Retail Market Week 31 - 2022

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QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Whilst National transport figures for last week were approximately 400,000 cartons, we don’t expect overall production to increase greatly until we hit warmer weather with the commencement of spring. In the last week, morning temperatures have been moderate for this time of year in North Qld with minimums falling within a range of 11.5- to 19.9C; whilst day time temperatures have only seen a top of 26.8C -within a range of 21.6 to 26.8C across the week which for NQld is on average slightly cooler than last week. In terms of rainfall, most regions had minimal falls ranging 0.2 to 5.2mm across the week with Innisfail being the exception receiving a total o 15mm. Cavendish banana bunch age is now falling in the vicinity of 16-17 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though bloom has been negatively impacted by recent cold weather and hence we continue to see the presence of underpeel chill after previous weeks of cold overnight and morning lows. Sub-ten degree temperatures cause a temporary cessation of sap flow which results in the sub-epidermal layer greying/browning which reflects outward through the peel with the fruit having a dull appearance. Whilst this does impact the fresh appeal of the banana, it in no way negatively impacts the flavour or eating quality of the fruit - in fact, winter grown fruit is normally a little sweeter as it takes longer to grow.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.99 to $3.99/kg this week.  The markets all have light to moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $15-$29 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

The presentation of Cavendish presented this week reflected the cooler temperatures we have been experiencing both on the Tablelands and along the coast reasonably well with less bright bloomed fruit and a growing presence of fruit with dull bloom of varying degrees. There was a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; as well as bronzing; bruising; small rub marks and sap staining.  Colour varied - slightly backward in some stores; developing to a good yellow hue.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was fairly uniform this week in comparison to the week prior with Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.49/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit $3.50 to $4.00/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $3.50 to $3.80/kg depending upon location of the stores visited. Fruit was presented neatly on assigned displays, there was a presence of dull fruit on show in all outlets this week.
 























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 30 - A total of 359,192 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a decrease of 13% ( approx. 55,000 trays fewer) on Week 29, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 55.8% of this volume and North Qld in second place contributed 19.75% of this; 9.48% from Central NSW and 9.85% from South Qld. The remaining 5.12% is made up of contributions from WA, Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunshine Coast. Whilst our farm have finished harvesting for the 2022 season, there is work to be done, as any good farmer knows, so now we continue working on the orchard so that we can do it all again for 2023.

·       It is forecast that a total of 355K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly higher quantities of approximately 378K to 400K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 359,530 trays.

Major supermarkets were varied in their offering this week in terms of avo pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.29 to $1.60ea.  Hass market pricing has increased slightly again this week. Prices ranging between $12-$22/tray for premium and a range of $10 -$15/tray for class one.  There continues to be very few bulk Hass on the market currently as what is available is being used for prepacking to service the supermarkets predominantly.

Whilst the NQ Avocado season has sadly come to a close, due to the marvellous geographical spread of this great Nation of ours and conducive growing conditions we will continue supplying Hass avocados. Next we will be supplying Hass grown in the SE corner of the state commencing in the next week to two weeks, from the region of Blackbutt. This region has also experienced some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 1.9-9.7C and daytimes warming up to 18-24C. The outlook for the season from this corner of the state is indeed positive, with fruit quality on the tree looking lovely with average sizing at this stage considered to be Ct 20-23 - the farm had a trial harvest this week with the first pack being undertaken by a certified Packhouse to test the system; which proved successful. Harvest will get underway next week with a steady stream of fruit to come from this region for the next few months. We are also working with a couple of growers from SW NSW who likewise are commencing their harvest this week…….. so exciting times ahead.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing Fruit age ranged 7 to 9 days from tray labels that were visible. 

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows:  Aldi Qld had Hass selling this week at a ticket price of $1.29ea in store;  Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.20 to $1.60ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.20-$1.50/piece depending upon store location.  The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to just about ready to eat. 

 

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

Left to Right: Top Woolworths Hass and Woolworths Gmax; Bottom left -Aldi Shepard and Right -Coles Hass Avocados

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

 

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI CANNON HILL

  • A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had scarring. Some clusters with dull bloom.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

  • A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg. A mix of colour on this display including some semi-colour in terms of condition. A percentage of fruit had dull bloom.

  • Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg. No stock on display however.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

  • A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted.

  • Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg.

 

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES CANNON HILL

  • Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.80/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. A light presence of underpeel chill noted. Kids packs at $3.80/kg.

  • ‘Eco’ Red Tips at $4.90/kg (only one small cluster present) and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - some clusters looking thin and angular.

COLES GARDEN CITY

  • Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.50. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Display was very neat.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg 9some full fingers with bronzing developing) and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

  • Cavendish on display priced at $3.80/kg - display rather sparse and needed a refill, as Kid’s packs also at $3.80 (most of the kids banded clusters were only semi-colour). Majority of fruit had good colour. A few clusters found with dull bloom. A little low on stock.

 

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CANNON HILL

  • Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy but a considerable amount of stock in cartons as front spillover. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks - bloom not as bright. Note had signage educating customers that fruit with a dull appearance is as a result of the cold weather but still eats well.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Organic bananas at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

  • Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg - a neatly presented display- a low level presence of minor scarring; bloom has been impacted by the winter weather. “"Fresh Market Update” present educating customers re impact of cold winter weather on bloom.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

  • Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - display was tidy but needed a refill. “Fresh Market Update” educating customers about the impact of cold weather on the fruit bloom, but the bananas still eat well.

  • Organic priced at $5.50/kg.

INDEPENDENT- GARDEN CITY

  • Cavendish priced at $3.99/kg.

 

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI CANNON HILL

  • Dorian Consultancy Avocados count 23’s at $1.29ea. Fruit packed 26th July so fruit age was 8 days.

  • Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $4.99ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

  • Dual displays of Central NSW Hass Avocado supplied by Delroy’s Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $1.29 ea. Fruit packed 27th July therefore 7 days old. Nodule damage present.

  • 1kg and 5 piece packs at $4.99ea.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

  • Central NSW HASS Avocados count 23s supplied by Delroy’s selling at $1.29ea. Some pieces exhibiting rub and nodule damage.

  • Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.99ea. Low stocks of these.

 

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES CANNON HILL

  • Dual displays of Count 28 Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Costa’s, Dorian Consultancy; Rock Ridge Farms presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.60ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.

  • Fruit packed 26th and 28th July - Fruit 7 to 9 days old.

  • 5 piece prepacks priced at $7.90ea.

COLES GARDEN CITY

  • On offer Count 28 Hass grown and supplied by Simpson Farms; Costa Avocado; Dorian Consultancy packed by Simpsons and Rockridge - displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.20ea. A higher percentage of ready to eat fruit found at this store.

  • Good mix of condition.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

  • Hass displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.60ea.

  • Mainly Simpson Farms grown fruit present. Good mix of condition.

  • 5pk prepacks priced at $7.90ea.

 

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CANNON HILL

  • Simpson Farms Hass in count 20’s were ticketed at $1.40ea, displayed on A Frame single sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.

  • Prepacks: 1kg packs at $4.00ea and 5 piece packs at $6.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

  • Sunfresh fruit as well as another line of fruit; Count 20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.50 each.

  • Both Prepacks on special at $4.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

  • Simpson Farms Hass Ct 16’s were ticketed at $1.20ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.

  • Prepacks: 1kg Odd Bunch at $4.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- GARDEN CITY

  • Hass Avocado packs at $2.99ea - 4 good sized hass to a tray.