2021-Week 43

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QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

The figures released this week saw Western Australia maintain the lead in production contributing 63% of the total national harvest of some 472,212 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 17%; Tristates at 9%; Central NSW with 5%;  and South Qld contributing 5%. The remaining 1% came from a combination of the following regions Sunshine Coast, and Tamborine/Northern Rivers. This production figure represents a small 1% increase on the week prior and was 7% higher than what was forecast for the week.  All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.00- $1.30per 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 top of $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depending upon size and quality of each line; whereas premium NZ fruit is fetching $10-$15 (anything with colour or out-of-date spec is selling for $6-$10).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-$28/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 480,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging in the range of 430-440,000 trays for the first few weeks of November. You will note that WA have contributed 63% of the national volume last week which equates to approximately 297,494 trays which has been their biggest week of the season to date. The weather in the south west corner of WA has been cool with a few showery days thrown into the mix last week, whilst early morning minimum temps ranging 4.0 to 10.9C and daytime maximum temps of 15.2 to 22.6C. The Manjimup region experienced 11mm of rain in the last week up till Wednesday, with more rain forecast again for later in the week. Pemberton region has also been cool with lows of 6.6-10.5C and daytime averages of 14.9-24.9C; they too have had rainfall across the week with a total fall of 21mm. 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; sizing stocked and banner. The majority of stores this week were stocking NZ stock with fruit age ranging 19 to 29 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 $1.00 ea; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.20-$1.30ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with a range of 30-100% coloured on offer and ripeness ranging from very soft; to yielding to very firm - in a couple of stores it was all or nothing by way of extremes.

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 where stocked the 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $4.00/bag.

SUPERMARKET & MARKET PRICING FOR NEXT WEEK  

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Kenmore, Garden City and Sunnybank Hills Displays

  • Coles stores had Hass avocados priced at just $1.00ea. Primarily all NZ stock.

  • 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 - with some stock over ripe.

Below: Aldi Kenmore, Garden City and Sunnybank Hills 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 Kenmore, Garden City and Sunnybank Hills Displays

  • Stores had Hass avocados at $1.20 to $1.30 each - a presence of minor skin marking on a few lines but a good mix of maturity on offer. A mix of NZ and Australian grown fruit found at differing store locations. The WA fruit at Garden City was all strongly coloured and needed to be sorted through and graded out.

  • 5 piece packs at $4.50/ pack and 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $4.00ea

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 16.9 to 23.3C; whilst day time temperatures are giving us a glimpse of summer ranging 30.5 to 33.6C. In terms of rainfall this week Walkamin experienced the highest falls for the week with a total of 46mm whilst all other major regions in the far north have been dry again this week. Banana bunch age has come back to 16 weeks on our farm currently, with fruit quality found to be good overall in the packshed.

The national cut last week was again a BIG WEEK with another whopping 563,993 cartons which was a small increase of 1808 ctns on what was a big week prior. The forecast for this week to be in a range of 500-520,000 cartons. This should see continued promotional activity in the banana space next week on retail shelves.

Cavendish in general this week presented well. The usual minor marking with findings of dry scar; rub marks; some neck damage; and a small degree of bat/bird marking still being seen. A little more sap staining being seen this week. 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’s ticket price lifting after last week’s special to $2.99/kg; whilst Coles had fruit at $3 to $3.50/kg and Woolies offered fruit at $3.00/kg in the centres visited.





RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Kenmore, Garden City and Sunnybank Hills Displays

  • Cavendish was priced at $3.00 to $3.50/kg depending upon store location, with Kids 750g banded clusters also $3.00- $3.50/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 Kenmore, Garden City and Sunnybank Hills Displays

  • Stores had Cavendish @ $2.99/kg. A small percentage of fruit that was of semi colour condition present.

    Lady Finger bananas were priced @ $5.99/kg

Below: Woolworths Kenmore, Garden City and Sunnybank Hills 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; minor bat/bird marking; rust thrip damage; sap stains and bronzing observed in some stores.

  • Lady fingers were priced at $6.90/kg - rub and maturity bronzing found

  • Red tips were priced at $4.50/kg