QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 17.5 - 22.8 C across all major growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were warmer ranging 29.6 to 33.9C. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions have received a similar amount to previous weeks. Both Mareeba and Walkamin received between 51-58mm each, whilst Tully and Innisfail have received 0 to 0.2mm across the week. The forecast for the next week is for the sunny weather with the chance of isolated showers across these regions.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.99 to $3.50/kg this week. The markets have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand.

The presentation of Cavendish presented this week continues to have decent bloom with a light presence of minor dry scar; small rub marks; and neck injuries.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas exhibited minimal change from last week with Aldi’s banana ticket price at what seems like a standard $2.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $3.00/kg at all three locations visited; whilst Coles were offering fruit at $3.00/kg at one location and $3.50/kg at the others. Fruit was presented neatly on assigned displays, there was a presence of some minor rub and skin scarring as noted above.

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 13, 2023 - The industry experienced an increase of 4.19% on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 498,620 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 20,000 more trays) on Week 12, 2023 production. Of the total, approx 319,466 trays of this volume were Shepard avos and so it is of no surprise that we saw North Qld maintain lead production at 73.47% of the total volume; Central Qld contributing 22.95% of the volume followed by a combined effort of WA/Central NSW and Trisate contributing the remaining 3.47% (Hass).

· It is forecast that a total of a much lighter crop of 394K trays is expected to be despatched this week nationally. The Shepard forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies will continue to lighten with volumes of approximately 290K down to 216K trays per week expected, whilst total avocado production across this same period is expected to hit around 345K per week until more Hass is harvested which is when the next increase is expected by late April to the early 400K trays per week again. The current four week average dispatch figure has increased and now sits at 431,021 trays. The weather in far north Queensland from whence the bulk of primary production is currently being grown has been very warm during the days with a continuance of light showers. Fruit quality on farm is very good and eating at this time of the season is exceptional.

There were a little over 10,000 trays of Hass harvested again in the last week and this figure is set to quadruple by Easter and steadily increase the the Shepard season draws to a close by late April.

Ticket pricing of avocados this week was clean at $1.79 to $1.80 per piece at most retail outlets. Major supermarkets this week, had super keen offers for their customers for premium Shepard in Qld - ticketed at $1.79 to $1.80ea. Market pricing in the eastern seaboard locations was steady with prices ranging $24-$36/tray (for exceptional quality up to $36/tray) for premium fruit and $18-$28/tray for class one. Market pricing for Shepard bulks, premium; class one and second bulks, have been ranging $10.00-$28.00/ctn. Some Independent retailers, continue to offer large sized premium fruit $2.50ea and 3/$5.00.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 8 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 NQ Shepard ticketed at $1.79ea; Coles Qld had new season Shepards ticketed at $1.80ea, and Woolworths also had NQ Shepards selling at $1.80/ea in stores visited. Also noted in Coles stores, Autumn Hass which was ticketed at $1.80ea with these displayed alongside NQ Shepards. One Woolworths store also stocked Purpleskin Hass, priced at $2.50ea.

For this weeks sales pricing please see the info below….

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

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

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

Bananas at Woolworths

Avocados at Woolworths

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

A display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Fruit had a variety of ripeness.
Some fruit had serious neck damage and brusing.

ALDI COOPAROO

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg. Some skin marking, neck injuries present.
Lady Fingers priced at $5.79/kg, some of these were green.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg. Kids packs at $3.00ea.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $4.90/kg on special.
Organic variety were priced at $5.50/kg.
A variety of ripeness and some minor bruising on bananas this week.

COLES COOPAROO

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg, these had some dullness.
Lady Finger variety at $4.90/kg on special.

COLES SUNNYBANK

Cavendish on display priced at $3.00/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg - Eat Now and Eat Later display areas. ‘Mini Bananas’ priced at $3.00 per pack.
Lady Fingers at $5.00/kg, Red Tips at $5.00/kg and Organic at $5.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS COOPAROO

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg. Fruit presented very cleanly. Kids packs at $3.00ea.
Lady Fingers at $5.00/kg. Organics at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg. Kids packs at $3.00ea.
Red Tips and Lady Fingers at $5.00/kg. Organics at $5.50/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI