2021-Week 40

/

QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

The figures released this week saw Western Australia maintain the lead in production contributing 39% of the total national harvest of some 420,754 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 25%; Tristates at 17%; Central NSW with 10%;  and South Qld contributing 7%. The remaining 2% came from a combination of the following regions Sunshine Coast, Tamborine/Northern Rivers; and Central Qld. This production figure represents a 4% increase on week prior and was 9% higher than what was forecast for the week.  All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $0.99- $1.50per 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 $12 -$18/tray (very good quality getting a little $18) depending upon size and quality of each line. There has been no change to supermarket pricing - this remained stable for several weeks and is expected to remain stable for the next two to three weeks at least.  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 $2 to $12 (2nds) --$12-$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 420,000 to 430,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging in the range of 400-420,000 trays per week for the next three weeks thereafter. You will note that WA have contributed 39% of the national volume last week which equates to approximately 164,000 trays. The weather in the south west corner of WA has experienced rain most days in the last week, whilst early morning minimum temps ranging 3.2 to 11.9C and daytime maximum temps of 12.4 to 16.9C. The Manjimup region experienced 32mm of rain in the last week. Pemberton region has also had further rainfall though BOM is a little scare of data. Growers are very aware of the increased possibility of nodule damage if fruit is picked and transited during rainfall so structure their week to minimalise the effect that the weather may have.

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 and banner.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows:  Aldi Qld had Hass at $0.99ea;  Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50 ea or 3 for $4.00; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.10ea. 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 $4.99ea ; Coles had their 5 piece pack at $4.90 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 Carindale, Garden City and Greenslopes Displays

  • Coles stores had Hass avocados priced at just $1.20ea or 3 for $4.00

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

Below: Aldi Carindale, Garden City and Acacia Ridge Displays

  • NZ Hass loose count 23/25 @ 99c each everywhere and 6 piece Hass nets filled with NZ fruit at $5.99.

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

Below: Woolworths Carindale, Garden City and Acacia Ridge 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


In the past week the morning temperatures having finally started warming up in North Qld again in all regions within a range of 15.4 to 20.6C; whilst day time temperatures have ranged 25.6 to 36.5C. In terms of rainfall all regions have been relatively dry this week with the exception of Walkamin which has experienced light rainfall most days totally 40mm for the week. If the warm weather experienced over the last week continues then bunch age will be coming back but it is still sitting at 15-17 weeks on farm currently.

The national cut is forecast for this week to be in a range of 440-460,000 cartons.

Most lines of displayed fruit were exhibiting small minor skin marks, some with light sap staining; bat/bird marking still being seen; rust thrip damage; as well as neck creases 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. Whilst fruit bloom has definitely improved over recent weeks, there is still a low level presence of fruit with dull bloom on show in a few stores.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas varied this week amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi offering fruit at $2.49/kg; Coles with fruit ticketed at $2.50 - $3.50/kg and Woolworths at $2.50-$3.50/kg in the stores visited this week. 


RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Carindale, Garden City and Camp Hill Displays

  • Cavendish was priced at $2.50/kg, with Kids 750g banded clusters at $2.50/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 $4.90/kg.

Below: Aldi Carindale, Garden City and Camp Hill Displays

  • Stores had Cavendish @ $2.49/kg. A small percentage of fruit that was of semi colour condition present.

    Lady Finger bananas were priced @ $5.99/kg

Below: Woolworths Carindale, Garden City and Camp Hill 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.