QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 37, 2023 - The industry saw a 10.18% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 345,168 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 40,000 less trays) on Week 36, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 343,540 trays harvested in addition to 1,628 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. Western Australia leads production and still on the increase with 43.52% of the total volume this week, then Tristate with 30.85%, South Qld with 11.98%, Central NSW with 10.37%; and lastly Tamborine and Northern Rivers, Sunshine Coast/North Qld/New Zealand with the remaining 3.28%.

· It is forecast that a total of 438K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 430K and 460K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 413,350 trays. Whilst national production has declined a little again this week, all markets are heavy with stock particularly smaller sizes 28/30/32’s and bulks so lots of competition on pricing unfortunately in a downward trend. Slightly higher pricing can be found in all markets on quality larger sizes - 16/18’s. Quality of supermarket lines continues to be a focus so please ensure you are packing trays etc that are well within spec. We have been experiencing a few underweight trays, please remember to check your tray weights in a range of sizing consistently throughout any packing day, say every 15 minutes, to ensure you are picking up on any variances between blocks etc. and adjust accordingly.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld with $1.19ea on Hass; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.20ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling competitively also at $1.20ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Carindale, Garden City and Fairfield

Coles stores had multiple growers Hass Avocados at $1.20ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $4.50ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00/pack.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising but overall good colour and presentation.

Below: Aldi Displays from Carindale, Garden City and Fairfield

Hass @ $1.19 each at most stores as Aldi Super Savers.
1kg Avocado nets at $3.99ea.
5 piece packs priced at $4.49ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Carindale, Garden City and Moorooka

Stores stocked Hass, priced at $1.20ea.
5 piece prepacks at $5.00ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $4.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 37 saw a total despatch of 392,000 cartons which was a decrease of approximately 22,000 on Week 36 harvest. Production levels are not expected to increase significantly for another 4-5 weeks. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 12.2 - 19.9 C across all major growing regions and day time temperatures have remained warmer ranging 23.8 - 28.5 C. Minimal rain fell across the entire North Qld growing regions this week with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 0.4-3.4mm; and falls across Innisfail and Tully significantly more this week with 48.0-71.6mm!

Cavendish this week were found to have relatively good bloom and an overall good appearance. A few minor defects noted including rub marking, minor bruising and neck damage.

Retail ticket pricing saw a spike in Queensland on bananas which had remained relatively unchanged for a period: Aldi had their banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.50/kg; and Coles were offering fruit at $4.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Carindale, Garden City and Fairfield

Cavendish were priced at $4.00-4.50/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters had very slight bruising.
Lady Fingers were priced at $6.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Carindale, Garden City and Fairfield

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Carindale, Garden City and Moorooka

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.50/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $2.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.