Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
Download the full GCC Market Update from the Global Star Group website.
This week’s bulletin tracks the contrast between Western region Hajj activity and the broader market slowdown, alongside critical transport bottlenecks.
Week 21 remains defined by the interplay between tightening logistics and localised demand shifts. While the market shows resilience in staple categories, the continued congestion at Jeddah Port is creating an uneven supply landscape.
Outside of localised Hajj-driven demand in the Jeddah-Madinah corridor, broader national markets remain slow, leading to a period of consolidation.
⚠️ Special market alert
It is critical for stakeholders to differentiate between the Western region’s activity and the national trend. Outside of Hajj-affected areas, the market is slow. Current price stability is fragile and largely dependent on limited supply rather than strong buyer appetite.
📉 Upward price trends: scarcity and quality demand
🍋 Lemons: As Egyptian supply exits the market, pricing for South African shipments is trending upward. Limited arrivals are strengthening the position of remaining stock.
🥑 Avocados: Following a period of price collapse due to over-procurement, importers have significantly slowed arrivals, leading to a shortage and recent improvement in pricing.
📉 Downward price trends: pressure and competition
🍌 Bananas: Despite localised, Hajj-driven demand in the Jeddah region, the broader market remains under significant price pressure. Movement remains slow, preventing a full recovery.
🍎 Apples: Prices have held steady this week. While volume is consistent, the market is currently in a ‘wait-and-see’ phase with no significant momentum.
🛒 General produce: Most other categories remain stable at last week’s price levels, though availability is tightening across the board.
🚢 Logistics and shipping: the ‘one-way’ transit crisis
Logistical challenges remain the primary driver of market uncertainty, creating a “cost-plus” pricing environment even in a slow market.
Jeddah port congestion: Severe congestion continues to hinder the entire supply chain, causing delays that affect the shelf-life and quality of incoming goods.
Transport economics: Because no ships are berthing in the East, trucks transporting goods from Jeddah to Riyadh and Dammam have no return loads available. This forces importers to pay for ‘round-trip’ trucking to move one-way cargo, significantly increasing the landed cost of fruit in the Central and Eastern provinces.
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.
