Retail Newsletter

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week declined by a further 4% to 445,605 cartons (some 20,000 ctns less than last week). Over the last week in the far north, slightly cooler early A.M. temperatures ranged 16 - 22 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 29 to 31.7C -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 were relatively dry with just the odd light shower in Tully and Innisfail contributing 0.4 and 4.6mm to the annual rainfall records. Cavendish banana bunch age is currently at 16 weeks with this expected to be back to 15-16 weeks by mid-November; 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. We expect to see a lessening 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 $2.69 to $3.49/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $18-$33 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas was fairly uniform this week in comparison to the week prior with Aldi’s banana ticket price declined by $1/kg to $2.99/kg; Woolies offered fruit at a ticket price of $3.50/kg in stores frequented and Coles were offering fruit at $3.00/kg dependant upon location 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 41 - A total of just 333,078 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a 1% decrease ( approx. 4,000 fewer trays) on Week 40, 2022 production. This week we saw WA’s lead climb to 28.1% of the total volume; followed by Tristate at 26.5%; Central NSW at 18.8%, New Zealand at 13.8%; and South Qld at 11.5% of the overall total. The remaining 1.3% is made up of contributions from Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers.

· It is forecast that a total of 394K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to be strengthening with volumes of approximately 370K to 400K trays per week expected. The current four week average dispatch figures continues to fall below 400K at 319,148 trays.

Major supermarkets differed in the way they approached the avocado ticket price this week with offers on pricing for premium Hass ticketed at $1.69 to $2.00ea. Market pricing in Brisbane and Sydney has continued to firm, which is great news for growers, prices range $24-$34 with main sales $28-$32 ( the odd $36/tray fore real glamour fruit). In Victoria, the increased supply of quality WA fruit has seen pricing of $30-$36/tray for premium fruit; $26-$30 on other Australian grown hass. Prices for class one fruit have been falling within a range of $14 -$22/tray. There have been some class one and second bulks on the market this week with prices ranging $10-$24.

Our growers from SW NSW, more specifically in the region of Barham are also working hard to ensure specifications - supplies are expected for another two weeks, dependent upon the weather. We are also pleased to announce that Avonova in WA are harvesting and packing again, with the first of their fruit to hit shelves from 24th October - we expect a slow start to their season as numbers are lighter this year but quality is definitely looking good.

Avocado display presentation in Qld/WA stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 7 to 33 days from packed date on tray labels that were visible, with NZ sourced fruit being 22 to 33 days. This week we saw New Zealand fruit as a component of the offering in all three of the major supermarkets in Brisbane.

Paul had a trip to WA this week to catch up with growers, so we have a glimpse in the Perth retail landscape this week as well. In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows - the offer was very similar to last week : Aldi Qld had NZ Hass selling this week at a ticket price of $1.69ea in store as did Aldi Perth; Coles Qld had Australian and NZ Hass ticketed at $1.80ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had both Central Qld grown Hass and NZ Hass selling at $1.80 to $2.00/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

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Some really quite dull clusters present, with speckle and skin marking.
Costa Lady Fingers at $5.49/kg

ALDI LOGANHOLME

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg. A mix of colour on this display including some semi-colour in terms of condition - majority of display had dull bloom with small skin marks.
Costa Lady Fingers - some clusters with bat marking, were priced at $5.99/kg.

ALDI PERTH

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. About half of the stock was green with skin markings on both ripe and unripe fruit.
Costa Lady Fingers at $5.49/kg

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit displayed was slightly dull in colour and bloom this week. Some dull clusters with multiple small skin marks. Kids packs at $3.00/kg.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers for $7.90/kg.

COLES LOGANHOLME

Cavendish on display priced at $3.00/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $3.00. Majority of fruit was semi-colour, some clusters with heavy speckle and sooty mould.

COLES PERTH

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step, slightly dull in colour and bloom this week some clusters with heavier rub marking. Majority of display was semi colour in condition.
Interesting locally supplied banana prepacks at this store, contents was slightly dull.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea - odd cluster found with peel splitting.
Lady Fingers at $7.00/kg. Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS LOGANHOLME

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg - a low level presence of minor scarring - kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit was relatively bright, clean and of good colour hues.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - couple of clusters with minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $6.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS PERTH

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks, most of this store’s fruit was green.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Lady Fingers at $7.00/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

NZ Hass Avocados count 23’s at $1.69ea. Packed dates of 19th September so fruit age is 30 days.
Hass 5 piece at $6.49ea and 1kg Net packs at $5.79ea.

ALDI LOGANHOLME

Skylark NZ Hass Avocados Count 23/25 - firm fruit - priced at $1.69 ea. Very very soft pieces both loose and in the nets.
5 piece packs still at $5.99ea.

ALDI PERTH

NZ Hass Avocados count 28’s at $1.69ea. Packed dates of 6th October. Aldi WA Catalogue has bananas featured.
Hass 5 piece at $6.49ea and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Ct 23 and 25 Australian and NZ Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.80ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers. Fruit appears to be selling well. NZ packed 16th Sept so 33 days old whilst the Australian sourced fruit is packed 6th October so fruit age is 13 days.
5 piece packs priced at $7.90ea.

COLES LOGANHOLME

Count 23 Australian Hass very neatly presented and ticketed at $1.80ea.
Good mix of condition.

COLES PERTH

Ct 23 Australian Hass Avocados supplied by Delroy’s- ticketed at $1.80ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
Fruit packed 12th October, therefore 7 days old.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Costa’s Hass in count 28’s packed 5th October and ripened for Eat Now stock were ticketed at $1.80ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. NZ Hass also present as well as Giofrelle’s.
1kg packs at $6.30ea.

WOOLWORTHS LOGANHOLME

Hass- Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.80 each. Mix of maturities on offer.
1kg packs at $6.30ea.

WOOLWORTHS PERTH

Hass in count 23-25’s were ticketed at $1.80ea with main supply from Delroy’s, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
5 piece prepacks were priced at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $6.30ea..

