August 28, 2023

2023 Week - 34

August 28, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 33, 2023 - The industry saw a 17.05% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 426,234 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 85,000 less trays) on Week 32, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 419,827 trays harvested in addition to 6,407 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. Western Australia has now taken the lead with 27.30% of the total volume, then Tristate with 20.72%, Central Qld with 20.10%; followed by South Qld at 16.12%, Central NSW at 10.64%, and the balance coming from the a combination of Sunshine Coast/Tamborine/North Qld and Northern Rivers (5.12%).

· It is forecast that a total of 454K 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 470K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 432,296 trays. There has been a build of up fruit volumes in all eastern seaboard markets with a proliferation of small sized fruit and a notable presence of different varietals which is seeing the market stagnate somewhat. More instore specials can be expected and we believe pricing will come back another $1 to $2 per tray on all sizes next week.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld with $1.29ea on Hass; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at $1.50ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Cannon Hill, Garden City and Ipswich

Coles stores had multiple growers Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $4.80ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00/pack. Organic avocados priced at $3.90ea.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising but overall good colour and presentation.

Below: Aldi Displays from Caannon Hill, Garden City and Ipswich

Simpson/Avolution/Mayfair Hass Ct 25’s @ $1.29 each - Aldi Super Savers.
1kg Avocado nets at $4.49ea.
5 piece packs priced at $4.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Cannon Hill, Garden City and Ipswich

Stores stocked The Strand and Simpson Hass in counts 16-20, priced at $1.30-1.50ea depending on store location.
5 piece prepacks at $6.50ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $4.50-5.00ea. Organic priced at $3.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 33 saw a total despatch of 357,000 cartons which was approximately 21,000 fewer than Week 32 production. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 9.6 - 17.9 C across all major growing regions and day time temperatures have remained warmer ranging 23.0 - 28.0 C. Less rainfall across the entire North Qld growing regions this week with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 0mm; and relatively light falls in Innisfail and Tully receiving 6.0 - 9.0mm across the week!

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom. Less bruising than previous weeks and less green fruit. Lady Fingers however were still green with some bruising.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas remained relatively unchanged since last week and relatively uniform across the three chains as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a competitive ticket price of $4.00/kg; and Coles were offering fruit also competitively at $4.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Cannon Hill, Garden City and Ipswich

Cavendish were priced at $4.00/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 $8.00/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic variety priced at $6.00/kg.

Below: Aldi Cannon Hill, Garden City and Ipswich

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Cannon Hill, Garden City and Ipswich

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00-4.50/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50. A little sooty mould observed.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

August 28, 2023

2023 Week - 33

August 28, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 32, 2023 - The industry saw a 18.94% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 513,816 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 80,000 more trays) on Week 31, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 508,865 trays harvested in addition to 4,951 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. Central Qld is still in the lead with 25.18% of the total volume; followed by WA with 25.08%, South Qld at 16.32% of the volume, Tristate (15.77%), Central NSW (13.01%), and the balance coming from the a combination of Sunshine Coast/Tamborine/North Qld and Northern Rivers (4.64%).

· It is forecast that a total of 525K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 520K and 530K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 434,308 trays.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld with $1.49ea on Hass; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.80ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at $1.30ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Sunnybank Hills, Browns Plains and Moorooka

Coles stores had Lava Valley (Murray Bros), Cherry Creek/Organic Bros (Rockridge) and Simpsons/ Avolution Hass Avocados at $1.80ea.
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 Sunnybank Hills, Browns Plains and Moorooka

Simpson/Avolution Hass Ct 25’s @ $1.49 each.
1kg Avocado nets at $4.49ea.
5 piece packs priced at $4.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Sunnybank Hills, Browns Plains and Moorooka

Stores stocked The Strand and Simpson Hass in counts 16-20, priced at $1.30ea.
5 piece prepacks at $5.00ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $5.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 32 saw a total despatch of some 378,000 cartons nationally. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 7.0 - 19.0 C across all major growing regions and day time temperatures have remained warmer ranging 22.0 - 27.9 C. Rain has been present on the Tablelands with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving just 0.8mm and 4.4mm respectively; and somewhat heavier falls experienced in Innisfail and Tully receiving 18.0 - 32.4mm across the week!

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom. A presence of minor skin marking noted within some displays but less bruising than previous weeks. Ladyfinger displays with considerable disparity between sizing, also some bat/bird damage noted on a couple of displays.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas remained unchanged on last week and relatively uniform across the three chains as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a competitive ticket price of $4.00/kg; and Coles were offering fruit also competitively at $4.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Sunnybank Hills, Browns Plains and Moorooka

Cavendish were priced at $4.00/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 $8.00/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic variety priced at $6.00/kg.

Below: Aldi Sunnybank Hills, Browns Plains and Moorooka

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg. This variety was quite bruised.

Below: Woolworths Sunnybank Hills, Browns Plains and Moorooka

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00-4.50/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

August 11, 2023

2023 Week - 32

August 11, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 31, 2023 - The industry saw a 20.96% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 431,996 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 70,000 more trays) on Week 30, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 427,791 trays harvested in addition to 4,205 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. Central Qld is still in the lead with 39.93% of the total volume; South Qld has lifted this week contributing 17.66% of the volume followed by WA (13.72%), Central NSW (11.59%), and the balance coming from the a combination of Sunshine Coast/Tamborine/North Qld and Northern Rivers (5.22%).

· It is forecast that a total of 418K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 410K and 430K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 442,288 trays.

Whilst the NQ avocado season has ended and the Central Qld season is expected to draw to a close at the end of this month it means that the window of opportunity is quickly closing as more growers in the Tristates, Victorian and WA regions are now commencing their harvests. We envisage that there will be a decline in pricing in the coming weeks as the volumes increase. There are already plentiful supplies of smaller fruit in the class one arena which is seeing pricing weaken and why there are a number of specials on prepack lines currently.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld back to the usual Hass at $1.49ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at $1.20ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Springwood

Coles stores had Lava Valley (Murray Bros), Cherry Creek/Organic Bros (Rockridge) and Simpsons/ Avolution Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $4.80ea and 5 piece packs on special at $5.00/pack.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising but overall good colour and presentation.
Organic variety of avocados also on display for $5.00ea.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Springwood

Simpson/Avolution Hass Ct 25’s @ $1.49 each, packed 24th July making stock 16 days old.
Aldi Super Savers this week were their 1kg Avocado nets.
5 piece packs priced at $4.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Springwood

Stores stocked Purpleskin and Simpson Hass in counts 16-20, on special, priced at $1.20ea.
5 piece prepacks at $6.50ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $4.80ea on special.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 31 saw a total despatch of some 381,000 cartons bananas which was a 5.9% decline on the previous week. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 12.0 - 18.8 C across all major growing regions, not much change here and day time temperatures have remained warmer ranging 20.5 - 24.5 C. Rain has been extensive again in coastal regions much lighter on the Tablelands with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 4.6mm and 14.2mm respectively; but significant falls experienced and continuing in Innisfail and Tully receiving 85.8 - 99.6mm across the week! Rainfall of this nature continues to impact harvesting and also negative impacts upon tasks such as fertilising; spraying; de-leafing; weeding etc.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom. Less bruising than previous weeks but more green fruit on display.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Carindale and Springwood

Cavendish were priced at $4.00-4.50/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00-4.50ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters green and with slight bruising.
Lady Fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic variety priced at $6.00/kg.

