Summer in Saudi Arabia stimulates fruit consumption, with imports rising sharply. This summer is particularly intense, due to high temperatures and a difficult context marked by inflation and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Kashif Shahzad, General Manager of the Global Star Group of Companies, says: "With temperatures soaring during Saudi Arabia's scorching summer, consumers are looking for refreshing and hydrating food options to beat the heat. In this dynamic landscape, locally grown fruit emerge as the focal point, their premium pricing compared to imports." The importer lists four fruits most in demand by consumers this summer:
- Mangoes are clearly the most popular fruit among Saudi consumers in summer. Around 10,000 tonnes of mangoes are imported during summer, mainly from neighbouring countries. The most popular varieties are those with a sweet taste and juicy flesh.
- Watermelons: Whether grown locally or imported, watermelons remain very popular.
- Dates: Dates are one of the most widely consumed and traditionally cultivated fruits in Saudi Arabia. However, prices are rising this summer.
- Citrus: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are in great demand nationwide.
Sourcing and supplying these and other fruits this summer has not been easy and has required a great deal of adaptation, reveals Kashif: "The fruit market faces many challenges. Food inflation, in particular, has been a concern. Rising food prices have had a significant impact on overall inflation and eroded living standards."
"Geopolitical tensions are also an aggravating factor. Disruptions in the Red Sea have led to longer shipping routes and higher operational costs, and reduced available transport capacity by 15-20% in the second quarter of 2024. A significant part of our supply had to be diverted around the Cape of Good Hope. We constantly reassess routes and suppliers to mitigate the risks."
"At Global Star Group, we have demonstrated great strength in strategic sourcing so that these problems are not reflected on consumers, and succeeded in securing the supply of quality fruit in this complex landscape," concludes Kashif.
For more information:
Kashif Shahzad
Global Star Group of Companies
Tel: +966547888332
Email: [email protected]
www.globalstar-group.com