October 21, 2022

Retail Market Week 41 - 2022

October 21, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week declined by 4% to 465,316 cartons (some 21,800 ctns less than last week). In this last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures ranged 18.4 - 23 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 28 to 32C -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 except Mareeba, experienced falls across the week 15 to 43mm in the north. Cavendish banana bunch age is currently at 16 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. We expect to see a lessening 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 $2.29 to $3.69/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $16-$32 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

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 a super hot ticket price of $2.00 to $2.50/kg in stores frequented and Coles were offering fruit at $3.00/kg dependant upon location 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 40 - A total of just 337,292 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a 5% increase ( approx. 16,000 more trays) on Week 39, 2022 production. This week we saw WA climb to the top of the leader board in terms of production contributing 23% of the total volume; followed by Tristate at 22% and New Zealand at 22%; then Central NSW at 19% and South Qld at 13% of the overall total. The remaining 1% is made up of contributions from Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers.

· It is forecast that a total of 366K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to be strengthening with volumes of approximately 380K to 400K trays per week expected. The current four week average dispatch figures continues to fall below 400K at 325,545 trays.

Major supermarkets differed in the way they approached the avocado ticket price this week with offers on pricing for premium Hass ticketed at $1.69 to $2.00ea. Market pricing in Brisbane and Sydney has continued to firm, which is great news for growers, prices range $24-$32 with main sales $28-$32 ( the odd $34/tray fore real glamour fruit). In Victoria, the increased supply of quality WA fruit has seen pricing of $30-$34/tray for premium fruit; $26-$30 on other Australian grown hass. Prices for class one fruit have been falling within a range of $14 -$21/tray. There have been some class one and second bulks on the market this week with prices ranging $10-$24.

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 9-17.5C and daytimes warming up to 16-26C whilst rain has continued its presence this week with a total of 10-24mm 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. This will be the final week of packing for this region. Our growers from SW NSW, more specifically in the region of Barham are also working hard to ensure specifications - supplies expected for another two weeks, dependent upon the weather. We are also please to announce that Avonova in WA are commencing their hass harvest late this week, just starting slowly.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 8 to 30 days from packed date on tray labels that were visible, with NZ sourced fruit being 22 to 30 days. This week we saw New Zealand fruit as a component of the offering in all three of the major supermarkets 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 $1.69ea in store; Coles Qld had Australian and NZ Hass ticketed at $1.50 to $1.80ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had both Central Qld grown Hass and NZ Hass selling at $1.70 to $2.00/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

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI TOOWOOMBA - KEARNEY SPRINGS

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.99/kg. Found clusters with sap staining, rub, wounds and bruising.
Costa Lady Fingers at $5.49/kg

ALDI REDBANK PLAINS

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 - a portion of display had dull bloom with small skin marks including rub, speckle, bruising.
Costa Lady Fingers - some clusters with bat marking, were priced at $5.99/kg.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.99/kg. Some really quite dull clusters present, with speckle and skin marking.
Costa Lady Fingers at $5.49/kg

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES TOOWOOMBA - KEARNEY SPRINGS

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step, except bottom tier which was double up, slightly dull in colour and bloom this week. Sap stains and small skin marks apparent. Kids packs at $3.00/kg.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers on special for $5.50/kg - these presented well in terms of colour and skin appeal.

COLES REDBANK PLAINS

Cavendish on display priced at $3.00/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $3.00. A portion of the fruit was semi-colour, some clusters with light skin marking - display unit could do with a clean.
Lady Fingers on special at $5.90/kg - very clean fruit and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step, majority of which was backward in condition and slightly dull in bloom this week. Some dull clusters with multiple small skin marks and some sooty mould present.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers on special for $5.50/kg - low stock levels on display.

COLES TOOWOOMBA - CLIFFORD GARDENS

Cavendish on display priced at $3.00/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $3.00. Majority of fruit was semi-colour, some clusters with heavy speckle and sooty mould.
Lady Fingers on special at $5.50/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg - some clusters starting to spot.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS TOOWOOMBA - KEARNEY SPRINGS

Cavendish priced at $2.00/kg - display tidy - majority of the stock on display was backward in condition. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.
Lady Fingers at $7.00/kg. Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic bananas at $6.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS REDBANK PLAINS

Cavendish bananas priced at $2.50/kg - a relatively neat display - fruit bloom and colour were appealing - odd cluster found with split peel.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/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 $2.00/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Lady Fingers at $7.00/kg supplied by Costa’s. Organic bananas at $6.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS TOOWOOMBA - CLIFFORD GARDENS

Cavendish bananas priced at $2.00/kg - a relatively neat display though the proportion of eat later cavs exceeded the eat now stock levels.
Lady Fingers at $7.00/kg - couple of clusters with minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $6.00/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI TOOWOOMBA - KEARNEY SPRINGS

NZ Hass Avocados count 23’s at $1.69ea - mix of stage of ripeness on offer. Packed dates of 15th September therefore 27 days old.
Hass 5 piece at $5.99ea and 1kg Net packs at $5.79ea.

ALDI REDBANK PLAINS

Skylark NZ Hass Avocados Count 23/25 - majority of fruit with purple/black hue to skin - priced at $1.69 ea.
1kg at $5.79ea, stock was ripe and 5 piece packs also at $5.99ea. Some of the nets contained fruit that was quite soft.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

NZ Hass Avocados count 25’s at $1.69ea - loose stock very firm. Packed dates of 14th September - therefore 28 days old.
Hass 5 piece at $5.99ea and 1kg Net packs at $5.79ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES TOOWOOMBA - KEARNEY SPRINGS

Ct 20 and 23 Australian and NZ Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.80ea. Packed dates range 12th Sept on NZ to 4th Oct for Australian - so age varies from 8 days to 30 days. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.

COLES REDBANK PLAINS

Count 23/25 Australian Hass neatly presented and ticketed at $1.50ea.
Good mix of condition.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Ct 25 Australian Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.80ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
5 piece packs at $7.90 and 1kg packs at $5.90. Organic Avocados at $4.00ea - no stock.