Below: Aldi Garden City, Carindale and Springwood

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg. This variety needed restocking in some stores.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Carindale and Springwood

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

August 08, 2023

2023 Week - 31

August 08, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 30, 2023 - The industry saw a 17.76% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 357,139 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 70,000 less trays) on Week 29, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 353,401 trays harvested in addition to 3,738 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. North Qld has fundamentally finished despite still contributing 6.51% of this production. Central Qld is still in the lead with 33.47% of the total volume; South Qld has lifted this week contributing 20.37% of the volume followed by WA (15.48%), Central NSW (13.26%), and the balance coming from the a combination of Sunshine Coast/Tamborine and Northern Rivers (10.90%).

· It is forecast that a total of 330K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 370K and 410K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 425,562 trays.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld continued to range Hass at $1.19ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.80ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at $1.50-$1.80ea depending upon store location. There actually was a little confusion with Woolworths pricing as some stores still had their old signage up on the front of their A-frame displays and the new shelf ticket price mounted on the rear of the display.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Coomera

Coles stores had Murray Bros, Simpsons and Avolution Hass Avocados at $1.80ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $4.80ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00/pack.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising but overall good colour and presentation.
Organic variety of avocados also on display for $2.90ea.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Coomera

The Strand and Simpson Hass @ $1.19 each, as Aldi Super Savers this week.
5 piece packs priced at $4.99ea and 1kg packs at $4.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Coomera

Stores stocked Purpleskin, Simpson and The Strand Hass in counts 16-20, on special, priced at $1.20-1.50ea.
5 piece prepacks at $6.00ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $5.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 30 saw the national harvest figure increase slightly to around 405,000 cartons from 399,000 so there was little change in the retail landscape. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 12.8 - 18.9 C across all major growing regions, whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 21.8 - 26.2 C. Not too much variance in rainfall this week for Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 0.8mm and 9.5mm respectively; but significant falls experienced and continuing in Innisfail and Tully have received considerably more rain with 92.8 - 136.8mm across the week! This not only negative impacts upon harvesting but also farm tasks such as fertilising; de-leafing; weeding etc.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom. Bloom appearing somewhat brighter this week, with less bruising than previous weeks.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Carindale and Coomera

Cavendish were priced at $4.00-4.50/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00-4.50ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters green and with slight bruising.
Lady Fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic variety priced at $6.00/kg.

Below: Aldi Garden City, Carindale and Coomera

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- good bloom this week, an improvement on previous weeks. Some light brusing and skin marking observed.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg. This variety needed restocking in some stores.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Carindale and Coomera

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

August 08, 2023

2023 Week - 30

August 08, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 29, 2023 - The industry saw a 20.42% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 434,280 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 110,000 less trays) on Week 28, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 433,182 trays harvested in addition to 1,098 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. As for production, Central Qld is still in the lead with 49.13% of the total volume; South Qld just overtaking North Qld contributing 14.91% of the volume followed by a combined effort of North QLD (13.44%), WA (8.37%), Central NSW (9.11%) and the balance coming from the Sunshine Coast/Tamborine an Northern Rivers (5.04%).

· It is forecast that a total of 440K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 330K and 360K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 459,869 trays.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.19ea but advertised at $1.29ea in their Aldi Super Savers catalogue? with late week advertising on television at $1.19ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at a competitive on sale price of $1.20/ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Toowong

Coles stores had Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $5.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50/pack.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising but overall good colour and presentation.
Organic variety of avocados also on display for $3.80ea.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Toowong

Avolution and Simpson Hass @ $1.19 each, as Aldi Super Savers this week.
5 piece packs priced at $5.99ea and 1kg packs at $4.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Toowong

Stores stocked Purpleskin, Simpson and Lava Valley Hass in counts 16-20, on special, priced at $1.20ea.
Fruit packed 13th July to 14th July, so age ranging 12 days to 13 days.
5 piece prepacks at $6.50ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $4.80ea - this line was also on special.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 29 saw the national harvest figure increase slightly to just below 399,000 cartons from 388,000; so again there was little change in the retail landscape. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 8.0 - 19.0 C across all major growing regions, whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 20.0 - 27.0 C. Less rainfall this week with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 3.2mm and 3.0mm respectively; whilst Innisfail and Tully also received less rain with 20.4 - 34.2mm across the week in each region.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom. Seeing some dullness of bloom amongst smaller fruit on shelf, particularly kids packs.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Carindale and Toowong

Cavendish were priced at $4.00/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters green and with slight bruising.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic variety priced at $6.00/kg.

Below: Aldi Garden City, Carindale and Toowong

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- good bloom this week, an improvement on previous weeks. Some light brusing and skin marking observed, some fruit also had considerable bronzing.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg. This variety needed restocking at all stores.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Carindale and Toowong

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

July 21, 2023

2023 Week - 29

July 21, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 28, 2023 - The industry saw a whopping 49.48% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 545,736 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 180,000 more trays) on Week 27, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 539,210 trays harvested in addition to 6,526 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. This important to note that approximately 14,000 trays of this weeks harvest went to processing. Central Qld is still in the lead for overall production at 45.08% of the total volume; North Qld still contributing 20.45% of the volume followed by a combined effort of South QLD (11.70%), WA (11.29%), Central NSW (8.09%) and the balance coming from the Sunshine Coast/Tamborine an Northern Rivers (3.39%).

· It is forecast that a total of 454K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 400K and 460K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 460,833 trays. With these kinds of production figures we don’t expect the market to go up at all, it is more likely to weaken and there will be a struggle to clear the increased volume of particularly small fruit for the next couple of weeks.

It is with some sadness that our North Queensland Avocado season has almost come to an end, with next week likely to see our final harvest and packing. However, our SE Queensland grower partners are well underway with their 2023 harvest and the quality of early fruit from this region is looking good. They have had some rather cool mornings over the last couple of weeks and there is a rather significant rain event forecast for this coming weekend but this won’t dampen their spirits.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.49ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50ea, and Woolworths had Hass also selling at $1.50/ea. Loose GMAX were back in Woolworths stores visited this week, priced at $2.50ea - though a number of pieces were sited with body rots.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Fairfield, Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney

Coles stores had Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.
Fruit packed 3rd to 8th July, so fruit age ranging 11 to 16 days.
1kg I’m Perfect at $5.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50/pack.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising but overall good colour and presentation.

Below: Aldi Displays from Fairfield, Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney

Avolution and Simpson Hass @ $1.49 each.
5 piece packs priced at $5.99ea and 1kg packs at $4.99ea. GMAX 3pk at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Moorooka, Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney

Stores stocked Purpleskin, Simpson and Lava Valley Hass in counts 16-20, priced at $1.50ea. Greenskin GMAX back in stock this week, priced at $2.50ea.
Fruit packed 4th July to 11th July, so age ranging 8 days to 15 days.
5 piece prepacks at $6.50ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $6.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 28 saw the national harvest figure increase slightly to just under 389,000 cartons from 372,000 so there was little change in the retail landscape. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 13.7 - 20.1 C across all major growing regions, this is not to say we haven’t experienced cooler temps in some low lying areas across the north - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 21.8 - 26.2 C. Rain has been more constant this week with an increase on last week with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 7.8mm and 13.6mm respectively; whilst Innisfail and Tully received significantly more with 67.2 - 76.0mm across the week in each region.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom and there was less of a presence of rub marks and bruising. Seeing some dullness of bloom amongst smaller fruit on shelf, particularly kids packs.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas remained unchanged on last week and relatively uniform across the three chains as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a competitive ticket price of $4.00-$4.50/kg; and Coles were offering fruit also competitively at $4.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Fairfield, Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney

Cavendish were priced at $3.99-4.00/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters green and with slight bruising.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Fairfield, Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- good bloom this week, an improvement on previous weeks. Some light brusing and skin marking observed.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg. This variety was slightly more bruised.

Below: Woolworths Moorooka, Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

July 16, 2023

2023 Week - 28

July 16, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 27, 2023 - The industry saw a 26.15% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 365,092 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 130,000 less trays) on Week 26, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 389,681 trays harvested in addition to 4,800 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, Central Qld is still in the lead for overall production at 37.54% of the total volume; North Qld contributing 28.56% of the volume followed by a combined effort of South QLD (12.97%), WA (10.82%), Central NSW (6.17%) and the balance coming from the Sunshine Coast/Tamborine an Northern Rivers (4.00%).

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Capalaba, Carindale and Garden City

Coles stores had Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $6.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50/pack. Organic variety at $3.80ea.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising and dry marks.

Below: Aldi Displays from Capalaba, Carindale and Garden City

Purpleskin, Avolution; The Strand and Simpson Hass @ $1.49 each.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs as Aldi Super Savers at $4.49ea. GMAX 3pk at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Capalaba, Carindale and Garden City

Stores stocked Purpleskin, Mayfair and Lovacado Hass in counts 16-20, priced at $1.50ea. GMAX back in stock this week, priced at $2.50ea.
5 piece prepacks at $6.50ea. 1kg prepacks on special priced at $5.20-5.90ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 27 saw the national harvest figure increase slightly to just over 372,000 cartons so there was little change in the retail landscape. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 12.6 - 21 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 22.5 to 30.4 C. Rainfall was lighter than previous weeks with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving just 0.2mm and 0.6mm respectively; whilst Innisfail and Tully received a lighter fall with 8.0 - 10.8mm across the week in each region. The weather bureau is forecasting cooler overnight temps/early morning which will contribute to a dulling of fruit bloom (especially smaller fruit). Production for the next three week period is not expected to increase significantly.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom, less eat later fruit options on display and there was a presence of rub marks, with minor neck injuries and bruising, observed on some displays of fruit.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Capalaba, Carindale and Garden City

Cavendish were priced at $4.00/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters green and with slight bruising.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic price varied $6.00ea.

Below: Aldi Capalaba, Carindale and Garden City

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom. A few neck injuries, light brusing and skin marking observed.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Capalaba, Carindale and Garden City

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

July 07, 2023

2023 Week - 27

July 07, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 26, 2023 - The industry saw a 12.83% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 494,368 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 60,000 more trays) on Week 25, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 469,562 trays harvested in addition to 24,806 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, Central Qld is still in the lead for overall production at 52.35% of the total volume; North Qld contributing 29.15% of the volume followed by a combined effort of South QLD (7.43%), WA (4.03%), Central NSW(3.28%) and the balance coming from the Sunshine Coast/Tamborine an Northern Rivers (3.75%).

· It is forecast that a total of 394K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 360K and 390K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 380K to 410K per week (including other varieties). The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 423,982 trays. Whilst the market has come back a little in value as a result of the increased volume over the last two weeks, it is thought to hold steady for the next week or two at least. The majority of growers in far North Queensland have now finished their harvest with the last of the supply from this region expected to be finalised by late July; Central Qld is expected to finish sometime mid-late August. Depending upon how much fruit is to come from Central Qld, there may be a couple of lighter weeks in late August when we may see a percentage increase in value before the Tristates region really gets underway,

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.49ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50ea, and Woolworths had Hass also selling at $1.50/ea. There were no loose GMAX in any stores visited this week, however a couple of the Aldi stores had their GMAX 3 piece nets.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Browns Plains, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank Hills

Coles stores had Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $6.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50/pack. Organic variety at $3.80ea.
Fruit packed 20th to 23rd June, so fruit age ranges 12 to 15 days.
Overall good condition, some fruit with bruising and dry marks.

Below: Aldi Displays from Browns Plains, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank Hills

Purpleskin, Avolution; The Strand and Simpson Hass @ $1.49 each.
Fruit packed 13th to 23rd June so fruit age is 12 to 22 days.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs at $5.99ea. GMAX 3pk at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Browns Plains, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank Hills

Stores stocked Purpleskin Hass and Simpson Hass in counts 20/23, priced at $1.50ea.
1kg prepacks priced at $6.50ea. Organic variety at $3.30ea.
Fruit packed 23rd to 26th June so fruit age is 9 to 12 days.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 26 saw a national harvest figure decline slightly to just over 362,000 cartons there was little change in the retail landscape. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 12.5 - 22.1 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 20.5 to 29.8 C. There was a little more rain this week for Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 10.4mm and 18.0mm respectively; whilst Tully and Innisfail received considerably more than previous weeks, with 49.6 - 59.2mm across the week in each region. The weather bureau is forecasting cooler overnight temps/early morning which will contribute to a dulling of fruit bloom (especially smaller fruit). Production for the next four week period is not expected to increase significantly.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom, less green fruit and although still a presence of rub marks, with minor neck injuries and bruising, less than previous weeks.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was uniform across the three chains as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a competitive ticket price of $4.00/kg; and Coles were offering fruit also competitively at $4.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Browns Plains, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank Hills

Cavendish were priced at $4.00/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
The majority of fruit had good bloom. Some clusters found with neck damage and skin rub marking.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic price varied $6.00ea.

