QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Week 35 saw a total despatch of 415,715 cartons which was a further increase of approximately 22,000 on Week 34 production. Over the last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures have ranged 10.3 - 15.3 C across all major growing regions and day time temperatures have remained warmer ranging 25.5 - 29.3 C. Minimal rain fell across the entire North Qld growing regions this week with Mareeba and Walkamin receiving 0mm; and falls across Innisfail and Tully with 0-0.4mm for the week!

Cavendish this week were found to have relatively good bloom and an overall good appearance. A few minor defects noted including rub marking, minor bruising and neck damage.

Retail ticket pricing saw a spike in Queensland on bananas which had remained relatively unchanged for a period: Aldi lifted their banana ticket price from $3.99/kg to $4.49/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $4.50/kg; and Coles were offering fruit competitively at $4.00/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 35, 2023 - The industry saw a 14.78% decrease on the previous week’s harvest with a total of 425,087 trays harvested and transported ( approx. 70,000 less trays) on Week 34, 2023 production. Hass variety supplying 421,390 trays harvested in addition to 3,697 trays of assorted other varieties also in this week’s reported figures. Western Australia leads production with 31.87% of the total volume this week, then Tristate with 30.88%, Central NSW with 16.01%; followed by South Qld at 12.98%, Central QLD at 2.88%, and the balance coming from the a combination of Sunshine Coast/Tamborine/North Qld and Northern Rivers (5.38%).

· It is forecast that a total of 422K trays will be despatched this week nationally. Hass harvest figures forecast for the next two to three weeks thereafter are expected to range between 390K and 440K per week. The current four week average dispatch figure now sits at 465,994 trays. The volume of small fruit on all markets continues to be heavy coming from SE Qld; NSW; Vic and the Tri-states regions - in the central markets better money is being paid for fruit of larger size (16/18’s) but these seem to be scarce. Competition in the prepacks is fierce as retailers try to find a way to increase the value of their shopper’s basket and to assist in clearing some of the volume. With the volume of fruit currently available, retailers are focusing on quality; opting for the cleaner lines which are presenting well to entice their customers - this will no doubt be the case for the next few months. On a bright note, the weather fast warming up so this means that avocados will start to be featured in a wider variety of menus both on the home front and in cafes/restaurants.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - Aldi Qld with $1.19ea on Hass; Coles Qld had Hass ticketed at $1.30ea, and Woolworths had Hass selling at $1.50ea.

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

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 FAIRFIELD

A display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $4.49/kg.
Minimal skin marking but the odd cluster found with wound/bruising. Colour and bloom was bright.
Lady Fingers on display for $5.99/kg - these needed restocking.

ALDI CHERMSIDE

A display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $4.49/kg, slightly backward.
No Lady Fingers in stock.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $4.49/kg, this store probably had the best colour overall. Fruit presented well.
Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES FAIRFIELD

Cavendish bananas displayed at $4.00/kg - most with good colour.
Red Tips priced at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers $8.00/kg.

COLES CHERMSIDE

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg. A half full display.
Kids packs also priced at $4.00ea.
Red Tips $5.50/kg, Lady Fingers $8.00/kg.
Organic variety at $6.00/kg.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $4.00/kg. Kids packs at $4.00ea.
Red Tips priced at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $8.00/kg.
This store’s presentation was a little messy.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS YERONGPILLY

Cavendish priced at $4.50/kg - Eat Now and Eat Later display areas. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $8.00/kg - a single lady only.