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 bulletin tracks post-holiday price corrections, regional transshipment bypass strategies, and new shipping loops across the Gulf.
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Key Market Highlights: Week 22 featured a temporary reduction in consumer foot traffic following the holidays.
While the majority of produce categories held stable at Week 21 price levels, a fresh wave of arrivals triggered targeted downward adjustments.
📉 Downward price trends: arrival-driven corrections
🥑🫚🧄 Avocados, ginger, and garlic: Prices have declined significantly this week, primarily driven by a sudden surge in fresh arrivals saturating available market demand.
🍋 Lemons: The recent price spike has softened, with new arrivals hitting the floor and driving prices downward.
🛒 Stable commodities: Most other items remain stable at Week 21 price levels, though overall sales velocity remains quiet due to the summer slowdown.
🚢 Logistics and shipping: strategic operational adjustments
On the logistics front, shipments are continuously being cleared from Jeddah Port; however, significant delays persist due to severe underlying congestion. The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and major ocean carriers are aggressively adjusting networks to normalise operations.
- The transshipment bypass: Maersk has announced it will redirect transshipment cargo destined for Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE through Salalah and Khor Fakkan. Cargo originally intended for discharge in Jeddah with non-Saudi consignees will now bypass the port entirely, moving via Khor Fakkan.
- Mawani’s strategy: To resolve port gridlocks, Mawani has split its approach between the two coasts…
- The East Coast push: To resolve regional equipment imbalances, Mawani extended storage fee exemptions for incoming empty containers from ten to 20 days at King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam) and Jubail Commercial Port. This encourages shipping lines to redirect empty containers to Eastern Region ports to support national exports.
- The West Coast relief: Mawani negotiated three new shipping loops with Maersk to connect Jeddah directly to India and Salalah. These loops specifically target the immediate return of empty equipment to reduce terminal bottlenecks by organizing the outflow of empty containers.
Strategic outlook: Navigating the supply chain realignment
While Saudi Port Authorities are working aggressively to normalise operations, the immediate reality is a dynamic rerouting of regional cargo.
We are in a transition phase where efficiency is being prioritised over historical routing, and upcoming procurement planning must account for these new logistical corridors.
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.
