2021-Week 42

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QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

The figures released this week saw Western Australia maintain the lead in production contributing 57% of the total national harvest of some 470,624 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 16%; Tristates at 11%; Central NSW with 9%;  and South Qld contributing 5%. The remaining 2% came from a combination of the following regions Sunshine Coast, and Tamborine/Northern Rivers. This production figure represents a staggering 33% increase on week prior and was also 4% higher than what was forecast for the week.  All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.10- $1.50per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $1.00-$2.00/piece depending upon quality/size. Within the markets things have remained relatively unchanged, premium trays of WA hass are selling in the range of $14 -$20/tray (very good quality getting a little $22) depending upon size and quality of each line; whereas premium NZ fruit is fetching $10-$15 (anything with colour or out-of-date spec is selling for $6-$10).  Pricing for class one fruit has remained stable (main sales) is ranging $6 -$14 per tray; whilst the bulk market has been experiencing prices for premium in the range of $6 to $14 (2nds) --$14-$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 420,000 to 440,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging in the range of 500-530,000 trays for the last week of October followed by a couple of weeks of between 420-440K per week for the next fortnight thereafter. You will note that WA have contributed 57% of the national volume last week which equates to approximately 268,000 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 7.2 to 13.6C and daytime maximum temps of 16.1 to 27.2C. The Manjimup region experienced 19.2mm of rain in the last week up till Wednesday, with more rain expected late week. Pemberton region has been a little cooler with lows of 6-12.2C and daytime averages of 17.3-27.2C; they too have had rainfall across the week with a total fall of 22mm. Growers are very aware of the increased possibility of nodule damage if fruit is picked and transited during rainfall so structure their week to minimalize 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. NZ stock was older fruit with age ranging 27-29 days; whilst Woolworths stores had a percentage of Australian fruit and therefore fruit was fresher with fruit age ranging 10 to 19 days.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows:  Aldi Qld had Hass at $1.29ea;  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 $1.10-$1.30ea. 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 $5.99ea ; 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, Browns Plains and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Coles stores had Hass avocados priced at just $1.50ea or 3 for $4.00. Primarily all NZ stock. With packed dates from 21st to 24th Sept therefore fruit age is 23 to 26 days. Displayed on ends and table top units.

  • Stores had 5 piece packs at $4.90 ea - these too were filled with fruit of NZ origin.

  • Loose organic hass ranged in some stores at $4.00ea.

Below: Aldi Carindale, Browns Plains and Indooroopilly Displays

  • NZ Hass loose count 23/25 @ $1.29 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. Fruit age 22-29 days.

Below: Woolworths Carindale, Browns Plains and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Stores had Hass avocados at $1.10ea to $1.30 each depending upon size being stocked with count 16/18 selling for $1.30ea - a presence of minor skin marking on a few lines but a good mix of maturity on offer. Majority of WW stores visited this week had Australian grown fruit and hence the fruit was much fresher.

  • Fruit age 10 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 have definitely warmed up in North Qld with all regions early a.m. temps falling within a range of 17.4 to 20.9C; whilst day time temperatures are giving us a glimpse of summer ranging 30.9 to 36.7C. In terms of rainfall this week Walkamin experienced the highest falls for the week with a total of 46mm whilst Mareeba received 27mm, Innisfail 12mm with Tully being relatively dry this week. If the warm weather experienced over the last week continues then bunch age will be coming back but it is still sitting at 16-17 weeks on farm currently.

The national cut last week was a whopping 562,185 cartons which was a solid increase of 130,632 ctns on the week prior. The forecast for this week to be in a range of 500-520,000 cartons. This will no doubt see continued promotional activity in the banana space next week.

Cavendish in general this week presented better. Less marking in general though fruit is still were exhibiting small minor skin marks, some neck damage; and a small degree of bat/bird marking still being seen. Colour was generally good with more plentiful supplies of fruit ready to eat and brighter bloom than in recent times.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas varied this week amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi running a Eastern seaboard catalogue special with fruit priced at at $1.99/kg; Both Coles and Woolies stores in the centres visited rallied to meet this special and had ticketed prices of $2.00-$3.00/kg depending upon store location and proximity to an Aldi store.   



RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Carindale, Browns Plains and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Cavendish was priced at $2 - $3/kg, with Kids 750g banded clusters at $2 - $3/kg depending upon store location and positioning with reference to an Aldi who had a national special on bananas at $1.99/kg. Quality across stores was quite good though some clusters found with minor skin marking, neck damage and rub marking.

  • Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg. Red Tips at $4.90/kg.

Below: Aldi Carindale, Browns Plains and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Stores had Cavendish @ $1.999/kg. A small percentage of fruit that was of semi colour condition present.

    Lady Finger bananas were priced @ $5.99/kg

Below: Woolworths Carindale, Browns Plains and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $2.00/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; 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.