QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

The national cut for Week 3 of 2022 was 461,257 cartons which represented a 11.6% decrease on the week prior or 60,370 cartons fewer. The heat, sunshine and plentiful rain have been a constant again this week in far north Queensland. Morning temperatures have continued to be rather balmy across all NQ regions with early a.m. temps falling within a range of 20 to 24.2C; day time temperatures have been pushing close to a top of 32C with a range of 27.1 to 32C. In terms of rainfall up to Wednesday all major North Qld growing regions received moderate to heavy falls with Tully seeing 165mm and Innisfail receiving 109mm throughout the week; whilst both Walkamin and Mareeba received approximately 60mm each. More rain is expected this week with a potential for severe thunderstorms and even flooding due to the amount of rain the region has been receiving over the last fortnight. Cavendish banana bunch age is now at 14-15 weeks, with fruit quality generally found to be good overall in the packshed. With the warm days coupled with the rainfall the rate of fruit growth has certainly quickened and it is important for all farms to stay on top of girth measurements to ensure overall fruit length and girth is not exceeding specification.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.29 to $2.99/kg this week. The markets all have good supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $6-$20 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

Cavendish in general this week presented well, though the Aldi displays seemed to be worse affected by heat stress. Fruit was presenting quite cleanly though there was a presence of low level minor dry scar; rust thrip damage; bronzing; small rub marks; rub marking and sap staining seen. Colour was generally good with more plentiful supplies of fruit ready to eat. A presence of some dull fruit found throughout - suggest this is from the elevated heat in the growing regions over the last fortnight.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas varied this week amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s featuring bananas as a back to school special on the front page of their weekly catalogue at $2.49/kg; whilst both Coles offered fruit at $2.50/kg and Woolies also offered fruit at $2.50/kg.

BANANA SNAPSHOT

Left to Right: Aldi; Coles and Woolworths Cavendish Displays

AVOCADO OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

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

Week 3 - 478,034 trays which was a decrease of 11%( or some 105,678 trays) on Week 2 2022 production - WA production accounted for 80% of this; NZ contributed 17% and the remaining 3% came from a combination of the following regions: Tristates and Central NSW.
The average industry dispatch per week over the last four week period has been 443,243 trays, which if continued will see the industry fall short by approximately 750-850K trays for the season’s original forecast.
It is forecast that a total of 501K trays will be despatched this week nationally.

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.29- $1.40 per piece, whilst independents were selling class one fruit also for $1.50-$2.00/piece or 3 large pieces for $5 depending upon quality/size. Within the markets things have remained relatively unchanged, premium trays of WA hass are selling in the range of $16 -$22/tray depending upon size and quality of each line; whereas premium NZ fruit is fetching $14-$18. Pricing for class one fruit has remained stable (main sales) is ranging $6 -$14per tray; whilst the bulk market has been experiencing prices for premium in the range of $5 to $14 (2nds) --$15-$26/ctn for premium bulks depending upon grade, quality and count size.

With the primary production state continuing to be Western Australian it is pertinent to consider the weather in this region. The weather in Manjimup has seen early morning minimum temps ranging 13.3 to 19.4C and daytime maximum temps of 23.7 to 39.7C. The heat in this region has continued with minimal relief from rain with only 1.8mm fallings in the last two days. The available meteorological data for the Pemberton region shows early mornings temps of 13.6-18.6C; the days have also warmed up with averages of 24-37.2C with minimal rain with a total fall for the week of 0.4mm in the last two days.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing with pricing being the main variable in the major supermarkets based upon store location; sizing stocked and banner. The majority of stores this week were stocking NZ stock, with Hass fruit age in all stores was found to be ranging 20 to 29 days.

In terms of Hass retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld Hass avos selling with a ticket price of $1.29ea whilst they have featured their 6 piece nets in their weekly catalogue for $4.49 ea; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.30 ea; and Woolworths Qld had prominently positioned instore displays of Hass (large sizes) ticketed at $1.30ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to firm.

Shhh!…. the Shepard Avocados are almost ready.

For those who love the creamy texture of the Shepard and appreciate the fact that the flesh does not oxidise when cut, then you will be very pleased to know that the North Queensland Shepard crop is looking GOOD - fruit is presenting cleanly, size is variable with approximately 3 to 4 flower sets experienced on most farms so the 2022 season is looking very promising indeed. We are aiming to commence harvest mid-February after dry matter testing confirms fruit maturity is ready.

Some of the region has been experiencing more than their fair share of rain in the last two weeks (ranging 58 to 140mm), we are hoping this is well and truly passed by the time we are due to commence picking, so that nodule damage and body rots do not become a potential issue.

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 BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish Bananas were priced at $2.49/kg - some heavier marking on a few clusters including bronzing, rust thrip marking, scarring and rub - fruit colour was generally good.
Lady Finger bananas at $5.99/kg, in clusters.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

A full display of Cavendish were priced at $2.49/kg with fruit presenting with a considerable amount of skin marking. Display was quite full, few clusters found with rub, scarring, neck injury and bronzing.
Lady Fingers at $5.99, needed to be refilled

ALDI FAIRFIELD

Cavendish Bananas at $2.49/kg, some ugly clusters present affected by heat stress, scarring present, mixed condition.
Lady Finger bananas at $5.99/kg
Bananas featured on front page of their weekly catalogue as a back to school special even though school in Qld is now not returning until 7th February due to Covid.
Also noted that for every 1kg sold from 26 January, Aldi are donating $0.20 to Camp Quality!

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish bananas displayed on the banana barge with fruit selling at $2.50/kg and kids packs were ticketed at $2.50/kg. Some clusters green
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg displayed off location in an aluminium washing tub.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish displayed at $2.50/kg. Again some light rub marking, sap stains and scarring - but generally good bloom at this store
Red tips at $4.90 and Lady Fingers $7.90/kg

COLES FAIRFIELD

Cavendish bananas were displayed on the barge at $2.50/kg opposite the refrigerated Egg display unit- whilst Kids banded clusters were also $2.50. A few clusters with light rub marking observed and a few dull clusters present.
Red tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Organic clusters at $7.00/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish bananas priced at $2.50/kg. The majority of fruit presented well and fairly free of marking - small rub, light scars - bloom was better - a couple of clusters found with surface crown end mould.
Ladyfingers ticketed at $7.90/kg a number of clusters found with developing bronzing; Kids packs $2.50ea and Red tips ticketed at $4.90/kg. Organic clusters $5.50/kg presented very cleanly.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish were priced at $2.50/kg - fruit presented quite cleanly, odd cluster with scarring. Display was neat. Kids banded clusters selling at $2.50 - odd clusters with light skin marking.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg many of which had more severe bronzing, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organics at $5.50/kg a few of which appeared dull.

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Cavendish at this store were retailing at $3.50/kg - neat presentation with some small minor scars, light sap etc on a few clusters
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg; Kids packs at $2.50 and Red Tips $4.90/kg - all presented well.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI