2021-Week 38

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QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

The figures released this week saw Western Australia maintain the lead in production contributing 33% of the total national harvest of some 449,010 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 23%; Tristates at 20%; Central NSW with 13%;  and South Qld contributing 9%. The remaining 2% came from a combination of the following regions Sunshine Coast, Tamborine/Northern Rivers; and Central Qld. This production figure represents a 40% increase on week prior and was 5% higher than what was forecast for the week.  All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.19- $1.30 per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $1.00-$2.00/piece depending upon quality/size. Within the markets, premium trays of hass are selling in the range of $10 -$16/tray depending upon size and quality of each line.  Pricing for class one fruit (main sales) is ranging $2 -$9 per tray; whilst the bulk market has been experiencing prices for premium in the range of $1 to $5 (2nds) --$10-$20/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 to 440,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging in the range of 420-450,000 trays per week for the next three weeks thereafter. You will note that WA have contributed 33% of the national volume last week which equates to approximately 148,000 trays. The weather in the south west corner of WA has been rather cool across the last week with early morning minimum temps ranging 2.4 to 9.9C and daytime maximum temps of 12.0 to 17.4C. The Manjimup region experienced 27mm of rain up to last Sunday and whilst it has been relatively dry for the start of this week the skies are grey and overcast and from Sunday on, daily rainfall is predicted for the next week. The Pemberton region has already experienced rainfall this week and again more is forecast. So this means picking and packing may be interrupted next week.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing and pricing in all three major supermarkets varied a little depending upon store location.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows:  Aldi Qld had Hass still at $1.19ea;  Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.20 each; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.20 - $1.30ea - even though a couple of stores had old price signage up at $1 ea on our visits - this was soon remedied. The majority of fruit on shelves, was found to be coloured or developing skin colour and yielding to gentle pressure.

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 $4.99 ea ; Coles had their 5 piece pack at $5.50 ea; whilst Woolworths had the 5 pack on offer for $4.50 and the 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $3.90/bag on special.

SUPERMARKET & MARKET PRICING FOR NEXT WEEK  

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Cooparoo, Carindale and Fairfield Displays

  • Coles stores had Hass avocados priced at just $1.20ea.

  • Stores had 5 piece packs at $5.50 and 1kg I’m Perfect packs at $3.50 each.

Below: Aldi Cooparoo, Carindale and Fairfield Displays

  • NZ Hass loose count 23/25 @ $1.19c each everywhere and 6 piece Hass nets filled with NZ fruit at $4.99.

  • All fruit was well stocked and with loose having strong skin colour with a percentage being quite soft.

  • Fruit on display was between 27 and 30 days old with packed on dates from 23rd August to 27th August found.

  • All stores had pricing tickets which said Product of Australia and yet stock was from NZ. The prepack line had swing tags that said Product of NZ but pricing tickets that said Product of Australia????

Below: Woolworths Cooparoo, Carindale and Moorooka Displays

  • Most stores had Hass avocados at $1.20ea on Wednesday, one store had them priced at $1.30 each but were selling count 16/18 - a presence of minor skin marking on a few lines but a good mix of maturity on offer.

  • Fruit age 11 to 15 days old.

  • 5 piece packs at $4.50/ pack and 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $3.90ea

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National production last week saw a total of 441,000 cartons harvested and sent to markets around Australia. This was a 9.9% decrease on the previous week equating to almost 49,000 fewer cartons. In the past week the morning temperatures dropped a little in all regions within a range of 12.2 to 17.3C across the major growing regions in North Qld; whilst day time temperatures have ranged 24.8 to 28.7C. In terms of rainfall all regions have been relatively dry including Mareeba as well as Innisfail and Tully with only minor falls however Walkamin had an average of 6-8 mm per day. Bunch age will gradually decrease in terms of how long it takes the bunch to form and fill-out but it is still sitting at 15-16 weeks on farm. Production this week for the industry is forecast to be within a range of 460-480,000 cartons.

Most lines of displayed fruit were exhibiting small minor skin marks, some with light bat/bird marking still being seen; rust thrip damage; neck creases and a presence of sap stains found on a few lines on shelf. Colour was generally good ie brighter than in recent times though in a number of stores there seemed to be a higher presence of semi-coloured fruit (a few of these were a little greener than semi-coloured). Still seeing a low presence of fruit with dull bloom on show in stores. 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 was uniform amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi offering fruit at $3.49/kg; Coles with fruit ticketed at $3.50/kg and Woolworths at $3.50-$4.00/kg in the stores visited this week. 


RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Cooparoo, Carindale and Fairfield 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 priced at $7.90/kg. Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Cooparoo, Carindale and Fairfield Displays

  • Stores had Cavendish @ $3.49/kg. A small percentage of fruit that was of semi colour condition present.

    Lady Finger bananas were priced @ $5.99/kg

Below: Woolworths Cooparoo, Carindale and Moorooka Displays

  • Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/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; minor bat/bird marking; rust thrip damage and bronzing observed in some stores.

  • Lady fingers were priced at $7.50/kg - rub and maturity bronzing found as well as a few clusters with split peel.

  • Red tips were priced at $4.00/kg - some found with sooty mould.