressure from oversupply, uncertain arrivals, and mixed arrival quality. The biggest challenge for importers right now isn’t just selling the fruit, it’s getting ocean carriers to take responsibility for transit damage.
Wholesale Floor Prices
Aggregated ranges across Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah floors
Apples (regular sizes)
Italy: Red: US$41.33-US$42.67; Golden: US$29.33-US$32; Fuji: US$28.80-US$30.40; Dolce Vita: US$33.07; Evelina: US$31.47-US$33.07; Kanzi: US$36; Pink Lady: US$34.67-US$36
South Africa: Royal Gala: US$32-US$33.33; Gala: US$28.27-US$29.87; Granny Smith: US$30.67-US$32.53; Crisp Pink: US$28-US$29.33; Royal Gala Beaut: US$34.13-$34.67
Chile: Royal Gala: US$33.33-US$36; Red: US$38.67-US$41.33; Granny Smith:US$36-US$41.33
Bananas
Philippines: US$17.33
Ecuador: US$16.53-US$18.13
India: US$13.33-US$14.67
South African citrus (regular sizes)
Lemons (under pressure): KSA US$13.33-US$16; UAE US$14.48; BHR US$17.23-US$18.55
Oranges: Navels (UAE up US$8, Bahrain down US$8): KSA US$17.33-US$19.20; UAE US$23.97-US$24.51; BHR US$18.55
Cambria Navels: KSA $22.40 – $25.33 | UAE $23.97 | BHR $25.18 – $26.50
Valencias: (Dammam/Riyadh down US$2, UAE/BHR up US$3–US$4): KSA US$15.47-US$18.67; UAE US$21.24; BHR US$17.42
Mandarins: (Riyadh and Dammam floors down US$2/carton): Nadorcott: US$13.87-US$16.53; Nova: US$8.53-US$10.67; Leanri: US$9.33-US$10.67; RHM: US$13.33-US$14.67
For a detailed breakdown by individual city and category, please refer to our full published price sheet.
Logistics and market reality
The carrier accountability wall: Extended ocean transits are causing severe quality loss on South African citrus. Importers are continuously issuing cargo loss notices to shipping lines, but are getting zero response and no surveyor appointments. After paying high ocean freight rates, importers are left carrying the financial loss for transit delays alone.
Jeddah Port bottlenecks persist: Customs clearance delays at Jeddah and local reefer truck shortages are still causing post-discharging headaches.
Industry Perspective: What has been your experience with carriers ignoring claims or delaying responses on damaged arrivals this season? Share your thoughts with us.
