Retail Market Week 46

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QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

As expected over the past week the morning temperatures have continued to be warm up in North Qld with all regions early a.m. temps falling within a range of 19.2 to 25C; whilst day time temperatures have been on the rise in the last week ranging 27.2 to 36.3C. In terms of rainfall this week most major regions in the far north have been remained relatively dry until yesterday with falls of 2.2 to 36mm on Thursday. Cavendish banana bunch age remains at 16 weeks on our farm currently, with fruit quality found to be good overall in the packshed. Our ladyfingers have been experiencing a degree of bronzing in recent weeks and sap staining. Increased sap flow rates are synonymous with the warmer months of the year. In an effort to reduce bronzing we are cutting fruit a little thinner and from this week cutting fruit with reduced hang time - this will be continuing practise as we make our way around the farm and throughout the summer to assist in reducing maturity bronzing. As explained last week, to assist with reducing the sap staining, we have made alterations to the packing line so that the hands are clustered at the beginning of the line to allow fruit more time in the trough to assist in stemming the sap flow and we have introduced tissue paper on the crowns and an additional sheet of paper in the carton to absorb any additional sap to try and keep the fruit appearance clean - in the last week we are already seeing benefits in relation to this issue.

The national cut last week whilst finally back under the 500K’s, on top of recent weeks it was yet another week of solid production with 481,750 cartons representing a decrease of 60,105 ctns on the week prior. The forecast for this week to be in a range of 475-490,000 cartons. Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $2.49/kg this week.

Cavendish in general this week presented well. Overall less marking which is pleasing with findings of minor dry scar; small rub marks; light bat/bird marking still being seen. Colour was generally good with more plentiful supplies of fruit ready to eat and brighter bloom than in recent times.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas varied this week amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s ticket price at $2.99/kg; whilst Coles offered fruit at $2.50-$3.50/kg and Woolies offered fruit at $2.50/kg in the centres visited.

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 74% of the total national harvest of some 478,703 trays last week; followed by New Zealand at 14%; Tristates at 4%; Central NSW with 4%. The remaining 3% came from Tamborine/Northern Rivers and South Qld. This production figure represents an increase of 2% (just over 9,600 additional trays) on the week prior and was 7% higher than what was forecast for the week. 

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.19- $1.50 per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $0.89-$2.00/piece depending upon quality/size. Within the markets things have remained relatively unchanged, premium trays of WA hass are selling in the range of $15 -$20/tray (very good quality getting up to $22) depending upon size and quality of each line; whereas premium NZ fruit is fetching $12-$15 (anything with colour or out-of-date spec is selling for $6-$10).  Pricing for class one fruit has remained stable (main sales) is ranging $6 -$14 per tray; whilst the bulk market has been experiencing prices for premium in the range of $6 to $14 (2nds) --$14-$28/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 435,000 trays and then the forecast is for figures ranging 440-460,000 trays per week through until the middle of December. The last four week period has seen an average national dispatch of 453,694 trays per week. If the targets projected by the industry are to be met a weekly average dispatch of 510,000 trays needs to be met from now through until the end of February 2022.

You will note that WA have contributed a larger percentage of the national volume last week (74%) which equates to approximately 354,240 trays which has been their biggest week thus far in the 2021 season - again weather has been on their side, though there has been a few light showers over the last day or two. The weather in the south west corner of WA has continued to be cool though the past week with early morning minimum temps ranging 6.1 to 13C and daytime maximum temps of 18.6 to 28C. The Manjimup region experienced a light 0.6mm of rain over the last two days. The available meteorological data for the Pemberton region shows that it has been experiencing cool mornings with lows of 7.2-14.2C and warmer daytime averages of 18.6-27.6C; they too have had a drier week with only a fall of 2.2mm yesterday.

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; sizing stocked and banner. The majority of stores this week were stocking NZ stock, though 2 of the 3 Woolworths stores visited had WA hass on offer. Fruit age in all stores was found to be ranging 22 to 33 days.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows:  Aldi Qld had increased their ticket price for Hass to $1.19ea;  Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.50 ea or a multibuy offer of 3 for $4.00; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass also ticketed at $1.00-$1.20ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with a range of 40-85% coloured on offer and ripeness ranging from very soft; to yielding to very firm.




National Avocado Weekly Dispatch Vs Forecast

image courtesy of avocados australia

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

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

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

 

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI GARDEN CITY

  • Cavendish Bananas were priced at $2.99/kg - minor skin marking present and the majority of fruit was semi to backward in condition. Some very long clusters present.

  • Ladyfingers selling at $5.99/kg - stocked in hands which customers have to pull apart - fruit was very clean.

ALDI HELENSVALE

  • Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg with some clusters exhibiting minor skin marking; again the majority of fruit tended to be semi colour in relation to condition.

  • Lady Fingers were priced at $5.99/kg. Being sold in hands for customers to pull apart - very clean and well presented fruit.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES GARDEN CITY

  • Cavendish bananas displayed on the banana barge positioned opposite one of the deli fridge units were selling at $2.50/kg and kids packs were also ticketed at $2.50/kg. Some very long fingers on display. Bruising and rub marking observed on the cavs. Kids packs varied in condition.