COLES TOOWOOMBA - CLIFFORD GARDENS

Count 25 Barham’s Australian Hass and Costa Hass very neatly presented and ticketed at $1.80ea. Fruit with packed dates of 30th Sept so 12 days old.
Good mix of condition. 5 piece packs at $7.90ea, 1kg packs at $5.90ea and Organic variety at $4.00ea - these were very ripe and starting to feel hollow.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS TOOWOOMBA - KEARNEY SPRINGS

NZ Hass in count 20-23’s and fruit supplied by Giofrelle Australian Ct 23 Hass all were ticketed at $2.00ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Note signage promoting eat now and eat later but all loose stock was eat now. This signage needs to be larger and extend across the entire display to be more effective. NZ stock packed 12th to 20th Sept so fruit age is 22 to 30 days old.
5 piece prepacks were priced at $7.90ea but no stock on the display area and 1kg packs at $6.30ea..

WOOLWORTHS REDBANK PLAINS

Hass- Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.70 each. Mix of maturities on offer - some pieces quite soft.
5 piece prepacks by Simpsons at $6.90ea and 1kg packs at $5.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

NZ Hass in count 23-25’s were ticketed at $2.00ea packed 14th Sept so 28 days old, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
5 piece prepacks were priced at $6.90ea and 1kg packs at $6.30ea..

WOOLWORTHS TOOWOOMBA - CLIFFORD GARDENS

Hass- Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $2.00 each. Mix of maturities on offer with deducted Eat Now columns x 2 and 1 column of Eat Later stock (except one tray placement) - one of the best displays seen this week.
1kg packs at $6.30ea.

September 30, 2022

Retail Market Week 39 - 2022

September 30, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week declined by 4% to 416,341 cartons (some 17,500 ctns less than last week). This is rather surprising by all accounts however having said this, the next full moon is not that far off - the 9th October to be exact, so we can expect to see a lift in this figure in the not too distant weeks. In this last week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures ranged 16.5 - 20.9 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 28.2 to 31.5C -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 almost no rain bar Mareeba receiving just 0.2mm. 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. 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.

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; speckle; small rub marks, speckle and sap staining. There is still the odd few clusters with split peel present and in one store sooty mould was also observed.

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-$4.00/kg dependant upon location 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 38 - A total of just 285,035 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a significant decline of 21% ( approx. 73,600 less trays) on Week 37, 2022 production. This week we saw Central NSW climb to the top contributing 30% of the total volume; followed by Tristate at 22%; South Qld at 16% followed closely WA at 14%; whilst NZ and Central Qld only supplied 8% each of the overall total. The remaining 2% is made up of contributions from North Qld, Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers.

· It is forecast that a total of 252K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for supplies to be strengthening with volumes of approximately 345K to 390K trays per week expected. For the first time in quite a while, the current four week average dispatch has stayed below 400K at 353,388 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 - no real change from last week. Market pricing in Brisbane and Sydney has continued to firm, which is great news for growers, prices range $24-$28 with main sales $26-$28 ( the odd $30/tray fore real glamour fruit). In Victoria, the increased supply of quality WA fruit has seen pricing of $30-$34/tray for premium fruit; $26-$30 on other Australian grown hass. Prices for class one fruit have been falling within a range of $14 -$20/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 7-14.5C and daytimes warming up to 21-27C whilst rain has continued its presence this week with a total of 20-34mm 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 - supplies expected for another two to three weeks.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 12 to 33 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

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI MT OMMANEY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Some really quite dull clusters present, with speckle and skin marking.
Costa Lady Fingers at $5.99/kg

ALDI NEWSTEAD

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 with small skin marks and some rust thrip damage.
Costa Lady Fingers - some clusters with bat marking, 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. Semi-colour fruit was quite backward.
Costa Lady Fingers on display for $5.99/kg. Sold in hands for customers to break apart.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES MT OMMANEY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.50/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step, slightly dull in colour and bloom this week. Some dull clusters with multiple small skin marks. Kids packs at $3.50/kg.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers on special for $5.90/kg - these presented well in terms of colour and skin appeal.

COLES NEWFARM

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $4.00. Majority of fruit was semi-colour, some clusters with heavy speckle and sooty mould.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg some clusters with small skin defects, rust thrip damage. Kids packs at $3.50/kg.
All lines needed restocking in this store.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MT OMMANEY

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. Organic bananas at $6.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS NEWSTEAD

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg - a relatively neat display but with a lot of spillover stock- a low level presence of minor scarring - odd cluster found with split peel.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/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 MT OMMANEY

NZ Hass Avocados count 23’s and 25’s at $1.49ea - loose stock very ripe. Packed dates of 25th August there stock is 33 days old.
Hass 5 piece at $4.99ea and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea. These lines also contained a high percentage of ripe stock.

ALDI NEWSTEAD

Freshmax NZ Hass Avocados Count 23/25 - firm fruit - priced at $1.49 ea.
1kg at $5.79ea, stock was ripe, on special and 5 piece packs also at $5.99ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

Skylark NZ Hass in count 23 available for sale at $1.49ea. Packed date 28th August, so fruit age is 31 days old. Most fruit was ripe.
5 piece packs selling at $5.99ea and 1kg packs at $5.79ea - again this line was ripe.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES MT OMMANEY

Ct 23 Australian Hass Avocados from Tree-2-Me packed by Avorama- ticketed at $1.50ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers. One piece found with puncture wound.
5 piece packs at $4.90 and 1kg packs at $7.90.

COLES NEWFARM

Count 25/28 Australian Hass very neatly presented and ticketed at $1.50ea.
Good mix of condition.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Loose Count 25 Hass from Costas priced at $1.50ea, packed 20th Sept, age ranges 8 to 15 days.
1kg IM Perfect packs priced at $5.90ea and 5 piece packs at $7.90ea..

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MT OMMANEY

Hass in count 23-25’s were ticketed at $1.70ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Both prepacks were priced at $5.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS NEWSTEAD

Team NZ Hass supplied by the Darling Group packed 30th August (29 days old) as well as Avolution Australian hass packed 15th Sept (13 days old)- Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $2.00 each. Mix of maturities on offer.
5 piece prepacks by Simpsons at $6.90ea and 1kg packs at $5.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Avolution Australian Hass Ct 25 and Darling Group NZ Ct 20 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 $5.90ea. 5 piece packs at $5.90ea supplied by Simpsons were very ripe and soft. Organic at $3.50ea.