Below: Aldi Browns Plains, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank Hills

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom. A few neck injuries, light brusing and skin marking observed.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Browns Plains, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank Hills

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg (one store without stock), Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

June 30, 2023

2023 Week - 26

June 30, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 25, 2023 - The industry saw a 3.75% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 438,137 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 16,000 more trays) on Week 24, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 347,636 trays harvested in addition to 27,684 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, Central Qld has now overtaken North Qld for the lead in overall production at 55.12% of the total volume; North Qld contributing 38.89% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Tristate contributing the remaining 5.99% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of 419K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks will range between 370K and 400K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 380K to 420K per week (including other varieties). The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 400,766 trays.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.49ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.80ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at a competitive $1.50/ea. Woolworths and Coles stores also stocked Greenskin GMAX, priced at $2.30-$2.50ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Carindale, Kenmore and Coorparoo

Coles stores had Hass Avocados at $1.80ea. GMAX Avocados at $2.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $6.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50/pack. Organic variety at $3.00ea.
Shelf talkers promoting avocado use ideas.

Below: Aldi Displays from Carindale, Kenmore and Coorparoo

Purpleskin, The Strand and Simpson Hass @ $1.49 each.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs at $5.99ea. GMAX 3pk at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Carindale, Kenmore and Coorparoo

Stores had GMAX avocados at $2.30 each. Gmax found with copper spray residue and rots developing.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass and Simpson Hass in counts 20/23, priced at $1.50ea. Fruit packed 13th to 19th June therefore fruit age ranged 9 to 15 days.
1kg prepacks priced at $6.50ea. Organic variety at $3.30ea.
Shelf Talker - Try this: Smashed Avo and Fetta on toast

INDEPENDENT STORE

Hass Avocados priced at $2.99ea or 2 for $5.00. Count 14 Hass grown by Rockridge selling 2 for $5.00 at Kenmore Village.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 25 has been and gone and we are now halfway through the year with week 26 drawing to a close! Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 8.1 - 20.0 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 24.4 to 27.8 C. Rainfall this week for Mareeba and Walkamin was again low, receiving 0-0.6mm, Tully and Innisfail receiving significantly less than previous weeks, with 2.6 - 14.4mm across the week in each region. Though the forecast for the next week is for overnight/early morning temps to again dip to 10C or below which will contribute to a dulling of fruit bloom and significant rainfall for north and central Queensland which will slow harvest if it eventuates.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom, some green fruit and a presence of rub marks, with minor neck injuries and bruising.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a competitive ticket price of $4.00/kg; and Coles were offering fruit also competitively at $4.00-4.90/kg depending upon location.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Carindale, Kenmore and Coorparoo

Cavendish were priced at $4.00-4.90/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00-4.90ea.
Some fruit still having slight green colour, but the majority with good bloom. Some clusters found with rust thrip, neck damage and skin rub marking.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic price varied $6.50ea.

Below: Aldi Carindale, Kenmore and Coorparoo

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Carindale, Kenmore and Coorparoo

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

June 23, 2023

2023 Week - 25

June 23, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 24, 2023 - The industry saw a 23.81% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 422,317 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 80,000 more trays) on Week 23, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 385,284 trays harvested in addition to 37,033 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, North Qld maintains the lead in overall production at 49.31% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 47.74% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Tristate contributing the remaining 3.00% (Hass). This week the central markets has again seen a lift in pricing by $1.00-$3.00/tray depending upon size, age and quality.

· It is forecast that a total of 375K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks will range between 303K and 327K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 327K to 352K per week (including other varieties). The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 386,599 trays.

Ticket pricing of Hass avocados this week was competitive across the three major supermarkets with ticket prices set at $1.19/$1.30 per piece from Wednesday 21st June.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.19ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.30-1.50ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at a competitive $1.50/ea. Woolworths and Coles stores also stocked Greenskin GMAX, priced at $2.30-2.50ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Forest Lake

Coles stores had Hass Avocados primarily in Ct 25 also odd tray of Ct20’s at $1.30ea. Stock from Rockridge; Dorian as well as Rockley via Murray Brothers. Stock packed 8th to 13th June so fruit age is 8 to 13 days. GMAX Avocados at $2.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $6.50-6.90ea and 5 piece packs at $6.00/pack. Organic variety at $3.80ea.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Forest Lake

Purpleskin and Simpson Hass @ $1.19 each. A little nodule damage present, sun damage and a presence of copper on a few pieces.
5 piece packs priced at $4.49ea and 1kg packs at $4.99ea. GMAX 3pk at $4.49ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Forest Lake

Stores had GMAX avocados at $2.30 each.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass and Simpson Hass in counts 20/23, priced at $1.30-1.50ea. Mixed signage in one store which causes confusion. Stock packed 8th and 9th June so fruit age is 12-13 days. Some copper residue noted, nodule damage and odd piece with sun damage.
5 piece packs at $5.50ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $6.50ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE

Hass Avocados priced at $2.90ea or 2 for $5.00.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 24 saw a total of 392,062 cartons dispatched, an increase on week 24 of approximately 18,000. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 13.0 - 20.0 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 23.8 to 27.4 C. Rainfall this week for Mareeba and Walkamin was again low, receiving 0-0.6mm, Tully and Innisfail receiving significantly less than previous weeks, with 12.4 - 12.8mm across the week in each region. The forecast for the next week is for overnight/early morning temps to start dipping a little further.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom, some green fruit and a presence of rub marks and bruising.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Carindale and Forest Lake

Cavendish were priced at $3.99/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
Some fruit still having slight green colour, but the majority with good bloom. Some clusters found with rust thrip, neck damage and skin rub marking.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic price varied $6.50ea.

Below: Aldi Garden City, Carindale and Forest Lake

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Carindale and Forest Lake

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

June 22, 2023

2023 Week - 24

June 22, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 23, 2023 - The industry saw a 15.04% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 341,107 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 60,000 less) on Week 22, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 306,849 trays with an additional 34,258 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, North Qld maintains the lead in overall production at 56.98% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 38.88% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Tristate contributing the remaining 4.14% (Hass). The central markets are still in a state of recovery post the deluge of fruit that hit the market in mid-May, and whilst there has been a slight move upward indicating clearance of some of the volume there is still quite a divide between what is being paid for fruit of varying age and quality.

