Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
The following analysis of the Gulf fresh produce market in week 19 of 2026 is powered by GS Intelligence.
Download the full GCC Market Update from the Global Star Group website.
Week 19 presents a market of two extremes: a sharp upward spike in lemon prices driven by supply gaps, contrasted by broad price decreases in other categories due to new arrivals and quality concerns.
Extreme transit times and port congestion continue to compromise fruit quality, forcing “quality-driven” price adjustments across the board.
⚠️ Special market alert:
Congestion at the Port of Jeddah is now a critical factor in pricing strategy. Even when fruit ‘arrives’, the delay in clearing and the added surcharges mean that the ‘true cost’ of the fruit is much higher than in previous months.
We expect the pressure on lemons to remain high, while categories like grapes and kiwifruit will continue to see volatility as the market differentiates between ‘sound’ fruit and ‘distressed’ stock from long-haul transits.
📉 Upward price trends: scarcity and forecast realised
🍋 Lemons: As anticipated, a price spike has hit the Dammam market this week. High prices are driven by the vacuum left by the end of the Turkish season and very limited arrivals of South African shipments.
📉 Downward price trends: new seasons and quality issues
🥑 Avocados and 🥥 Coconuts: Prices have decreased following fresh volume arrivals, specifically from Kenya (avocados) and India (coconuts).
🧄 Garlic and ginger: A significant price drop occurred this week due to a massive influx of Chinese arrivals.
🍇 Grapes (red and white): Prices have dropped. This is due to quality degradation and new competition as Egyptian and Chilean fruit enters the market.
🥝 Kiwifruit: Prices have decreased primarily due to ongoing quality issues rather than oversupply.
🍌 Bananas: A slight downward adjustment was observed; a minor market correction to stabilise current stock.
🚢 Logistics and shipping: the Jeddah bottleneck
The regional logistical situation remains the primary driver of market uncertainty.
Port congestion: Jeddah port faces severe congestion from diverted arrivals, with clearance requiring heavy war surcharges.
Loadings: Unpredictable loading schedules persist as vendors hesitate to commit to 40-day+ transits.
Uncertainty: Market stability remains tied to the evolving regional situation and the physical condition of goods upon arrival.
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.