September 29, 2022

Retail Market Week 38 - 2022

September 29, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

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.

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

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

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

Bananas at Aldi

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.

September 20, 2022

Retail Market Week 37 - 2022

September 20, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week were of 432,200 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 13.8 - 21.4 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 26.3 to 31.3C -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 2mm. Cavendish banana bunch age is currently at 17 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 $3.49/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $16-$32 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, speckle 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 $3.49/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit at $3.50-$4.00/kg in stores frequented and Coles 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 36 - A total of 355,640 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a 14% decrease ( approx. 58500 less trays) on Week 35, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 28% of this volume; followed by Central NSW in second place contributed 20% of this; Tristate 16%; WA and South Qld each contributed 12%; 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 344K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly lower quantities of approximately 310K to 370K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 421,290 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 $1.70ea. There has been a further 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 $20-$24 with main sales $20-$22.. Prices for class one fruit have been falling within a range of $10 -$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 5.6-13.4C and daytimes warming up to 18-24C whilst rain has continued its presence this week with a total of 12-22mm across the region. This continues to wreak havic with harvesting and transferring of fruit to the pack shed between wet periods. Our Packing team are working tirelessly 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 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 with more forecast for the week to follow - supplies expected for another four to five weeks, perhaps a week longer depending upon how much of hold up the rain is.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 12 to 15 days from packed date on tray labels that were visible. It should be noted we saw the first of the New Zealand fruit on Aldi shelves this week in Brisbane.

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 Giofrelle Hass ticketed at $1.50ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had Central Qld grown Hass selling at $1.70/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

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI FAIRFIELD

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Some clusters had heavier scarring - possibly carry over fruit. Majority of clusters had dull bloom and were green.
Lady Fingers at $5.99/kg

ALDI FOREST LAKE

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 BROWNS PLAINS

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 FAIRFIELD

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 FOREST LAKE

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg , as Kid’s packs also at $3.50. 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 BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg. Kids packs at $3.50/kg.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, these were slightly bruised and Red Tips were priced at $5.50/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.
Lady Fingers at $7.00/kg and Red Tips at $6.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS FOREST LAKE

Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg - a relatively neat display- a low level presence of minor scarring; bloom of some clusters has been impacted by the winter weather.
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 BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg, 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 $6.50/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

Hass Avocados count 23’s and 25’s supplied by Delroy’s at $1.49ea. Toulsens Tree to Me Hass.
Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI FAIRFIELD

Hass Avocados Count 23/25 - priced at $1.49 ea. Freshmax/DBM suppliers of NZ Hass this week - first week on shelf for the new season.
1kg at $5.99ea on special and 5 piece packs also at $5.99ea.

ALDI FOREST LAKE

Toulsen’s “Tree 2 Me” Hass supplied by Delroy’s in count 23 available for sale at $1.49ea. Most fruit was very ripe. Fruit packed 5th Sept so 9 days old.
5 piece packs selling at $5.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.50ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers supplied by Costa’s and Giofrelle’s in mainly count 25’s. It is a constant finding at this store, that the table display is used as a dumping ground for packaging as staff refill adjacent refrigerated product.
Organic variety priced at $3.50ea. 5 piece packs at $4.90 and 1kg packs at $5.90.

COLES FAIRFIELD

Count 25/28 Hass from Costa and other suppliers very neatly presented and ticketed at $1.50ea.
Good mix of condition. 5 piece packs at $4.90ea and 1kg IMPERFECT packs at $5.90ea.

COLES FOREST LAKE

Loose Count 25/28 Hass from Costas (Gem Hass) ; Simpson’s; Giofrelle’s and OB Farms priced at $1.50ea with packed dates anywhere from 30th August to 2nd Sept meaning fruit age ranges 12 to 15 days. Found a few pieces with scarring and deformities.
1kg IM Perfect packs priced at $6.90ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Hass in count 23-25’s were ticketed at $1.70ea, 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 BROWNS PLAINS

Simpson farms and Purpleskin fruit- Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.70 each. Fruit was quite ripe. Simpson Fruit packed 24th August so 21 days old.
5 piece prepacks at $6.90ea and 1kg packs at $5.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS FOREST LAKE

Hass supplied by Purpleskin in count 16’s packed 1st Sept so fruit age 13 days were 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. Organic at $3.50ea.

September 11, 2022

Retail Market Week 36 - 2022

September 11, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

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

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.

September 02, 2022

Retail Market Week 35 - 2022

September 02, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week were approximately 450,000 cartons. As stated last week, we expect overall production to start increasing steadily with each week as the weather is progressively warming with the commencement of spring only a couple of weeks away. As far as weather conditions this week in the far north, early A.M. temperatures ranged 11.3 - 21.5 C across the growing regions - whilst day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 22.0 to 28.2C - across the week. In terms of rainfall, both Tully and Innisfail received in the vicinity of 84mm each across the week, whilst the other major growing regions received much lighter falls of 0.6 to 9.2mm. Cavendish banana bunch age is currently at 17 weeks with this expected to be back to 16 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 $3.00 to $3.49/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 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. 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 $3.49/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit at $3.50/kg in all three stores frequented and Coles offered fruit at $4.00/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 34 - A total of 446,680 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents an 5% decrease ( approx. 21000 less trays) on Week 33, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 40% of this volume; followed by Central NSW in second place contributed 19% of this; 15% from South Qld; WA contributed 8%; Tristate 6% and New Zealand at 5.5% of the overall total. The remaining 5.5% is made up of contributions from North Qld, Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers.

· It is forecast that a total of 369K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly lower quantities of approximately 340K to 350K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 438,499 trays.