· It is forecast that a total of 338K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks will range between 273K and 303K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 280K to 340K per week (including other varieties). The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 382,178 trays.

Ticket pricing of Hass avocados this week was competitive across the three major supermarkets with ticket prices set at $1.19/1.50 per piece from Wednesday 14th June. Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was well done.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly

Coles stores had Hass Avocados in Count 20-25 at $1.50ea. GMAX Avocados at $2.50ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $4.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50/pack. Organic variety at $3.80ea.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly

Purpleskin and Simpson Hass in count 23-25 @ $1.19 each. Featured in the Aldi Weekly catalogue.
5 piece packs priced at $4.49ea and 1kg packs at $4.99ea. GMAX 3pk at $4.49ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly

Stores had Count 16/18 GMAX packed 30th and 31st May avocados at $2.50 each - evidence of bruising and skin marking was common.
Stores also stocked Count 18/20/23/25 Purpleskin Hass; Zebra Farms (Rockley); Howe Farming through APP; and Simpsons, priced at $1.30-1.50ea. Fruit found with packed on dates of 25th May through to and including 2nd June; ready to eat Ripe stock of mixed quality.
5 piece packs at $4.50-5.00ea. 1kg prepacks priced at $6.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE

Hass Avocados 3 for $8.00, good colour and well stocked.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 23 gone already! Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 13.6 - 20.1 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 24.0 to 27.1 C. Rainfall this week for Mareeba and Walkamin was incredibly low, receiving 0-1.0mm, Tully and Innisfail receiving slightly less than previous weeks, with 40.2-88.8mm across the week in each region. The forecast for the next week is for fine weather though there is a chance of partly cloudy weather with overnight/early morning temps continuing to cool.

Cavendish presented this week with relatively good bloom, some green fruit and a presence of rub marks and bruising.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.50/kg; and Coles were offering fruit competitively also at $4.50/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly

Cavendish were priced at $4.50/kg and Kids packs were at $4.50ea.
Some fruit still having slight green colour, but the majority with good bloom though some clusters were quite dull. A presence of rust thrip damage, scarring and rub marking also noted.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.50-5.50/kg. Organic price varied $6.50ea.

Below: Aldi Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.50/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $4.50. Bloom was bright, a presence of minor neck injuries noted.
Lady fingers were priced at $7.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

June 21, 2023

2023 Week - 22

June 21, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 21, 2023 - The industry saw a decrease of 5.73% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 381,468 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 23,167 less trays) on Week 20, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 352,040 trays harvested in addition to 30,000 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, North Qld maintains the lead in overall production at 54.70% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 40.36% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Tristate contributing the remaining 4.94% (Hass). The markets are still in a state of recovery post the recent heavy weeks of production - there appears to be two markets in one currently, a cheaper market for older fruit with pricing falling to low to mid teens and a little stronger for fresher fruit.

· It is forecast that a total of 390K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks will range between 320K and 350K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 350K to 390K per week (including other varieties). The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 453,050 trays.

Ticket pricing of Hass avocados this week was competitive across the three major supermarkets with ticket prices set at $0.99 to $1.20 per piece from Wednesday 31st May. Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week varied with the number of displays and the quality of fruit on display, with a higher presence of bruising noted.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $0.99ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.20ea, and Woolworths also had Hass selling at a competitive $1.20/ea. Woolworths and Coles stores also stocked Greenskin GMAX, priced at $2.20ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Loganholme and Carindale

Coles stores had Hass Avocados in Count 20-25 at $1.20ea - growers included Rockridge; Simpsons; and Dorrian Hass. Count 18 GMAX Avocados at $2.20ea. Fruit was well presented with age up to 16 days old. Stores had table top display units as well as display ends - ramping up with the special.
1kg I’m Perfect at $6.50ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City, Loganholme and Carindale

Purpleskin Hass in count 23-25 @ $0.99 each packed 24th May found at all three locations. A little nodule damage noted and odd piece with heavy skin marking and sun damage.
5 piece Hass packs priced at $4.49ea and 1kg packs also at $4.49ea. GMAX 3 piece nets also available and selling for $4.49 ea.
Loose Hass featured in this week’s catalogue.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Loganholme and Carindale

Stores had GMAX avocados at $2.20 each with Pink Header card promoting the New GMAX - some pieces found with rots.
Stores also stocked Count 20-23 Purpleskin Hass; Howe Farming Hass; Golden Triangle Poggioli Hass - priced at $1.20ea.
1kg packs at $4.80ea. 5 piece packs at $5.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 21 had 363,040 cartons sent this week, a slight decrease on last week’s dispatch of 387,434 cartons.

Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 11.0 - 20.0 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 22.9 to 27.3 C. Rainfall this week for Mareeba and Walkamin was still low, receiving 1.8-5.8mm, Tully and Innisfail receiving considerably more than previous weeks, with 35.4-50.4mm across the week in each region. The forecast for the next week is for the partly cloudy weather with showers likely across all of these regions with overnight/early morning temps continuing to cool.

Cavendish presented this week with passable bloom, some green fruit and a presence of rub marks, bruising and neck injuries.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.00/kg; and Coles were offering fruit competitively also at $4.00/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Loganholme and Carindale

Cavendish were priced at $3.49-4.00/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
Some fruit still having slight marking.
Lady Fingers were priced at $6.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic price varied $5.50ea.

Below: Aldi Garden City, Loganholme and Carindale

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Loganholme and Carindale

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg depending upon store location, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $7.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.00/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.50/kg.

June 21, 2023

2023 Week - 23

June 21, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 22, 2023 - The industry saw a 5.25% increase on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 401,503 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 20,000 more trays) on Week 21, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 357,179 trays with no shepards being harvested in addition to 33,280 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures, North Qld maintains the lead in overall production at 64,72% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 31.90% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 3.38% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of 390K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks will range between 280K and 370K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 320K to 400K per week (including other varieties). The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 437,998 trays.

