2021-Week 34
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AVOCADO OVERVIEW
SUPPLY UPDATE
The figures released this week again saw Central Qld maintaining the lead in terms of avocado production accounting for 36% of the total harvest of some 453,470 trays last week; followed by Central NSW with 17%; South Qld at 15%; WA at 14% and Tristate at 13%. The remaining 5% came from a combination of the following regions Sunshine Coast, Tamborine; Northern Rivers; North Qld and a trickle from New Zealand. This production figure represents a 7% increase on week prior and was 7% higher than what was forecast for the week. All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $0.99- $1.00 per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $1.00/piece. It is hoped that with pricing reset at this piece rate that sales will enliven. Within the markets, avocado sales for premium trays are in the range of $10 -$18/tray depending upon size and quality of each line. Pricing for class one fruit (main sales) is ranging $3 --$8 per tray; whilst the bulk market has been experiencing prices for premium in the range of $1 to $5 (2nds) --$10-$25/ctn for premium bulks depending upon grade, quality and count size.
The national production of Hass this week is forecast to be in the vicinity of 430,000 trays and then the forecast shows figures ranging in the range of 430-460,000 trays per week for the next three weeks. With both Sydney and Melbourne still in lockdown due to Covid 19 the markets are struggling to move the volume of fruit they have with many merchants asking growers not to send unless they have authorised consignments. This has significantly devalued class one and the bulk market with no real change anticipated in the near future. You will note that WA have again contributed 14% of the national volume this week which equates to approximately 63,500 trays. The weather in the south west corner of WA experienced rain 4 out of the last 7 days with between 2 and 6mm per day, morning temps ranging 4.3-9.5C and daytime temps of 12.7 to 20.3C - relatively as forecast for the last week. Tristates contributed another 13% which is approx 60,000 trays. Both regions are holding steady at the moment in terms of harvesting with markets being in a contracted state.
Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing and pricing in all three major supermarkets has remained at a stable $1 a piece - so we are hoping this stimulates consumer appetites for a few extra avocados in their shopping baskets this week. Whilst checking on stores this week, I overheard shoppers when at the avocado display with comments like “at a $1 each we can put a couple in the basket” which is pleasing indeed.
In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass back at $0.99ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.00 each; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.00-$1.10 ea. The majority of fruit on shelves, whilst having developing skin colour was found to be just yielding to firm. Prepack formulations on offer by all major supermarkets provide an opportunity to move greater volumes in a single purchase. Aldi were offering their 6 piece nets on special at $3.99 ea and featured in their weekly catalogue; Coles had their 5 piece pack at $4.50 ea and 1kg I’m Perfect packs selling at $3.50ea; whilst Woolworths had the 5 pack on offer for $5.00-$5.90 and the 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $3.90/bag.
SUPERMARKET & MARKET PRICING FOR NEXT WEEK
RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS
Below: Coles Fairfield, Garden City and Cooparoo Displays
Coles stores had Hass avocados priced at just $1.00ea.
Stores had 5 piece packs at $4.50 and 1kg I’m Perfect packs at $3.50 each.
Below: Aldi Acacia Ridge, Garden City and Cooparoo Displays
Hass @ 99c each everywhere and 6 piece Hass nets at $3.99.
All fruit was well stocked and of good quality with minimal bruising/damage - light nodule damage present on some lines.
Fruit on display was between 6 and 14 days old.
Below: Woolworths Acacia Ridge, Garden City and Cooparoo Displays
Most stores had Hass avocados at $1.00ea on Wednesday - a presence of minor skin marking on a few lines and a good mix of maturity on offer in some of these stores.
Fruit age 11 to 15 days old.
5 piece packs at $5.00/ pack and 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $3.90ea
BANANA OVERVIEW
SUPPLY UPDATE
In the past week the morning temperatures have cooled with a range of 14 to 20.2C across the major growing regions in North Qld; whilst day time temperatures have ranged 23.2 to 30.6C. In terms of rainfall, both Innisfail and Tully have received a little more rain this week with a total of 30mm for Innisfail and 12mm for Tully across the week; whilst Mareeba and Walkamin districts have both been relatively dry over the last week. With the continuation of rather mild weather, there has not been a great deal of change with respect to bunch age this week - so we are still ranging 16-17 weeks on farm. Growth rates are steady, with not a great deal of change expected until the weather heats up and they day lengthens.
The national cut for last week was just shy of 471K cartons. This figure represented a decrease of 6.15% on the previous week. The national cut for this week is expected to be similar, within a range of 480-500K cartons. On farm we are grading out 10-15% with heavier marking to ensure fruit is within spec on arrival.
Most lines of fruit are exhibiting small minor skin marks, some with light bat/bird marking; neck creases and a presence of sap stains. Colour was generally good though all three Coles stores visited had a high percentage of semi-condition fruit on display. Aldi stock tended to have a higher percentage of fruit with dull bloom. Signage continued to be displayed in both Coles and Woolworths stores alerting their customers of the impact of cold winter temperatures on bananas during growth resulting in a dull bloom, yet fruit is still sweet to eat.
Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas varied between the major supermarkets with Aldi offering fruit at $3.49/kg; Coles with fruit ticketed at $3.50-$4/kg and Woolworths at $3.00/kg in the stores visited this week.
RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS
Below: Coles Fairfield, Garden City and Cooparoo Displays
Cavendish was priced at $3.50/kg, with Kids 750g banded clusters at $3.50/kg. Quality across stores was quite good though some clusters found with sooty mould, bronzing and minor skin marking.
Lady Fingers were on special at $5.50/kg. Red Tips at $5.50/kg.
Below: Aldi Acacia Ridge, Garden City and Cooparoo Displays
Stores had Cavendish @ $3.49/kg. A small percentage of fruit that was of semi colour condition present. Overall Aldi stores had the highest presence of fruit with dull bloom and generally a higher percentage of small minor skin marks.
Lady Finger bananas were priced @ $4.99/kg
Below: Woolworths Acacia Ridge, Garden City and Cooparoo Displays
Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $2.50. Displays were generally well presented with most stores utilizing the new bright shelf strips which highlight for customer stock that is ready to eat now and stock that will be ready in a couple of days - a little minor neck damage and bronzing observed in some stores.
Lady fingers were priced at $6.90/kg
Red tips were priced at $4.00/kg