Major supermarkets were again relatively close in monetary terms in their offering this week for avocado pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.69 to $1.80ea. Hass market pricing seems to have stabilised with very little change comparative to last 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 Qld from the region of Blackbutt. This region continues to experience some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 1.8-11C and daytimes warming up to 15-20.3C - which makes for some brisk early mornings on the farm leading into glorious days. Our Packing team are working hard to ensure fruit quality is within specification each week. Main fruit sizing continues to be Ct 20-23 - we had intended on packing a little more this week from this region, however the weather had other ideas with rainfall impacting the number of harvestable hours. 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 six weeks.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing. Fruit age ranged 6 to 20 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 $1.70ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had Central Qld grown 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.

In the graphical depiction below, courtesy of Neilson Harvest to Home data, it is interesting to note that whilst there has definitely been an uptake in both the number of households purchasing the humble avocado (rising by 4%) and indeed the volume being purchased ( an approx. increase of 13%), it is not quite keeping pace with the overall value of the avocado, which is well down for the period 52 weeks to 17 July 2022 (with dollar sales reducing by 25.7%) which can be directly related to industry production levels.

AVOCADO SNAPSHOT

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

STOCK IN STORES

QUICKLINKS

Bananas at Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Fruit had full colour, some clusters had heavier scarring - possiblly carry over fruit. Majority of clusters had dull bloom.
Lady Fingers at $5.99/kg

ALDI TOOWOOMBA

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.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS - REFURBISHED STORE!

A single layer 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.
This store has recently been refurbished, the produce section is now located on entrance like many other Aldi stores.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $4.00/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step, better colour and bloom this week. Kids packs at $4.00/kg affected by winter growing conditions.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg although no Lady Finger stock on display.

COLES TOOWOOMBA

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $4.00. Majority of fruit had good colour.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - no stock; and Red Tips at $5.50/kg - minimal clusters.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg. Majority of fruit presented better at this store, though a few random clusters were heavily marked. Kids packs at $4.00/kg.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

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 - bloom a little brighter than some stores. 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, Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic bananas at $6.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS TOOWOOMBA

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg - a relatively neat display- a low level presence of minor scarring; bloom of some clusters has been impacted by the winter weather. “"Fresh Market Update” present educating customers re impact of cold winter weather on bloom. Mackays fruit packed 18th August meaning fruit age was 13 days.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - couple of clusters with rub marking and minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $6.00/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg but ‘Eat Later’ fruit priced at $4.00/kg? Kids packs at $3.50ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic bananas at $6.00/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

Hass Avocados count 23’s and 25’s at $1.69ea supplied by Avolution (Sunnyspot) and Costa’s (Lava Valley).Fruit packed dates vary from 12th August to 25th August so fruit age is 6 to 9 days.
Hass 5 piece at $5.99ea and 1kg Net packs on special as per the Aldi Catalogue at $4.99ea.

ALDI TOOWOOMBA

Toulsen’s “Tree 2 Me” packed by Avorama available in Count 23/25 - priced at $1.69 ea.
1kg at $4.99ea on special and featured in this weeks catalogue and 5 piece packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS - REFURBISHED STORE!

Toulsen’s “Tree 2 Me” Hass in count 23 packed 22nd August available for sale at $1.69ea.
5 piece packs selling at $5.99ea.
NOTE produce is now at the front of this store to greet customers.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

An extremely neat and well positioned end display of Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.70ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
5 piece prepacks priced at $7.90ea.

COLES TOOWOOMBA

Count 25 Hass from Simpsons on display for $1.70ea. Fruit packed 16th August so age is 15 days.
Good mix of condition. 5 piece packs at $7.90ea and 1kg IMPERFECT packs at $5.00ea.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Loose Count 25 Hass from Costas (Gem Hass) and Barham Hass priced at $1.70ea. Gems packed 20th August so 11 days old.
5pk prepacks priced at $7.90ea and 1kg IM Perfect packs priced at $5.00ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Hass in count 14-23’s were ticketed at $1.80ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Simpson Farm fruit present (this line packed 11th to 14th August so 16-20 days old). A few pieces that were found very soft, some body rots and blue copper residue.
Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $6.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS TOOWOOMBA

Simpson farms and Purpleskin fruit- some fruit packed 11th August so age is 20 days; Count 20/23 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.70 each.
5 piece prepacks at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $6.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Simpson Hass in count 25’s were ticketed at $1.70ea, displayed on A Frame display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Simpson fruit packed 11th August so fruit age is 19-20 days old.
Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $6.90ea.

August 26, 2022

Retail Market Week 34 - 2022

August 26, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Whilst National transport figures for last week were approximately 466,000 cartons which is an increase of some 20,000 cartons on the previous week. As stated last week, we expect overall production to start increasing steadily with each week as the weather is progressively warming with the commencement of spring only a couple of weeks away. In the last week however we saw another dip below 10C in early A.M. temperatures with lows of 7.4 - 15.2 C across the growing regions - unfortunately these lows will lengthen the presence of underpeel discolouration coming from all regions. Day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 23.0 to 28.9C - across the week. In terms of rainfall, most regions have remained dry in the last week with just Walkamin receiving 0.4mm. We continue to actively pulling back on Cavendish banana bunch age to avoid overfull fruit and subsequent splitting, we are currently at 17-18 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 this week we are likely to see a presence of fruit with dull bloom through until at least the end of November, maybe even extending into December.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $3.29 to $4.49/kg this week. The markets all have light to moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $18-$34 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

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 $4.49/kg at the first store visited which did not have any close comp nearby however in the larger centres Aldi’s ticketed price for bananas was $3.99/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit at $4.00/kg in all three stores frequented and Coles offered fruit at $4.00-$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 33 - A total of 467,886 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents an increase of 11% ( approx. 46500 more trays) on Week 32, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 50% of this volume; followed by Central NSW in second place contributed 20% of this; 11% from South Qld and North Qld and Tristate both with 6% each whilst WA contributed 5% of the total. The remaining 2% is made up of contributions from Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and Northern Rivers.

· It is forecast that a total of 438K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly lower quantities of approximately 380K to 400K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 416,626 trays.

