QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 15, 2023 - The industry saw a decrease of 8.43% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 329,120 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 30,318 less trays) on Week 14, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 222,324 trays🥑 or other packing formats of this volume were Shepard avos and so it is of no surprise that we saw North Qld maintain lead production at 73.86% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 24.15% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 2% (Hass). Hass numbers from North Qld and Central Qld are creeping up with a total of 98K in various packing formats despatched last week.

· It is forecast that a total of 369K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to be in a status of decline to 94K, then 70K and 40K trays per week expected, whilst total Hass avocado production across this same period is expected to grow week on week with190K, 277K to mid 300K in early May. The current four week average dispatch figure has increased and now sits at 414,987 trays.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was clean at $1.79 to $2.50 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, had somewhat competitive offers for premium Shepard in Qld - ticketed at $1.79 to $2.00ea. Market pricing in the two eastern seaboard locations was steady with prices ranging $28-$36/tray (for exceptional quality up to $38/tray in southern states) 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-$35.00/ctn. Some Independent retailers, continue to offer large sized class one fruit 2/$5 and large premium for $3.99ea or 2/$7.00.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing, some fruit in every store with slight bruising or marking. Fruit age ranged 8 to 14 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 Shepards ticketed at $2.00ea, and Woolworths also had NQ Shepards selling at $2.00/ea in stores visited. Also noted in Coles stores, Autumn Hass which was ticketed at $1.80ea and were displayed alongside NQ Shepards. Woolworths stores 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 Indooroopilly and Carindale

Coles stores had Shepard in Count 20-25 at $2.00ea and Autumn avocados priced at $1.80ea. Fruit was well presented.
5 piece prepacks priced at $5.00ea and Ikg I’m Perfects at $6.90/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Indooroopilly and Carindale

Greenskin Shepards in count 25s @ $1.79 each.
5 piece packs priced at $6.99ea and 1kg packs at $6.49ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Indooroopilly and Carindale

Stores had Count 20 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $2.00 each. Age is 8-14 days old.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea.
1kg packs at $6.50ea.

BUNBURY WA SUPER FARMERS MARKET AVOCADOS

Shepard avocados priced at $3.99ea or 2 for $7.00.
South West Avocado Box priced at $9.99/kg - class one, even a couple of pieces of class two found in these.
Some fruit with skin splitting or marking, otherwise presented well.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week (Wk 15/2023) of 391,635 cartons saw a slight increase on the previous week with approximately 20,000 more cartons than in week 14. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 18.7 - 23.6 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 25.6 to 35.3C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions have received a similar amount to previous weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received between 4-5mm each, whilst Tully and Innisfail have received 43 to 144mm 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 $3.00/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 some minor 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; and Coles were offering fruit at $3.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Indooroopilly and Carindale

Cavendish were priced at $3.00/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 $5.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic also at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Indooroopilly and Carindale

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 Indooroopilly and Carindale

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $2.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $6.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $4.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $5.50/kg.
Cavendish across all stores had good bloom this week.

BUNBURY WA SUPER FARMERS MARKET BANANAS

Carnarvon Bananas priced at $2.99ea. Extra Large Queensland Bananas priced at $4.49/kg.
Prepacked Bananas at $2.99/kg.
All fruit slightly green, well stocked and presentation was excellent.