Ticket pricing of Hass avocados this week was competitive but uniform across the three major supermarkets with ticket prices set at $1.19/1.20 per piece from Wednesday 7th June. Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was well done, with only minimal fruit in every store with slight bruising.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.19ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.20ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at a competitive $1.20/ea. Woolworths and Coles stores also stocked Greenskin GMAX, priced at $2.20ea.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Garden City, Upper Mt Gravatt and Rundle Mall Adelaide

Coles stores had Hass Avocados in Count 25 at $1.20-1.50ea. GMAX Avocados at $2.20ea.
1kg I’m Perfect at $6.50ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Garden City and Upper Mt Gravatt

Greenskin Shepards, Purpleskin and Simpson Hass in count 23-25 @ $1.19 each.
5 piece packs priced at $4.49ea and 1kg packs at $4.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Garden City, Upper Mt Gravatt and Rundle Mall Adelaide

Stores had Count 18 GMAX avocados at $2.20 each.
Stores also stocked Count 25 Purpleskin Hass, priced at $1.20ea.
5 piece packs at $5.00ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 22 had 350,306 cartons sent this week, a slight decrease on last week’s dispatch of 363,040 cartons.

Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 13.9 - 22.1 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 24.1 to 27.9 C. Rainfall this week for Mareeba and Walkamin was still low, receiving 0.2-6.2mm, Tully and Innisfail receiving considerably more than previous weeks, with 82.2-125.2mm across the week in each region. The forecast for the next week is for the partly cloudy weather with the chance of showers across all of these regions with overnight/early morning temps continuing to cool.

Cavendish presented this week with better bloom, some green fruit and a presence of rub marks and minimal neck injuries.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was as follows: Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.00-4.90/kg; and Coles were offering fruit also at $4.00-4.50/kg.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Garden City, Upper Mt Gravatt and Rundle Mall Adelaide

Cavendish were priced at $3.99-4.50/kg and Kids packs were at $4.00ea.
Some fruit still having slight green colour, but the majority with good bloom.
Lady Fingers were priced at $6.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic price varied $6.50ea.

Below: Aldi Garden City and Upper Mt Gravatt

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.99/kg- generally decent bloom.

Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Garden City, Upper Mt Gravatt and Rundle Mall Adelaide

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00-4.90/kg depending upon store location, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $7.00-8.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $6.00/kg.

April 28, 2023

2023 Week - 17

April 28, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 16, 2023 - The industry saw a tremendous increase of 62% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 533,166 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 204,046 more trays) on Week 15, 2023 production - There were some 226,146 trays/other pack formats of Shepards harvested this week which means that the new season Hass avos have now taken the lead in terms of varietal production with a total 301,122 trays/other packing formats harvested last week. North Qld maintains the lead in overall production at 71.94% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 26.59% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Tri-sate contributing the remaining 1.47% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of 428K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Whilst there will still be a few Shepard avocados around for another two weeks our shift now changes to the Hass variety. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks will fall between 400 and 450K per week, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 470K to 500K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure has increased and now sits at 428,633 trays.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was quite stable with pricing ranging $1.99 to $2.50 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, also had competitive offers for premium Shepard in Qld - ticketed at $1.90 to $2.00ea. Market pricing for Shepard and Hass bulks, premium; class one and second bulks, have been ranging $10.00-$30.00/ctn - these bulks are being used to make prepacks and to serve the food service industry primarily. Most second grade fruit is being used in processing. All lines have come back in price as can be expected with the increase in volume hitting all markets with premium trays selling 424-$30 main sales, top of $32 for glamour; class one fruit is generally selling in the low $20’s with no real change expected for next week.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally well done, some fruit in every store with slight bruising or marking. Fruit age ranged 12 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 $1.99ea in Aldi Super Savers; Coles Qld had Shepards ticketed at $2.00ea, and Woolworths had NQ Shepards selling at a competitive $1.90/ea. 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 Loganholme, Fairfield and Carindale

Coles stores had Shepard in Count 20-23 at $2.00ea. Fruit was well presented with age 8 to 16 days old.
1kg I’m Perfects at $6.90/pack. Organic Avocados at $4.20ea.

Below: Aldi Displays from Loganholme, Fairfield and Carindale

Greenskin Shepards in count 23s @ $1.99 each, featured in the Super Savers section.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Loganholme, Buranda and Carindale

Stores had Count 20/25 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $1.90 each. Age is 8-14 days old.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea.
1kg packs at $6.50ea. 5 piece packs at $8.20ea.
Also back on display was AvoFresh’s Guacamole for $5.50ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week (Wk 16/2023) of 451,464 cartons saw a 13.25% increase from the previous week with approximately an additional 60,000 cartons on week 15. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 18.0 - 23.2 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 25.5 to 29.3C, we are starting to see a cooling of temperatures with the season change. Rainfall this week has stayed consistent with Mareeba and Walkamin received between 1-4mm each, however quite a different story in Tully and Innisfail receiving a significant dump of 280 to 360mm across the week. The forecast for the next week is for the partly cloudy weather with the chance of showers across all of these regions which will tend to reduce growth rates.

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 good bloom with a light presence of small rub marks and some minor neck injuries.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Loganholme, Fairfield and Carindale

Cavendish were priced at $2.50/kg and Kids packs were at $2.50ea.
Bloom was better this week, some fruit still having slight marking.
Lady Fingers were priced at $6.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic also at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Loganholme, Fairfield and Carindale

Stores had Cavendish @ $2.99/kg, there was a presence of light skin marking and neck injury- but good bloom generally.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Loganholme, Buranda and Carindale

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $2.50-3.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $2.50.
Lady fingers were priced at $7.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $4.50/kg and Organic Clusters at $4.50/kg - these were on special this week.
Cavendish across all stores had good bloom this week.

April 26, 2023

2023 Week - 16

April 26, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

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 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.

April 26, 2023

2023 Week - 14

April 26, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

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.

April 26, 2023

2023 Week - 15

April 26, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 14, 2023 - The industry saw a decrease of 27.91% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 359,438 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 139,182 less trays) on Week 13, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 229,473 trays of this volume were Shepard avos and the balance being a mix of new season Hass from North Qld and Central Qld as well as hass from other regions. We saw North Qld maintain lead production at 74.84% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 21.14% of the volume followed by a combined effort of Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 4.02% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of 329K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast continues to decline as we see Hass numbers steadily increasing. Shepard forecasts for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to fall from 229K down to around 60K trays whilst Hass will strengthen with volumes of approximately 43K trays this week with harvests increasing to approx 250K trays for the last week of April. The current four week average dispatch figure has increased and now sits at 443,199 trays.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was clean at $1.79 to $1.80 per piece at most retail outlets. The promotional activity of all the Major supermarkets of last week have continued this week with Shepards in Qld - continuing their ticket price at $1.79 to $1.80ea. Market pricing in the two eastern seaboard locations was steady with prices ranging $24-$36/tray (for exceptional quality up to $38/tray in the 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-$30.00/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 10 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 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. 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 Coorparoo, Mt Ommaney and Carindale

