Retail Market Week 36 - 2022

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QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE



National transport figures for last week were of 437,500 cartons. Spring might be here by the calendar, bur we are still having some cool starts to the day on farms. In this last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures ranged 11.8 - 21.4 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 23.6 to 29.6C -as the days gradually lengthen and the barometer starts to climb we will see fruit growth rates comparatively increase. In terms of rainfall, Mareeba, Tully and Innisfail each received in the vicinity of 30-40mm across the week, whilst the other major growing regions received much lighter falls of 2 to 4mm. Cavendish banana bunch age is currently at 17-18 weeks with this expected to be back to 16-17 weeks by later this month; as the weather continues to warm. 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. We expect to see the presence of underpeel chill and hence dull bloom through until at least the end of November, maybe even extending into December.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.99 to $3.99/kg this week.  The markets all have 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 continue to reflect the impact of cold growth periods throughout winter with sub 10C temperatures experienced both on the Tablelands and along the coast with less bright and dull bloomed fruit present in varying degrees. There was a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; small rub marks and sap staining.  Some odd clusters found with split peel. 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 at $3.50 to $4.00/kg in all three stores frequented and Coles offered fruit at $3.50 to 4.50/kg depending upon the location of the store visited. Fruit was presented neatly on assigned displays, there was a presence of dull fruit to varying degrees, on show in all outlets again this week as can be expected for the next few months.



























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 35 - A total of 414,212 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents an 7% decrease ( approx. 32000 less trays) on Week 34, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 32% of this volume; followed by Central NSW in second place contributed 20% of this; 14.5% from South Qld; WA contributed 10.7%; as did Tristate; whilst New Zealand contributed 7% of the overall total. The remaining 5% is made up of contributions from North Qld, Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers.

·       It is forecast that a total of 348K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly lower quantities of approximately 325K to 355K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 437,714 trays.

Major supermarkets were again relatively close in monetary terms in their offering this week for avocado pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.40 to $1.69ea.  There has been a slight reduction in market pricing of hass in the last week, with some traders stock piling fruit (some of which has been self ripening and therefore needing to be cleared) so premium tray sales are tending to be in the mid twenties, main range $21-$25. Prices for class one fruit have been falling within a range of $10 -$17/tray.  There have been some class one and second bulks on the market this week with prices ranging $10-$20.

We are supplying Hass grown in the SE corner of Qld from the region of Blackbutt. Temperatures in this region have been a touch warmer this week with overnight/early morning temps ranging 5-12.6C and daytimes warming up to 15-22C whilst rain has continued its presence this week with a total of 18-24mm across the region. This has made it interesting in relation to harvesting and transferring of fruit to the pack shed between wet periods. Our Packing team are working hard to ensure fruit quality is within specification each week - we have been finding a slightly higher presence of nodule damage this week, with the more heavily marked pieces being removed from the packs to ensure fruit is in spec. Main fruit sizing continues to fall within Ct 20-23. All going well we look to increase our production by 10-20% throughout the next 6-8 weeks. Our growers from SW NSW, more specifically in the region of Barham are also working hard to ensure specifications are met and that fruit quality is consistent throughout the season - fruit quality from this region has been good with supplies expected for another five or so weeks.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 7 to 15 days from packed date on 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 $1.69ea 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 $1.40/piece depending upon store location and size of fruit.  The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to just about ready to eat.

 

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

Left to Right: Woolworths Hass; Aldi Shepard and Coles Hass Avocados

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

 

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI CARINDALE

  • A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Some clusters had heavier scarring - possiblly carry over fruit. Majority of clusters had dull bloom and a white powdered covering.

  • Lady Fingers at $5.99/kg

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 - majority of display had dull bloom.

  • Lady Fingers were priced at $5.99/kg.

ALDI MT GRAVATT EAST

  • A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks noted as well as dull bloom.

  • Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg, these were half green and half bruised.

 

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES CARINDALE

  • Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.50/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step, slightly dull in colour and bloom this week. Kids packs at $3.50/kg.

  • ‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Organic also on display for $6.00/kg.

COLES GARDEN CITY FOLLOWED BY MT GRAVATT EAST

  • Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $3.50 at Garden City; whilst $4.50/kg ea at Mt Gravatt East store. Majority of fruit had good colour.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic were at $6.00/kg.

COLES LOCAL HAMILTON

  • Cavendish on display priced at $4.50/kg. Kids packs at $4.50/kg.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, these were mostly green.

 

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

  • Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg (very minimal stock).

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY followed by MT GRAVATT EAST

  • Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg (Collins fruit) - a relatively neat display- a low level presence of minor scarring; bloom of some clusters has been impacted by the winter weather. Pricing at Mt Gravatt East (Howe Farming fruit) was $4.00/kg on cavendish.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - couple of clusters with rub marking and minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $7.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS DOOMBEN

  • Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg (Mackays fruit), Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.

  • Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic bananas at $7.00/kg.

 

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI CARINDALE

  • Hass Avocados count 23’s and 25’s at $1.69ea.

  • Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

  • Toulsen’s “Tree 2 Me” packed by Avorama available in Count 23/25 - priced at $1.69 ea.

  • 1kg at $5.99ea on special and 5 piece packs also at $5.99ea.

ALDI MT GRAVATT EAST

  • Toulsen’s “Tree 2 Me” Hass in count 23 available for sale at $1.69ea.

  • 5 piece packs selling at $5.99ea.

 

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES CARINDALE

  • An extremely neat and well positioned end display of Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.50ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.

  • Organic variety priced at $3.50ea.

COLES GARDEN CITY AND MT GRAVATT EAST

  • Count 25/28 Hass from Simpsons on display for $1.50ea.

  • Good mix of condition. 5 piece packs at $4.90ea and 1kg IMPERFECT packs at $6.90ea.

COLES LOCAL HAMILTON

  • Loose Count 25 Hass from Costas (Gem Hass) and Barham Hass priced at $1.50ea.

  • 1kg IM Perfect packs priced at $6.90ea.

 

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

  • Hass in count 14-23’s were ticketed at $1.40ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.

  • Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $6.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY AND MT GRAVATT EAST

  • Simpson farms and Purpleskin fruit- Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.40 each.

  • 5 piece prepacks at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $6.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS DOOMBEN

  • Simpson Hass in count 25’s were ticketed at $1.40ea, displayed on A Frame display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Simpson fruit packed 17th August so fruit age is 13-20 days old.

  • Prepacks: 1kg packs at $6.90ea.