QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

In a nutshell the national production figures for last week were as follows:

· Week 13, 2023 - The industry experienced an increase of 4.19% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 498,620 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 20,000 more trays) on Week 12, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 319,466 trays of this volume were Shepard avos and so it is of no surprise that we saw North Qld maintain lead production at 73.47% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 22.95% of the volume followed by a combined effort of WA/Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 3.47% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of a much lighter crop of 394K trays is expected to be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies will continue to lighten with volumes of approximately 290K down to 216K trays per week expected, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 345K per week until more Hass is harvested which is when the next increase is expected by late April to the early 400K trays per week again. The current four week average dispatch figure has increased and now sits at 431,021 trays. The weather in far north Queensland from whence the bulk of primary production is currently being grown has been very warm during the days with a continuance of light showers. Fruit quality on farm is very good and eating at this time of the season is exceptional.

There were a little over 10,000 trays of Hass harvested again in the last week and this figure is set to quadruple by Easter and steadily increase the the Shepard season draws to a close by late April.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was clean at $1.79 to $1.80 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, had super keen offers for their customers for premium Shepard in Qld - ticketed at $1.79 to $1.80ea. Market pricing in the eastern seaboard locations was steady with prices ranging $24-$36/tray (for exceptional quality up to $36/tray) for premium fruit and $18-$28/tray for class one. Market pricing for Shepard bulks, premium; class one and second bulks, have been ranging $10.00-$28.00/ctn. Some Independent retailers, continue to offer large sized premium fruit $2.50ea and 3/$5.00.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 8 to 15 days from packed date on tray labels that were visible.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had NQ Shepard ticketed at $1.79ea; Coles Qld had new season Shepards ticketed at $1.80ea, and Woolworths also had NQ Shepards selling at $1.80/ea in stores visited. Also noted in Coles stores, Autumn Hass which was ticketed at $1.80ea with these displayed alongside NQ Shepards. One Woolworths store also stocked Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea.

For this weeks sales pricing please see the info below….

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Sunnybank Hills, Coorparoo and Sunnybank

Coles stores had Shepard and Autumn avocados in Count 23-25 priced at $1.80ea on special. Fruit was well presented with age 8 to 16 days old. Growers included Howe Farming; Rock Ridge; Lovacado.
5 piece prepacks priced at $5.00ea and Ikg I’m Perfects at $6.90/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Sunnybank Hills and Coorparoo

Greenskin Shepards and The Strand Shepards in count 25s @ $1.79 each as Aldi Super Savers.
5 piece packs priced at $6.99ea and 1kg packs at $6.49ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Sunnybank Hills, Coorparoo and Sunnybank

Stores had Count 25 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $1.80 each on special. Age is 8-14 days old.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea.
5 piece packs at $8.20ea, considerably higher than other chains.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 17.5 - 22.8 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 29.6 to 33.9C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions have received a similar amount to previous weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received between 51-58mm each, whilst Tully and Innisfail have received 0 to 0.2mm across the week. The forecast for the next week is for the sunny weather with the chance of isolated showers across these regions.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.99 to $3.50/kg this week. The markets have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand.

The presentation of Cavendish presented this week continues to have decent bloom with a light presence of minor dry scar; small rub marks; and neck injuries.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas exhibited minimal change from last week with Aldi’s banana ticket price at what seems like a standard $2.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $3.00/kg at all three locations visited; whilst Coles were offering fruit at $3.00/kg at one location and $3.50/kg at the others. Fruit was presented neatly on assigned displays, there was a presence of some minor rub and skin scarring as noted above.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Sunnybank Hills, Coorparoo and Sunnybank

Cavendish were priced at $3.00-3.50/kg and Kids packs were at $3.00ea.
Bloom was slightly dull this week, with most fruit having slight marking.
Lady Fingers were priced at $4.90/kg on special. Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic also at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Sunnybank Hills and Coorparoo

Stores had Cavendish @ $2.99/kg, there was a presence of light skin marking, rub marking, neck injury- but good bloom generally.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.79/kg.

Below: Woolworths Sunnybank Hills, Coorparoo and Sunnybank

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.00.
Lady fingers were priced at $5.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.00/kg and Organic Clusters at $5.50/kg.
Cavendish across all stores had good bloom this week.