Welcome back to this week’s AMT Fresh Produce Report, proudly powered by Villa Crop Protection.
The fruit market delivered another dynamic performance this week, with several commodities showing strong upward momentum. Oranges and avocados are leading the charge as the season winds down, while bananas have recovered slightly after a few challenging weeks. Let’s unpack how each fruit market performed and what to expect heading further into October.
🍌 Bananas: Gradual Recovery Underway
The banana price climbed to R9.44 per kg this week, showing a solid recovery, although prices remain about 23% below last year’s levels.
Tighter volumes have supported this upward trend, but with warmer conditions and more fruit expected to reach the market soon, prices could soften slightly in the short term. Demand typically increases toward the festive season, so for now, sideways movement is likely before another potential lift in November and December.
🍊 Oranges: The Star of the Fruit Market
Oranges were the standout performer this week, surging 43% to an average price of R6.34 per kg. This sharp increase comes as the season draws to a close and supplies tighten significantly.
With fewer late-Valencia oranges remaining in the pipeline, prices are expected to continue rising into early next year, possibly through February 2026.
Lower volumes and steady local demand should keep the market well supported over the next several months.
🥑 Avocados: Entering a Strong Finish
The avocado market continues to strengthen, with prices climbing 17% week-on-week to R24.05 per kg.
The season is now in its final phase, and as volumes decline, prices are expected to remain on an upward trajectory into early 2026.
Demand remains robust in both local and export markets, while limited availability is keeping prices firm at elevated levels. Avocados are well positioned to maintain this strength through the remainder of the year.
🍇🍍🍎 Other Fruit Market Highlights
- Table grapes strengthened further to R74.30 per kg, driven by limited early-season supply.
- Pineapples increased to R11.10 per kg, supported by consistent local demand.
- Apples rose to R13.61 per kg, while pears remained steady at R9.34 per kg.
- Lemons edged slightly higher to R6.13 per kg, while blueberries fell sharply by 22% to R47.14 per kg as more volumes reached the market.
📈 Outlook: Strong Momentum into Summer
The fruit sector is clearly divided between late-season shortages and early-summer transitions:
- Bananas could ease slightly in the short term but should strengthen again closer to December.
- Oranges are firmly in an upward trend as local supply tightens.
- Avocados continue to climb, supported by declining volumes and strong demand.
- Grapes, apples, and pineapples are showing steady market resilience heading into the festive period.
Overall, fruit markets are entering a strong phase, with most late-season varieties holding firm and summer fruits showing early signs of demand growth.
🍋 Final Thoughts
That wraps up this week’s AMT Fruit Market Overview.
We’ll continue tracking how these late-season shifts and supply changes influence prices as we move deeper into October and November.
Remember — knowledge is power, and here at AMT, we help you make better, more informed market decisions every week.
This report was proudly brought to you by Villa Crop Protection.
For more detailed insights, market data, and forecasts, visit amtrends.co.za— free of charge.
🎙️ I’m Dr. Johnny van der Merwe — thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next week with more insights from South Africa’s fresh produce markets.