Major supermarkets were somewhat closer in monetary terms in their offering this week for avocado pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.69 to $1.80ea. Hass market pricing seems to be stabilising with very little change in this area. Prices ranging between $16-$29/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 continues to experience some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 3.0-10C and daytimes warming up to 17-24.3C - which makes for some brisk early mornings on the farm leading into glorious days. Our Packing team are working hard to ensure fruit quality is within specification each week. Main fruit sizing continues to be Ct 20-23 - as spring gets underway next week the farm will increase their weekly harvest slightly as demand should also grow with more customers looking for this versatile fruit. 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.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing - though there was a couple of lines with early stage body rot development and blue copper residue noted this week. Fruit age ranged 8 to 20 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 $1.50 to $1.70ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had Central Qld grown Hass selling at $1.50 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 - the majority of stores had fruit that was firmer this week on average - odd bruising/body rot observed.

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI MT OMMANEY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $4.49/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had scarring. Majority of clusters with dull bloom.
Lady Fingers at $6.49/kg

ALDI GARDEN CITY

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 - majority of display had dull bloom.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg.

ALDI CARINDALE

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.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES JINDALEE AND COLES MT OMMANEY

First five images taken at Jindalee balance taken at Mt Ommaney - Cavendish bananas displayed at $4.00-4.50/kg - fruit was displayed in single layer on each step. A varied presence of underpeel chill throughout with some clusters very dull. Kids packs at $4.00 to 4.50/kg also affected by winter growing conditions and presented dull.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg small rub marks common on the fingers. Organic clusters ticketed at $6.00/kg.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $4.00 (some of these were definitely outside of spec for finger length as kids clusters). Majority of fruit had good colour but a higher proliferation of minor skin marking. Most clusters had varying degrees of underpeel chill and as a result had dull bloom. Display was neat.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic at $6.00/kg.

COLES CARINDALE

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg. Majority of fruit presented better at this store, cleaner appearance and whilst bloom is still dull not as marked. Kids packs at $4.00/kg.
Organic at $6.00/kg - minimal stock.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MT OMMANEY

Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $3.00ea - most of the displayed kids clusters were quite marked. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks - bloom a little brighter than some stores. 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, Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic bananas at $7.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Cavendish bananas priced at $4.00/kg - a relatively neat 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 - couple of clusters with rub marking and minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $7.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - a marked difference between the eat now and eat later - also the eat later had not been placed in the right position. Kids packs at $3.00ea. Fruit presented cleanly, few small skin marks - bloom not as bright.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic bananas at $7.50/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI MT OMMANEY

Costa’s Lovacado and Mayfair Avocados count 23’s at $1.69ea. Some of the fruit packed 9th August others packed 16th August so fruit age is 8 to 15 days.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $6.49ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

Dual displays of Toulsen’s “Tree 2 Me” packed by Avorama on 12th August therefore fruit age is 12 days. Hass available in Count 23/25 - priced at $1.69 ea.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $6.49ea.

ALDI CARINDALE

Toulsen’s Tree to Me Hass in count 23 also packed 12th August available for sale at $1.69ea.
Fruit packed 12th August so Fruit age - 12 days.
5 piece packs and 1kg nets both selling at $6.49ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES JINDALEE and MT OMMANEY

An extremely neat and well positioned end display of Hass Avocados- ticketed at $1.80ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
5 piece prepacks priced at $7.90ea. 1kg prepacks at $6.90ea.

COLES GARDEN CITY

An end display end opposite store entry saw a mixed array of conditioned fruit on price for $1.50/$1.70ea including Barham Count 25 Hass. Confusing ticketing as large signs said $1.50 ea, magnetic price ticket had the fruit at $1.70ea.
Good mix of condition. 5 piece packs at $7.90ea and 1kg packs at $6.90ea.

COLES CARINDALE

No displays of loose Hass.
5pk prepacks priced at $7.90ea and 1kg IM Pefect packs priced at $6.90ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MT OMMANEY

Hass in count 16/20’s were ticketed at $1.50ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Simpson Farm fruit present (this line packed 4th to 8th August so 16-20 days old). A few pieces that were found very soft, some body rots and blue copper reside).
Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea; 1kg Odd Bunch at $5.00 per net and Organic Avocados $4.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Simpson farms fruit packed by Lava Valley and a line of Ct 16’2 supplied by HE Heather- some fruit packed 13th August; Count 16/20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.50 each.
5 piece prepacks at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

Simpson Hass and Mayfair in count 16’s were ticketed at $1.80ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. The rear side had a higher presence of ripe and ready to eat fruit. Simpson fruit packed 9th August and Mayfair packed 13th August so fruit age is 11- 15 days old.
Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $5.00ea.

August 19, 2022

Retail Market Week 33 - 2022

August 19, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Whilst National transport figures for last week were approximately 447,000 cartons which is an increase of some 55,000 cartons on the previous week. As stated last week, we expect overall production to start increasing steadily with each week as the weather is progressively warming with the commencement of spring only a couple of weeks away. In the last week however we saw another sharp dip in early A.M. temperatures with lows of 6.6 - 10.8 C across the growing regions - unfortunately these lows will lengthen the presence of underpeel discolouration coming from all regions. Day time temperatures were considerably warmer ranging 22.1 to 29.2C - across the week. In terms of rainfall, most regions had minimal falls ranging 0 to 8.8mm 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 were receiving reports that our fruit was found to be splitting, we are currently at 17-18 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 this week we are likely to see a presence of fruit with dull bloom through until at least the end of November, maybe even extending into December.

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 $4.49/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit at $4.00-$4.90/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $4.00-$4.90/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 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 32 - A total of 421,333 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a slight increase of almost 1% ( approx. 3200 more trays) on Week 31, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 52% of this volume; followed by Central NSW in second place contributed 17% of this; 12% from South Qld and North Qld and WA both with 6.5% each. The remaining 6% is made up of contributions from Tristate; Tamborine, Sunshine Coast and New Zealand have made an entry onto the Australian market.

· It is forecast that a total of 443K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly higher quantities of approximately 410K to 450K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 398,274 trays.

