Review - Middle East Apple & Retail

This short summary looks at the overall trends observed to date in the Middle East market, with a particular focus on Dubai and Jeddah. Members can view Middle East apple information here while non-members can sign-up here

South Africa

In the Dubai market, South African Royal Gala has had a rather good season, with pricing visibly above the previous two seasons from week 16 through to about week 30. Since week 30, the market has become more competitive, with asking prices similar to those seen in 2024 and 2023. Below is a chart:

In Jeddah wholesale, however, it has been more challenging for South Africa compared to previous years — but by no means has it been "bad." Below, one can view pricing by size for Royal Gala in Jeddah wholesale:

Italy

This year, pricing for Italian Royal Gala has been generally strong from around week 10 through to week 35. Only since week 35 have we noted a downward pricing trend, which has continued for the past four weeks as the new northern hemisphere season kicks off. Currently, pricing sits at around $25.00 – $27.00 (18kg, #100–150s).

France

Fresh French goods have been available for a few weeks now and are priced visibly above last year's values in Dubai wholesale. In Dutch wholesale, French Royal Gala were mostly trading at $23.00 – $26.00 (18kg, various sizes), while opening prices in Dubai are currently around $30.50 – $31.50 (18kg, various sizes). How long these prices will endure remains to be seen.

New Zealand, USA, Turkey, and more

Full details for various origins from the northern and southern hemisphere can be found by members here view market while non-members can sign-up here.

Retail

In Dubai retail, when analysing the offer, we can see that pricing from week 22 to week 40 has ranged at an average value of AED 16.10 – AED 27.70 per kg across all varieties. This average is on the lower end of the price range, mainly due to well-known branded offers pricing considerably higher than the apple commodity group in general, with prices reaching up to AED 120 per kg.

While New Zealand is not as active at the wholesale level, it has a striking market share at the retail level compared to its main southern hemisphere counterpart, South Africa. Over the last four weeks, across retailers such as Lulu, Carrefour, Union Coop, and Spinneys, New Zealand accounted for nearly 60% of the data captured by our in-store team.

Over the last three weeks, we have noted French Royal Gala gradually gaining more market share at the retail level, as the new season has already started. During weeks 38–40, France accounted for approximately 5% market share across all varieties, and a firmer 13% market share when considering only Royal Gala.