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.
Week 20 is defined by a historic logistical bottleneck and a major seasonal transition.
While traditional staples like apples and lemons have seen improved pricing, the supply chain is under unprecedented strain.
Market volatility remains high as pricing fluctuates due to irregular arrival schedules and the physical condition of goods.
⚠️ Special market alert: the ‘stonefruit summer’
We are bracing for a massive, multi-country influx of seasonal fruits from Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt. This wave, which includes peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, pears, and melons, is expected to dominate Middle Eastern shelf space for the next quarter.
In a market flooded with high volume, the competitive edge will rely strictly on quality sorting. High-volume arrivals often lead to quality inconsistencies; early, rigorous quality control will differentiate the leader and ensure a successful season.
📉 Upward price trends: scarcity and quality demand
🍎 Apples: Strong performance across the board, specifically for Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Royal Gala, as demand for quality remains high.
🍋 Lemons: Following a brief dip earlier in the week, prices have spiked suddenly. We expect this upward momentum to carry into Week 21.
🍊 Oranges: Supply of Navels is now very limited, sourced exclusively from Spain and Morocco, as the Egyptian season has effectively concluded.
🍎 Pomegranates: The market remains stable and strong. India holds a premium position due to limited presence, while Peru and South Africa maintain steady levels.
📉 Downward price trends: pressure and competition
🍌 Bananas: The market continues to run under significant pressure with stagnant movement.
🍇 Grapes (red and white): Pricing is becoming increasingly challenging as arrivals from Egypt saturate the market; local Saudi grapes are expected within the next 14 days, further increasing competition.
🚢 Logistics and shipping: historic port congestion
Historic congestion: Jeddah port is experiencing its highest congestion levels in history, causing massive delays in vessel berthing and clearance with acute ripple effects on inter-city and regional transit.
Transport deadlock: Moving goods from Jeddah to Riyadh/Dammam is a major challenge. A lack of return-load availability has created a cost-plus environment where landing price inflation is outstripping real-time market demand.
“Logistics is no longer just a hurdle; it is the primary driver of the current pricing strategy.”
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.