Major supermarkets were varied in their offering this week in terms of avo pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.49 to $1.80ea. Hass market pricing seems to be stabilising somewhat this week. Prices ranging between $16-$29/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 continues to experience some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 1.0-12.2C and daytimes warming up to 17-20.4C - which makes for some brisk early mornings on the farm leading into glorious days. 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 with packing quantities expected to increase by the end of the month. Our growers from SW NSW, more specifically in the region of Barham are working hard to ensure specifications are met and that fruit quality is consistent.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing - though there was a low level presence of bruising noted this week. Fruit age ranged 7 to 16 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 $1.49ea in store; Coles Qld had Central Qld and NQ Hass ticketed at $1.50- $1.80ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths had Central Qld grown Hass selling at $1.50 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 - a few displays had some very ripe, light weight fruit with bruising.

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $4.49/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 $4.49/kg. A mix of colour on this display including some semi-colour in terms of condition - majority of display was backward. A percentage of fruit had dull bloom.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg.

ALDI COOPAROO

A display of Cavendish were priced at $4.49/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted.
Lady Fingers supplied by Costa’s at this store priced at $6.49/kg. Being sold in hands for customers to pull apart.

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 throughout with some clusters very dull. Kids packs at $4.00/kg also affected by winter growing conditions and present dull.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

COLES FAIRFIELD

Cavendish on display priced at $4.00/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $4.00. Majority of fruit had good colour. Most clusters had varying degrees of underpeel chill and as a result had dull bloom. Display was very neat.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg. Organic at $6.00/kg.

COLES COOPAROO

Cavendish on display priced at $4.90/kg. Majority of fruit had somewhat backward colour. A few clusters found with dull bloom.
Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg. Organic at $6.00/kg - also backward in condition.

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, Red Tips and Organic bananas at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Cavendish bananas priced at $4.90/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 - couple of clusters with rub marking and minor bruising; Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic at $7.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS COOPAROO

Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - display quite tidy but needing a top up. 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 $7.50/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

Costa’s Lovacado and Mayfair Avocados count 23’s at $1.49ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $6.49ea.

ALDI FAIRFIELD

Dual displays of Mayfair and Lava Valley Hass Avocado - Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $1.49 ea.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $6.49ea.

ALDI COOPAROO

Central Qld HASS Avocados from Lava Valley count 23s selling at $1.49ea.
Fruit packed 10th August so Fruit age - 7 days.
5 piece packs at $6.49ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

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.
5 piece prepacks priced at $7.90ea. 1kg prepacks at $6.90ea.

COLES FAIRFIELD

An end display end opposite store entry saw a mixed array of conditioned fruit on price for $1.50ea.
Good mix of condition.

COLES COOPAROO

Hass displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.80ea.
Good mix of condition.
5pk prepacks priced at $7.90ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Hass in count 16/20’s were ticketed at $1.80ea, displayed on A Frame single sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Simpson Farm and Don’s Fort Packing fruit present (this line packed 7th August so 10 days old). A few pieces that were found very soft, some light in weight and a few with bruising.
Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Simpson farms fruit packed 1st August; Count 16/20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.50 each.
5 piece prepacks at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS COOPAROO

SimpsonHass in count 16’s were ticketed at $1.80ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. The rear side had a higher presence of ripe and ready to eat fruit. Some of the fruit packed on 1st August so therefore 16 days old.
Prepacks: 5 piece packs at $7.50ea and 1kg packs at $5.00ea.

August 19, 2022

Retail Market Week 32 - 2022

August 19, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

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.

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 Aldi

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

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

Dorian Consultancy Avocados count 23’s at $1.49ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI FAIRFIELD

Dual displays of Central Qld Simpson Hass Avocados in Count 23/25 - priced at $1.49 ea. Fruit packed 29th July so fruit is 12 days old.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

Central NSW HASS Avocados count 25s supplied by Delroy’s selling at $1.49ea. Some pieces exhibiting rub and nodule damage.
Fruit age - 12 days.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Dual displays of Count 28 Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Costa’s and Dorian Consultancy; presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.50ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers. A little minor skin marking noted.
5 piece prepacks priced at $7.90ea. 1kg prepacks at $6.90ea.

COLES FAIRFIELD

On offer Count 28 Hass grown and supplied by Simpson Farms; and Dorian Consultancy packed by Simpsons - displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.50ea. A higher percentage of ready to eat fruit found at this store.
Good mix of condition. 5 piece prepack at $7.90ea and 1kg prepacks at $6.90ea - no stock on display.

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Hass displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.50ea.
Mainly Simpson Farms and Dorian Consultancy grown fruit present. Good mix of condition. Found blue copper residue on Simpson fruit.
5pk prepacks priced at $7.90ea. 1kg prepacks at $6.90ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Mayfair in count 20’s were ticketed at $1.20ea, displayed on A Frame single sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Some of this fruit grown by Sunnyspot Packhouse packed 1st August so 9 days old. The majority was quite firm, though some yeilding. Count 16 - 20 on display.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $5.00ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Sunfresh fruit and Rockridge Count 20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.20 each.
Both Prepacks on special at $4.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

SIMPSON Farms Ct 25 Hass ticketed at $1.20 each. Fruit packed 1st August so fruit age is 9 days.
5pk ticketed at $7.50 - a few pieces spotted with sun blemish; 1kg Odd Bunch ticketed at $5.00ea.

August 05, 2022

Retail Market Week 31 - 2022

August 05, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

Whilst National transport figures for last week were approximately 400,000 cartons, we don’t expect overall production to increase greatly until we hit warmer weather with the commencement of spring. In the last week, morning temperatures have been moderate for this time of year in North Qld with minimums falling within a range of 11.5- to 19.9C; whilst day time temperatures have only seen a top of 26.8C -within a range of 21.6 to 26.8C across the week which for NQld is on average slightly cooler than last week. In terms of rainfall, most regions had minimal falls ranging 0.2 to 5.2mm across the week with Innisfail being the exception receiving a total o 15mm. Cavendish banana bunch age is now falling in the vicinity of 16-17 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though bloom has been negatively impacted by recent cold weather and hence 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.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.99 to $3.99/kg this week. The markets all have light to moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $15-$29 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

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 $3.50 to $4.00/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $3.50 to $3.80/kg depending upon location of 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 30 - A total of 359,192 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a decrease of 13% ( approx. 55,000 trays fewer) on Week 29, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 55.8% of this volume and North Qld in second place contributed 19.75% of this; 9.48% from Central NSW and 9.85% from South Qld. The remaining 5.12% is made up of contributions from WA, Northern Rivers/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 355K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two to three weeks is for slightly higher quantities of approximately 378K to 400K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 359,530 trays.

