The average banana price decreased by 2% to R9.86 per kilogram or R176 per 18kg box and is now 38% higher than a year ago with the current volumes about 16% lower than a year ago. The lower volumes are due to less imports from Mozambique and the political tension they have there. The expectation is for prices to increase over the next two week due to higher expected demand while March can also look better. However, keep in mind that if the Mozambique issues are sorted out and they resume exports, it can create a situation where a lot of bananas are available which can force prices sharply downward.

Apple prices dropped by about 4% to R13.28 per kilogram with the local season starting. The pear price dropped by another 6% to R8.64 per kilogram and can bottom out at the end of February.

Orange prices decreased by 3% to R20.84 per kilogram and is now 26% higher compared to a year ago. We are expecting prices to drop sharply from here on out as more local volumes will likely force prices further down.

As expected, Avo prices dropped by another 15% to R19.17 per kilogram. Variety-wise, Fuertes decreased to R21, Hass dropped to R25 while Pinkertons increased to R27 per kilogram. Expect avo prices to drop sharply and then most likely stabilize between R10 and R13 at the start of March again.

The average grape price traded 9% lower on R21.33 per kilogram last week, with volumes decreasing by 6% week on week. Compared to last year, we’re still seeing 13% higher prices due to 3% lower volumes reported. Although prices will likely stay on this lower level for now, it is also likely to on a higher level compared to a year ago due to lower volumes reported.

Pineapples traded lower at R15.01, lemons dropped to R7.78, while blueberries traded 27% higher at R261 per kilogram. I think lemon prices can stay in a downward for now while blueberries can stay in an upward trend from here on out.