Coles stores had Shepard and Autumn avocados in Count 23-25 priced at $1.80ea on special. Packed dates of 28-30th March and 1st April. Fruit was well presented with age 11 to 15 days old. Growers included Howe Farming (odd rot found); and Rock Ridge ( little nodule damaged observed).
5 piece prepacks priced at $5.00ea and Ikg I’m Perfects at $6.90/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Coorparoo, Mt Ommaney and Carindale

Predominantly Greenskin Shepards in count 25s @ $1.79 each as Aldi Super Savers. Packed date 30th March so fruit age 13 days.
5 piece packs priced at $6.99ea and 1kg packs at $6.49ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Coorparoo, Mt Ommaney and Carindale

Whilst presentation was very good in these Stores had Count 23/25 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $1.80 each on special. Oldest Packed dates 27th and 28th March so age ranged 8-16 days old. Did find a number of pieces with rots, skin marking or evidence of breakdown in these displays as you will see in the shots captured.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass (some size 14-18s), priced at $2.50ea.
5 piece packs at $8.20ea. 1kg packs at $6.50ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 18.4 - 25.1 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 30.0 to 34.6C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions have received a similar amount to previous weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received between 17-57mm 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 $3.00/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-$3.50/kg. Fruit was presented well with only minimal rub and skin scarring as noted above.

RETAIL SNAPSHOT OF BANANAS

Below: Coles Coorparoo, Mt Ommaney and Carindale

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 Coorparoo, Mt Ommaney 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 $4.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Coorparoo, Mt Ommaney and Carindale

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.

April 26, 2023

2023 Week - 13

April 26, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 12, 2023 - The industry saw a significant increase of 8.28% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 478,581 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 36,613 more trays) on Week 11, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 325,109 trays of this volume were new season Shepard avos and so it is of no surprise that we saw North Qld maintain lead production at 76.78% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 19.52% of the volume followed by a combined effort of WA/Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 3.70% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of 394K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies will be gradually declining as this variety will give way to Hass - shepard volumes of approximately 360K to 290/300K trays per week expected, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 390000 down to 350,000 per week. The current four week average dispatch figure has increased and now sits at 397,231 trays. The weather in far north Queensland from whence the bulk of primary production is still currently being grown has been very warm during the days with a continuance of light showers. Fruit quality on farm is still very good with Shepard sizing averages falling between a Ct20 and a Ct23.

There were a little over 10,000 trays of Hass harvested last week and this figure is set to be rather steady in the lead up to Easter and then steadily increase.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week found at independent outlets ranged from $1.79 to $2.50 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, offered very competitive offers for premium Shepard in Qld - ticketed at $1.99 to $2.00ea. Market pricing in the two 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/$4 and 2/$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. A little minor scarring and nodule damage observed.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld had NQ Shepard ticketed at $1.99ea; Coles Qld had new season Shepards ticketed at $2.00ea, and Woolworths also had NQ Shepards selling at $2.00/ea in stores visited. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to just about ready to eat. Also noted in Coles stores, Autumn Hass which was ticketed at $1.80-2.00ea and were 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 Browns Plains, Sunnybank and Garden City

Coles stores had Shepard avocados in Count 20-25 priced at $2.00ea. Fruit was well presented with age 8 to 16 days old. Growers included Howe Farming; Rock Ridge; Costa’s Lovacado. Odd piece supplied by Costa’s with anthracnose.
5 piece prepacks priced at $6.90ea and Ikg I’m Perfects at $6.90/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Browns Plains, Sunnybank and Garden City

Greenskin Shepard in counts 25 @ $1.99 each - some skin scarring present.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Browns Plains, Sunnybank and Garden City

Stores had Count 20-25 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $1.80-2.00 each. Age is 8-14 days old.
Stores also commenced stocking Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea. Note some of this stock which was ripe, was spongy and did not present well.
1kg Odd Bunch packs at $6.00ea and 5 piece packs at $6.50ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 17.0 - 22.7 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 27.5 to 30.9C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions have received a similar amount to previous weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received between 3-8mm each, whilst Tully and Innisfail have received 50 to 53mm 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 bright bloom (odd appearance of a few dull clusters which appear to be temperature related during the supply chain) 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 $3.49/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $3.50/kg at all three locations visited; whilst Coles were offering fruit at $3.50/kg at one location and $4.00/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 Browns Plains, Sunnybank and Garden City

Cavendish were priced at $2.99-3.50/kg and Kids packs were at $3.00-3.50ea.

Quality across stores varied with some clusters having minor skin marking. Bloom was generally bright.
Lady Fingers were priced at $4.90/kg on special. Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic also at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Browns Plains, Sunnybank and Garden City

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.49/kg, there was a presence of light skin marking, rub marking, neck injury- good bloom generally with about half green fruit.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.79/kg as an Aldi Super Saver. No stock of these in any stores however.

Below: Woolworths Browns Plains, Sunnybank and Garden City

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.00.
Lady fingers were priced at $6.00-6.50/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.00/kg and Organic Clusters at $5.50/kg.

April 25, 2023

2023 Week - 12

April 25, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

· Week 11, 2023 - The industry saw a significant increase of 44.97% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 441,968 trays harvested and transported last week ( approx.137,000 more trays) on Week 10, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 314,000 trays of this volume were new season Shepard avos and so it is of no surprise that we saw North Qld maintain lead production at 82.75% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 14.86% of the volume followed by a combined effort of WA/Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 2.38% (Hass). The weather was definitely kinder this week, though not without a few showers, it definitely has eased with beautifully warm days.

· It is forecast that a total of 447K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to be strengthening with volumes of approximately 330K to 360K trays per week expected, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 348-400K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure has fallen and now sits at 362,860 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 though sizing averages falling between a Ct20 and a Ct23.

There were a little over 8,000 trays of Hass harvested last week and this figure is set to be rather steady in the lead up to Easter and then steadily increase.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was clean at $1.79 to $2.50 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, ll had very 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-$32/tray (for exceptional quality up to $34/tray) for premium fruit and $15-$20/tray for class one. Market pricing for Shepard bulks, premium; class one and second bulks, have been ranging $6.00-$30.00/ctn. Some Independent retailers, continue to offer large sized premium fruit 2/$4 and 2/$5.00.

