Retail Market Week 38 - 2022
/QUICKLINKS
BANANA OVERVIEW
SUPPLY UPDATE
National transport figures for last week were of 433,800 cartons. Spring we believe is finally here as temperatures are rising and the sun is shining, in North Qld at least. In this last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures ranged 14.5 - 23.1 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 26.9 to 32.6C -as the days gradually lengthen and the barometer starts to climb we will see fruit growth rates comparatively increase. In terms of rainfall, all major growing regions in the north received minimal falls with in the range of 0 to 1mm. Cavendish banana bunch age is currently at 17 weeks with this expected to be back to 16-17 weeks by mid-October; as the weather continues to warm. We continue to see the presence of underpeel chill after previous winter growing periods 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 $3.49/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $16-$31 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 fruit of less bright appearance present in varying degrees. There was a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; small rub marks, speckle and sap staining. There is still the odd few clusters with split peel present.
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/kg in stores frequented and Coles also offered fruit at $3.50/kg in all three locations 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 37 - A total of 358,664 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a 1% increase ( approx. 3000 more trays) on Week 36, 2022 production – South Qld took the reigns in terms of production this week accounting for 19% of this volume followed closely by Central NSW who accounted for 18%; next in line were Central QLD and Tristate each contributing 17%; NZ’s share crept up to 14% and WA maintained 12% of the overall total. The remaining 3% 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 336K to 390K trays per week. For the first time in quite a while, the current four week average dispatch has dipped below 400K at 393,985 trays.
Major supermarkets were again relatively close in monetary terms in their offering this week for avocado pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.49 to $1.80ea. Market pricing has stabilised and is starting to firm which is great news for growers, main range $22-$26 with main sales $22-$24.. Prices for class one fruit have been falling within a range of $12 -$18/tray. There have been some class one and second bulks on the market this week with prices ranging $10-$20.
We are continuing to supply 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 6-13.9C and daytimes warming up to 19-27C whilst rain has continued its presence this week with a total of 8-12mm across the region. Our Packing team are working tirelessly to ensure fruit quality is within specification each week - we are continuing to find a slightly higher presence of nodule damage with continued wet weather, 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 supply from this district should see us through to mid-late October. Our growers from SW NSW, more specifically in the region of Barham are also working hard to ensure specifications and they too have been held up by the rain this week as well as a public holiday for the Queens passing which will impact the packshed - supplies expected for another three to four weeks.
Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 12 to 18 days from packed date on tray labels that were visible. It should be noted we saw the first of the New Zealand fruit on Woolworths shelves this week and Aldi had NZ hass for the second week in Brisbane.
In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had NZ Hass selling this week at a ticket price of $1.49ea in store; Coles Qld had Central and SE Qld Hass ticketed at $1.50ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had both Central Qld grown Hass and NZ Hass selling at $1.70 to $1.80/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. Aldi seemed to have a much higher percentage of quite ripe fruit on shelf this week.
AVOCADO SNAPSHOT
Left to Right: Woolworths Hass; Aldi Shepard and Coles Hass Avocados
STOCK IN STORES
QUICKLINKS
BANANAS AT ALDI
ALDI INDOOROOPILLY
A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg - odd split peel found and minor skin marking.
Costa Lady Fingers at $5.99/kg
ALDI LUTWYCHE
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.
Costa Lady Fingers were priced at $5.99/kg.
ALDI GARDEN CITY
A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks noted.
Lady Fingers not on display.
BANANAS AT COLES
COLES INDOOROOPILLY
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.
COLES LUTWYCHE
Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $4.00. Majority of fruit had relatively good colour.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.
COLES GARDEN CITY
Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg. Kids packs at $3.50/kg.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips were priced at $5.50/kg.
All lines needed restocking in this store.
BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS
WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY
Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.
Lady Fingers at $6.50/kg.
WOOLWORTHS LUTWYCHE
Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg - a relatively neat display- a low level presence of minor scarring.
Lady Fingers at $6.50/kg - couple of clusters with minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $6.00/kg.
WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY
Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg, 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.
AVOCADOS AT ALDI
ALDI INDOOROOPILLY
Australian and NZ Hass Avocados count 23’s and 25’s supplied by Delroy’s and Freshmax respectively, selling at $1.49ea. Stock was very ripe.
Hass 5 piece at $4.99ea and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.
ALDI LUTWYCHE
Australian and NZ Hass Avocados Count 23/25 supplied by Delroys (Sunnyspot Packing) and Freshmax respectively - priced at $1.49 ea.
1kg at $5.99ea on special and 5 piece packs also at $4.99ea.
ALDI GARDEN CITY
NZ Skylark Hass in count 23 available for sale at $1.49ea. Most fruit was ripe. Label reads a pack date of 23rd August??
5 piece packs selling at $4.99ea and 1kg packs at $5.99ea.
AVOCADOS AT COLES
COLES INDOOROOPILLY
Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.50ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
5 piece packs at $4.90 and 1kg packs at $7.90.
COLES LUTWYCHE
Count 25/28 Hass and Gem Hass from Costa and other suppliers very neatly presented but concern over condition of bottom layer of stock with weight of stock piled on top on the end unit display. Fruit ticketed at $1.50ea. Table top display plix could do with a clean.
Good mix of condition. 5 piece packs at $7.90ea and 1kg IMPERFECT packs at $4.90ea.
COLES GARDEN CITY
Loose Count 25 Hass from Costas and Tree-2-Me priced at $1.50ea, age ranges 12 to 15 days.
1kg IM Perfect packs priced at $4.90ea and 5 piece packs at $7.90ea..
AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS
WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY
Mix of Australian and Team NZ Hass in count 18-20’s were ticketed at $1.80ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
WOOLWORTHS LUTWYCHE
Simpson farms packed 3rd Sept and Purpleskin immediately to the left upon entry to the store Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.70 each. Fruit was mixed in terms of ripeness, generally speaking the Purpleskin stock was further along in condition.
5 piece prepacks at $6.90ea and 1kg packs at $5.90ea.
WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY
Simpson Australian Hass and Team NZ Hass ticketed at $1.70ea, displayed on one side of an A Frame display opposite the entrance to the produce department.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $6.90ea. 5 piece packs at $7.50ea. Organic at $3.50ea.
