QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Whilst National transport figures for last week were approximately 392,000 cartons, we expect overall production to start increasing steadily with each week as the weather is gradually warming with the commencement of spring just weeks away. In the last week, morning temperatures have been moderate for this time of year in North Qld with minimums falling within a range of 11.6- to 20.8C; whilst day time temperatures have started to lift with a top of 31.8C -within a range of 22 to 31.8C. In terms of rainfall, most regions had minimal falls ranging 0 to 10.2mm across the week; with Tully and Innisfail each receiving rainfall at the upper end of this range. We are actively pulling back on Cavendish banana bunch age as we have received a few reports that our fruit was found to be splitting, we are currently at 18 weeks bunch age - with the weather continuing to warm bunch age will continue to decrease. 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. With the most recent cold snap being early August we are likely to see a presence of fruit with dull bloom through until at least the end of November.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $3.29 to $4.99/kg this week. The markets all have light to moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $16-$30 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. A few lines were found to have the odd split peel on show. 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 $3.99/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit at $4.00/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $4.00/kg in 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 31 - A total of 418,096 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents an increase of 16% ( approx. 59,000 more trays) on Week 30, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 62% of this volume; followed by Central NSW in second place contributed 13% of this; 11% from South Qld and North Qld 7%. The remaining 14% is made up of contributions from WA, Tristate; 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 381K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly higher quantities of approximately 390K to 420K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 400,325 trays.

Major supermarkets were varied in their offering this week in terms of avo pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.20 to $1.50ea. Hass market pricing seems to be stabilising somewhat this week. Prices ranging between $16-$28/tray for premium and a range of $11 -$17/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.

We are supplying Hass grown in the SE corner of the state from the region of Blackbutt. This region has also experienced some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 2.1-11.4C and daytimes warming up to 18.3-24.6C. 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 has commenced harvesting and packing through a certified Packhouse. We are also working with a couple of growers from SW NSW who likewise have commenced harvesting their crop and are working hard to make it a great season.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing Fruit age ranged 9 to 12 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 $1.49ea in store; Coles Qld had Central Qld and NQ Hass ticketed at $1.50ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had Central Qld grown Hass selling at $1.20/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 Woolworths

Avocados at Woolworths

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.99/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had scarring. Some clusters with dull bloom.\
Lady Fingers at $6.49/kg

ALDI FAIRFIELD

A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.99/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.

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.99/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 INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $4.00/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. A light presence of underpeel chill noted. Some very full fingers present. Kids packs at $4.00/kg.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - some clusters looking thin and angular.

COLES FAIRFIELD

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $4.00. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Display was somewhat dishevelled.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg. Majority of fruit had good colour but dull bloom. A few clusters found to be splitting.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - display tidy. 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 MOOROOKA

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 BROWNS PLAINS

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. Kids banded clusters selling at $3.00 - one cluster found with a knife wound.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg; Organic clusters also $5.50 ea.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI