Shifting our focus to the fruit markets, the average banana price traded 6% higher on R10.49 per kilogram or R189 per 18kg box and is now 12% lower than a year ago.

Apple prices dropped to R9.99 per kilogram and is now 14% higher than last year this time. I think apple prices can start to stabilize very soon. The latest pear price traded on R8.11 per kilogram and can also remain on current levels for now.

Orange prices decreased by another 1% to R5.11 per kilogram and is now 1% lower compared to a year ago. We are expecting prices to stabilize and then possibly dip further during May.

The Avo price increased to by 14% and traded on R12.06 per kilogram last week and is now 20% lower than a year ago. Variety-wise, Fuertes increased to R15, Hass traded on R9 while Pinkertons remained on R11 per kilogram. I think the avo price can stay on this lower level for the next month or so.

The average grape price traded on R28.93 per kilogram last week, Pineapples increased by 8% to R11.33, lemons stayed on R5.88 while blueberries traded on R335 per kilogram last week.

???? Tips for the Week:

•          Potato producers: With prices coming off a peak, timing or delaying your delivery for mid-to-late week could help avoid the price dip.

•          Carrot growers: Still strong pricing, but prepare for a possible correction post-Easter—especially if volumes rise.

•          All growers: Focus on sorting and packaging—higher quality produce stands out in oversupplied markets and can still fetch better prices.