QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

In the past week the morning temperatures dropped a little again in all regions within a range of 10.2 to 22.3C across the major growing regions in North Qld; whilst day time temperatures have ranged 23.7 to 31C. In terms of rainfall all regions have been relatively dry this week though since Tuesday both Innisfail and Tully have had 22mm and 6mm respectively however Walkamin had an average of 4-8 mm per day. Bunch age will gradually decrease in terms of how long it takes the bunch to form and fill-out but it is still sitting at 15-17 weeks on farm.

The national cut for last week was just over 423,000 cartons which was a 4% decrease on the week prior which equates to some 17,872 ctns less. The forecast for this week is 430-445,000 cartons to be cut nationally.

Most lines of displayed fruit were exhibiting small minor skin marks, some with light bat/bird marking still being seen; rust thrip damage; neck creases and a presence of sap stains found on a few lines on shelf. Colour was generally good ie brighter than in recent times though in a number of stores there seemed to be a higher presence of semi-coloured fruit. Whilst fruit bloom has definitely improved over recent weeks, there is still a low level presence of fruit with dull bloom on show in a few stores.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was uniform amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi offering fruit at $3.49/kg; Coles with fruit ticketed at $3.50 - $4.00/kg and Woolworths at $3.50-$4.00/kg in the stores visited this week.

BANANA SNAPSHOT

Left to Right: Aldi; Coles and Woolworths Cavendish Displays

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

The figures released this week saw Western Australia maintain the lead in production contributing 36% of the total national harvest of some 403,787 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 24%; Tristates at 19%; Central NSW with 10%; and South Qld contributing 8%. The remaining 3% came from a combination of the following regions Sunshine Coast, Tamborine/Northern Rivers; and Central Qld. This production figure represents a 10% decrease on week prior and was 8% lower than what was forecast for the week. All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.19- $1.20 per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $1.00-$2.00/piece depending upon quality/size. Within the markets, premium trays of hass are selling in the range of $10 -$16/tray (very good quality getting a little $18) depending upon size and quality of each line. Pricing for class one fruit (main sales) is ranging $2 -$9 per tray; whilst the bulk market has been experiencing prices for premium in the range of $1 to $5 (2nds) --$10-$20/ctn for premium bulks depending upon grade, quality and count size.

The national production of Hass this week is forecast to be in the vicinity of 390,000 to 410,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging in the range of 420-440,000 trays per week for the next three weeks thereafter. You will note that WA have contributed 36% of the national volume last week which equates to approximately 145,000 trays. The weather in the south west corner of WA has been rather cool across the last week with early morning minimum temps ranging 5.1 to 10.7C and daytime maximum temps of 14.7 to 19C. The Manjimup region experienced 12mm of rain since last Sunday. Pemberton region has also had further rainfall though BOM is a little scare of data. Growers are very aware of the increased possibility of nodule damage if fruit is picked and transited during rainfall so structure their week to minimalise the effect that the weather may have.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing and pricing in all three major supermarkets varied a little depending upon store location.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass still at $1.19ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.20 -$1.30? each; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.20ea. The majority of fruit on shelves, was found to be coloured or developing skin colour and yielding to gentle pressure.

Prepack formulations on offer by all major supermarkets provide an opportunity to move greater volumes in a single purchase. Aldi were offering their 6 piece nets on special at $4.99 - $5.99 ea ; Coles had their 5 piece pack at $5.50 ea; whilst Woolworths had the 5 pack on offer for $4.50 and the 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $3.90/bag on special.

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

Left to Right: Woolworths Hass, Aldi Hass and Coles Hass Avocados

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

Bananas at Woolworths

Avocados at Woolworths

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI MT GRAVATT EAST

Cavendish Bananas were priced at $3.49/kg - minor skin marking (including thrip, rub and sap stains) present on displayed fruit and approximately one third of the fruit on display was semi-coloured.
Lady Fingers ticketed at a keen $5.99/kg.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg with some clusters exhibiting skin marking - approximately half of the display was semi colour in condition. Stock carried from the previous day was heavily marked.
Lady Fingers were priced at $5.99/kg. A number of clusters with maturity bronzing.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES MT GRAVATT CENTRAL

Cavendish bananas were displayed at $4.00/kg and kids packs at $4.00/kg, fruit presented with the majority being of semi coloured condition. Minor skin marking and major rust thrip damage found on a couple of clusters.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg and Red Tips were priced at $4.90/kg with minor skin marking.

COLES COOMERA

Cavendish at this store were ticketed at $4.00/kg - 40% semi coloured fruit on display; kids packs were the same retail price
Red tips at $4.90/kg, Ladyfingers at $7.90/kg

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish bananas were displayed at $3.50/kg and Kids banded clusters also at $3.50. Again majority of display was semi-coloured fruit. Finding rust thrip damage, sap staining, rub and neck injuries throughout the display. Note both the kids banded packs and the ladyfingers were only semi condition.
Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90 and Red tips at $4.90

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MT GRAVATT CENTRAL

Cavendish bananas priced at $5.00/kg- displayed in the relevant section ie EAT NOW and EAT LATER sections. Fruit was generally in good condition - fruit bloom was generally bright; some clusters with light scarring and neck injuries.
A full banana category on display with Organic clusters priced at $5.00/kg; Ladyfingers at $7.50/kg and Kids banded clusters on special at $2.50. Red tips also on display for $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS COOMERA

Cavendish at this store were priced at $3.50/kg - a percentage of eat later stock displayed in the area marked eat now, fruit presented quite clean in terms of skin marks.
Kids packs at $2.50/kg with quite of number of these being heavily marked (potentially carry over stock); Lady Fingers at $7.50/kg with some light rub and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish at this store were priced at $3.50/kg - some minor skin marking on a few clusters.
Lady Fingers at $7.50/kg however no stock, Kids packs at $2.50 and Organic on special at $5.00/kg

AVOCADOS AT ALDI