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 $2.00ea, and Woolworths also had NQ Shepards selling at $2.00/ea in stores visited. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to just about ready to eat. Also noted in Coles stores, Autumn Hass which was ticketed at $1.80ea and were 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 and Indooroopilly

Coles stores had Shepard avocados in Count 20-25 priced at $2.00ea and Autumn Hass priced at $1.80 per piece. Fruit was well presented with packed dates of 6th March to the 14th March meaning fruit was 8 to 16 days old. Growers included Howe Farming; Rock Ridge; Costa’s Lovacado; and Obie Farms.
Prepacks are on special this week with 5 piece prepacks priced at $6.90ea and Ikg I’m Perfects also at $6.90/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Sunnybank Hills and Indooroopilly

Greenskin Shepard in counts 23 @ $1.79 each - some skin scarring present.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs at $5.99ea.

Below: Woolworths Displays from Sunnybank Hills and Indooroopilly

Stores had Count 20-25 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $2.00 each. Age is 8-14 days old.
Stores also stocked Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea.
1kg Odd Bunch packs at $6.00ea and 5 piece packs at $7.50ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week (Wk 10/2023) of 441,142 cartons saw a significant increase of 23.4% (some 83,917 ctns more than previous week). Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 19.5 - 23.6 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 25.9 to 32.8C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions have received a good deal less rainfall than in previous weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received between 2-6mm each, whilst Tully and Innisfail have received 54 to 64mm 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 $4.00/kg this week. The markets have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand.

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 $3.49/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.00/kg at all three locations visited; whilst Coles were offering fruit at $3.50/kg at one location and $4.00/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 and Indooroopilly

Cavendish were priced at $3.50-4.00/kg and Kids packs were at $3.50-4.00ea.

Quality across stores varied with some clusters having minor skin marking. Bloom was generally bright.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.00/kg on special. Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic also at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Sunnybank Hills and Indooroopilly

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.49/kg, there was a presence of light skin marking, rub marking, neck injury- good bloom generally with about half green fruit.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.79/kg. All Lady Fingers seemed to display significant bruising.

Below: Woolworths Sunnybank Hills and Indooroopilly

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.00.
Lady fingers were priced at $6.50/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.00/kg and Organic Clusters at $5.50/kg.
An ‘update on bananas’ on display, detailing the reasoning behind semi-condition fruit may be due to poor weather conditions in growing regions.

March 16, 2023

2023 Week - 11

March 16, 2023/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

Banana Overview

Avocado Overview

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

Week 10, 2023 - A total of just 304,879 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a 16.13% decrease ( approx.58,600 less trays) on Week 9, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 294,000 trays of this volume were new season Shepard avos and so it is of no surprise that we saw North Qld maintain lead production at 79.55% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 17.89% of the volume followed by a combined effort of WA/Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 2.6% (Hass). The despatch from North Qld has continued to be impacted by the continued wet weather this week. Whilst there has been some reprieve in total rainfall, however showers are forecast to continue this week.

· It is forecast that a total of 349K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to be strengthening with volumes of approximately 330K to 360K trays per week expected, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 348-380K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure has fallen and now sits at 341,339 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 though sizing averages in comparison to the 2022 crop is down from a Ct 16 to Ct20/23.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was much sharper with pricing falling for the first time this season to under $2 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, surprisingly all had very similar offers for premium Shepard in Qld - ticketed at $1.79 to $2.00ea. Market pricing in the three eastern seaboard locations was steady with prices ranging $24-$32/tray (exceptional fruit is pulling $34) for premium fruit and $16-$20/tray for class one. Market pricing for Shepard bulks, premium; class one and second bulks, have been ranging $5.00-$30.00/ctn. Some Independent retailers, continue to offer large sized premium fruit 2/$4 and 2/$5.00.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 9 to 15 days from packed date on tray labels that were visible. A little minor scarring and nodule damage observed, occasional bruising and would to the skin also seen.

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 $2.00ea, and Woolworths also had NQ Shepards selling at $1.80/ea instores visited. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to just about ready to eat. You will see in a couple of the store display shots that Greenskins have an additional sticker on the fruit that simply states “Eat Now” - this is a part of the Woolworths ripe programme - fruit has been ripened so that it is ready to eat for customers. Also noted in Coles stores this week, were the re-introduction of the Autumn Hass which was ticketed at the same price as the Shepards and displayed alongside on the end display units.

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

RETAIL SNAPSHOTS OF AVOCADOS

Below: Coles Displays from Mt Gravatt East, Garden City and Sunnybank

Coles stores had Shepard avocados in Count 20-25 priced at $1.80-2.00ea. Fruit was well presented with packed dates of 28th Feb to 1st March meaning fruit was 14 to 15 days old. Growers included Greenskins; Howe Farming; Rock Ridge; Cadorin (supplied by Murray Bros).
5 piece prepacks on special priced at $5.90ea and Ikg I’m Perfects at $6.90/pack.

Below: Aldi Displays from Mt Gravatt East, Garden City and Acacia Ridge

Greenskin Shepard in counts 25 loose @ $1.79 each - some nodule damage and skin scarring present.
5 piece packs priced at $6.49ea and 1kg packs at $5.79ea.
Shepard Avocados featured in this weeks catalogue!!

Below: Woolworths Displays from Mt Gravatt East, Garden City and Acacia Ridge

Stores had Count 23 and 28 Greenskin Shepard avocados at $1.80-2.00 each. All avocados packed 28th Feb or 6th March so age is therefore 9-14 days old.
1kg Odd Bunch packs at $5.90ea and 5 piece packs at $7.50ea.

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week (Wk 10/2023) of some 441,149 cartons saw a slight increase of 23.4% (some 83,917 ctns more than previous week). Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 18.4 - 24.2 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 29.5 to 33.1C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions continue to be impacted by rainfall., though much lighter falls than the previous three weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received in the vicinity of 19-23mm each across the week, whilst Tully and Innisfail have received a reprieve of only 12.8 to 22.2mm across the week. The forecast for the next week is for the occurrence of light showers across the regions.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.49 to $3.99/kg this week. The markets have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand.

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 $3.49/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.00/kg at all three locations visited; whilst Coles were offering fruit at $3.50/kg at all locations visited. 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 Mt Gravatt East, Toowoomba and Sunnybank

Cavendish were priced at $3.50/kg and Kids packs were at $3.50-4.00ea.

Quality across stores varied with some clusters having minor skin marking. Bloom was generally bright.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.90/kg on special. Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

Below: Aldi Mt Gravatt East, Toowoomba and Acacia Ridge

Stores had Cavendish @ $3.49/kg, there was a presence of light skin marking, rub marking, neck injury- good bloom generally.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.99/kg.

Below: Woolworths Mt Gravatt East, Toowoomba and Acacia Ridge

Woolworths had Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg, Lil Sana kids banded clusters at $3.00.
Lady fingers were priced at $6.00/kg, Red tips were priced at $5.00/kg and Organic Clusters at $5.50/kg.