  • Red Tips were selling on special at $3.90/kg with some clusters starting to spot; whilst the ladyfingers ticketed at $7.90/kg - a few clusters exhibiting maturity bronzing.

COLES COOMERA

  • Cavendish displayed on the banana barge at this store were ticketed at $3.50/kg - some small skin marks present. Fruit had good colour and presented fairly cleanly. Kids Packs also ticketed at $3.50.

  • Red Tips at on special at $3.90/kg again with some clusters starting to spot and Ladyfingers (4 only clusters ) at $7.90/kg.

COLES HELENSVALE

  • Cavendish bananas were displayed at $2.50/kg and Kids banded clusters also at $2.50. A few clusters with light marking observed but in general a well presented display.

  • Lady Fingers were priced at $7.90/kg (some of this was still in hands); and Red tips on special at $3.90/kg with some light skin bruising and rub.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

  • Cavendish bananas priced at $2.50/kg. Fruit was generally in good condition though a little bat/bird marking visible - and displayed in its relevant section ie Eat Now and Eat Later.

  • Ladyfingers at $6.90/kg (some with light rub); Kids banded clusters at $2.50; and Red tips for $4.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS COOMERA

  • Cavendish (Howe Farming/Mackays/Justeatum) packed 4th November, were priced at $2.50/kg - fruit presented quite clean in terms of skin marks- odd cluster with some light scarring/rub. Kids banded clusters selling at $2.50.

  • All other specialty lines in the category were displayed further along display from cavendish - Lady Fingers at $6.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.50/kg (stock was spotting) and Organics at $4.00/kg.

  • Store was well presented and had a festive feel.

WOOLWORTHS HELENSVALE

  • Cavendish at this store were priced at $2.50/kg - some small minor scars/rub seen on a few clusters. More eat later fruit than eat now on display - both areas needed refilling.

  • Lady Fingers at $6.90/kg exhibiting minor skin marking, Kids packs at $2.50 and Red Tips $4.50/kg. Organic clusters $5/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI GARDEN CITY

  • Count 25 NZ Hass priced at $1.19 each - fruit supplied by Avoco NZ/Skylark. A mix of maturities on offer. Fruit packed 20th October therefore age is 28 days.

  • 6 piece packs of Hass (from NZ) were priced at $4.99ea

ALDI HELENSVALE

  • Hass were on display- count 23 NZ Hass Avocados were priced at $1.19 each - the majority of fruit had full purple black skin colour and was yielding to gentle pressure. Fruit packed 19th October so was 29 days old.

  • 6 piece packs NZ Hass were on offer for $4.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES GARDEN CITY

  • On offer NZ Hass supplied by Avoco Skylark count 25 packed 18th Oct; on offer priced at $1.50ea OR multibuy offer 3 for $4 . Displayed on a table top aligning entry to the store and also on the second end - fruit on offer was a mix of firm green to soft full colour. Fruit packed 19th October so 29 days old.

  • $4.90 on the 5 piece packs - also NZ fruit.

COLES COOMERA

  • NZ Count 25 Hass Avocados displayed on a table top and on an end unit ticketed $1.50ea OR multibuy offer 3 for $4 - supplied by Avoco/Skylark. A mix of maturities as the end had full colour fruit and fruit on the table top display had developing skin colour and some pieces that were quite soft. Fruit packed 15th October therefore fruit age was 33 days old.

  • Coles 5 piece packs retailing at $4.90ea - using NZ fruit.

COLES HELENSVALE

  • On offer count 23 Skylark NZ Hass priced at $1.50ea OR multibuy offer 3 for $4. Majority of fruit had good developing purple/black skin colour and found to be yielding end display and table top display aligning entry. A percentage of the fruit packed 15th October so aged up to 33 days.

  • $4.90 on the Coles 5 packs - all packs contained fruit with colour.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

  • Customers were greeted with a full display of WA Avocados count 25 with ticket price of $1.20 ea. The majority of this fruit was yielding to gentle pressure. Fruit packed 26th October so 22 days old.

  • 5 piece packs at $4.50ea and Odd Bunch 1kg packs at $3.50 each.

WOOLWORTHS COOMERA

  • Australian WA Hass Avocados count 25 supplied by The Avocado Collective (packed 26th Oct so age 22 days) priced at $1.20 a piece Fruit ripeness - firm to yielding - good mix on offer

  • Odd Bunch 1kg Packs were $3.50 ea; Avocado 5 pack $4.50ea but no stock on display of this line.

WOOLWORTHS HELENSVALE

  • Count 28 WA Hass Avocados with ticket price of $1.20 ea. The majority of fruit had developing purple black skin colour; fruit was firm to yielding.

  • 5 piece packs of Australian/NZ Hass ticketed at $4.50ea and Odd Bunch 1kg packs ticketed at $3.50 a bag.