2021-Week 49

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QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

.The figures released this week saw Western Australia maintain the lead in production contributing 74% of the total national harvest of some 550,153 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 22%; Tristates at 2.8%; Central NSW with 4%. The remaining 1.2% came from Tamborine/Northern Rivers and Central NSW. This production figure represents a very slight increase of some 57,000 additional trays on the week prior and was 16% higher than what was forecast for the week. 

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $0.99- $1.40 per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $0.99-$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 $15 -$20/tray depending upon size and quality of each line; whereas premium NZ fruit is fetching $12-$15 (anything with colour or out-of-date spec is selling for $6-$10).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 $5 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 510,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging 505,000 trays then 460,000 and 420,000 per week through until the start of the New Year. (I can’t quite believe we will be starting 2022 in a matter of a few weeks) The last four week period has seen an average national dispatch of 522,282 trays per week.

You will note that WA have contributed a larger percentage of the national volume last week (74%) which equates to approximately 407,113 trays which is the biggest week of the WA season to date. The weather in the south west corner of WA has finally started to warm up a little with early morning minimum temps ranging 9.6 to 13.4C and daytime maximum temps of 21.6 to 35.2C. The Manjimup region was free of rain last week. The available meteorological data for the Pemberton region shows whilst early mornings are still quite cool with temps of 7.8-10C; the days are warm with averages of 22-34.4C. This Western Australian region also had dry weather across the week. Whilst the weather has been on our side, availability of staff due to ongoing Covid issues has been limiting our ability to harvest - we are trying our best to ensure the programmed orders are being filled.

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, though 1 of the 3 Woolworths stores visited had WA hass on offer. Fruit age in all stores was found to be ranging 14 to 29 days.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows:  Aldi Qld had increased their ticket price for Hass to $0.99ea;  Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.00 ea; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.20ea - $1.40ea for larger sized fruit. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with a range of 30-70% coloured on offer and ripeness ranging from soft; to yielding to very firm.

SUPERMARKET & MARKET PRICING FOR NEXT WEEK  

Supermarket pricing has remained constant with no further price increasing in the foreseeable future.

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Garden City, Woolongabba and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Coles stores had Skylark Hass avocados priced at $1.00ea or $1.50ea/3 for $4.00. Primarily all NZ stock -Fruit positioned on ends as well as a table top display aligning entry or just inside the store entry.

  • Stores had 5 piece packs at $4.50-$4.90 ea - these too were filled with fruit of NZ origin.

Below: Aldi Garden City and Woolongabba Displays

  • NZ Hass loose count 23/25 @ 99c each everywhere and 6 piece Hass nets filled with NZ fruit at $4.49

  • All fruit was well stocked and with loose having strong skin colour with a percentage being quite soft. Fruit age 29 days.

  • Evidence of some bruising; skin scarring and light sun blemish on some pieces.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Buranda and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Stores had Hass avocados at $1.40 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 age ranged 20-28 days.

  • 5 piece packs at $4.00/ pack

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

As expected over the past week the morning temperatures have continued to be warm up in North Qld with all regions early a.m. temps falling within a range of 18.4 to 23.6C; whilst day time temperatures have been on the rise in the last week ranging 31.1 to 34.8C. In terms of rainfall up to last Wednesday all major North Qld growing regions were relatively dry with low falls of 0.2 to 2.6mm experience in some areas. Cavendish banana bunch age remains at 15- 16 weeks on our farm currently, with fruit quality found to be good overall in the packshed. With the warm days the rate of fruit growth is certainly quickening and it is important for all farms to stay on top of girth measurements to ensure overall fruit length and girth is not exceeding specification.

The national cut last week was 496,249 cartons with another week of solid production representing an increase of 4406 ctns on the previous week. The forecast for this week is expected to be in a range of 490-510,000 cartons. Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $2.49/kg again this week. The markets all have plentiful supplies of cavendish with fruit selling at $4-$15 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

Cavendish in general this week presented well. Fruit was presenting quite cleanly though there was a presence of some quite long fingers, and low level minor dry scar; small rub marks; light bat/bird marking and sap staining seen. Colour was generally good with more plentiful supplies of fruit ready to eat.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas varied this week amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s ticket price at $2.99/kg; whilst Coles offered fruit at $3.00 to $3.50/kg depending upon store location and Woolies offered fruit at $3.00/kg.















RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Woolongabba and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Cavendish was priced at $3.00-$3.50/kg, 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 and green colouring.

  • Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90-$5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Garden City and Woolongabba Displays

  • Stores had Cavendish @ $2.99/kg.

    Lady Finger bananas were priced @ $5.99/kg - a few clusters found with bronzing.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Buranda and Indooroopilly Displays

  • Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00-$3.50/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.00-$3.50. 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 - some green fruit and minor bat/bird marking.

  • Lady fingers were priced at $7.90/kg - rub and maturity bronzing found

  • Red tips were priced at $4.50/kg and Organic variety at $5.50/kg