Major supermarkets were varied in their offering this week in terms of avo pricing with premium Hass ticketed at $1.29 to $1.60ea. Hass market pricing has increased slightly again this week. Prices ranging between $12-$22/tray for premium and a range of $10 -$15/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.

Whilst the NQ Avocado season has sadly come to a close, due to the marvellous geographical spread of this great Nation of ours and conducive growing conditions we will continue supplying Hass avocados. Next we will be supplying Hass grown in the SE corner of the state commencing in the next week to two weeks, from the region of Blackbutt. This region has also experienced some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 1.9-9.7C and daytimes warming up to 18-24C. 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 had a trial harvest this week with the first pack being undertaken by a certified Packhouse to test the system; which proved successful. Harvest will get underway next week with a steady stream of fruit to come from this region for the next few months. We are also working with a couple of growers from SW NSW who likewise are commencing their harvest this week…….. so exciting times ahead.

Hass Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing Fruit age ranged 7 to 9 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 $1.29ea in store; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.20 to $1.60ea depending upon store location, whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.20-$1.50/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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI CANNON HILL

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had scarring. Some clusters with dull bloom.

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. A percentage of fruit had dull bloom.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg. No stock on display however.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/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 CANNON HILL

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.80/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. A light presence of underpeel chill noted. Kids packs at $3.80/kg.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $4.90/kg (only one small cluster present) and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - some clusters looking thin and angular.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.50. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Display was very neat.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg 9some full fingers with bronzing developing) and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish on display priced at $3.80/kg - display rather sparse and needed a refill, as Kid’s packs also at $3.80 (most of the kids banded clusters were only semi-colour). Majority of fruit had good colour. A few clusters found with dull bloom. A little low on stock.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CANNON HILL

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy but a considerable amount of stock in cartons as front spillover. 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 GARDEN CITY

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 SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish priced at $4.00/kg - display was tidy but needed a refill. “Fresh Market Update” educating customers about the impact of cold weather on the fruit bloom, but the bananas still eat well.

Organic priced at $5.50/kg.

INDEPENDENT- GARDEN CITY

Cavendish priced at $3.99/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI CANNON HILL

Dorian Consultancy Avocados count 23’s at $1.29ea. Fruit packed 26th July so fruit age was 8 days.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $4.99ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

Dual displays of Central NSW Hass Avocado supplied by Delroy’s Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $1.29 ea. Fruit packed 27th July therefore 7 days old. Nodule damage present.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $4.99ea.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

Central NSW HASS Avocados count 23s supplied by Delroy’s selling at $1.29ea. Some pieces exhibiting rub and nodule damage.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.99ea. Low stocks of these.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES CANNON HILL

Dual displays of Count 28 Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Costa’s, Dorian Consultancy; Rock Ridge Farms presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.60ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
Fruit packed 26th and 28th July - Fruit 7 to 9 days old.
5 piece prepacks priced at $7.90ea.

COLES GARDEN CITY

On offer Count 28 Hass grown and supplied by Simpson Farms; Costa Avocado; Dorian Consultancy packed by Simpsons and Rockridge - displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.20ea. A higher percentage of ready to eat fruit found at this store.
Good mix of condition.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Hass displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.60ea.
Mainly Simpson Farms grown fruit present. Good mix of condition.
5pk prepacks priced at $7.90ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CANNON HILL

Simpson Farms Hass in count 20’s were ticketed at $1.40ea, displayed on A Frame single sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $4.00ea and 5 piece packs at $6.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Sunfresh fruit as well as another line of fruit; Count 20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.50 each.
Both Prepacks on special at $4.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Simpson Farms Hass Ct 16’s were ticketed at $1.20ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Prepacks: 1kg Odd Bunch at $4.50ea and 5 piece packs at $6.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- GARDEN CITY

Hass Avocado packs at $2.99ea - 4 good sized hass to a tray.

August 01, 2022

Retail Market Week 30 - 2022

August 01, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week was 389,472 cartons, a decrease of 5.5% on the previous week or some 22,899 fewer cartons. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler - winter has finally come to North Qld with minimums falling within a range of 10.8- to 19.1C; whilst day time temperatures have only seen a top of 27.8C -within a range of 23 to 27.8C across the week which for NQld is slightly warmer than recent weeks. The weather has continued to have cool overnight temps and early mornings of 10.8-12.5C. In terms of rainfall, most regions had minimal falls ranging 0.4 to 1.6mm across the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is now falling in the vicinity of 16-17 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we now seeing the presence of underpeel chill after previous weeks of cold overnight and morning lows as well as some light scarring. Fruit bloom will be impacted by the weather we have been experiencing - such lows 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.

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 $14-$28 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

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 $3.50/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $3.50/kg depending upon location of 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 29 - A total of 414,082 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a decrease of 3.6% ( or just over 15,000 trays) on Week 29, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 53% of this volume and North Qld in second place contributed 26% of this; 9% from Central NSW and 8% from South Qld. The remaining 4% is made up of contributions from WA (yes that’s right, a low volume is already trickling in) Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunshine Coast. This week we should finalise the harvest of Rock Ridge Farming fruit - the team have worked hard to deliver on quantity and quality each week. As far as the quality of our fruit is concerned, it has been an excellent season with numerous industry reports finding our fruit scoring well above average.

· It is forecast that a total of 367K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks to three weeks is for similar quantities of approximately 350K to 360K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 376,652 trays.

Major supermarkets were united in terms of avo pricing this week with premium Hass ticketed at $0.99 to $1.20ea . Hass market pricing has increase slightly this week. Prices ranging between $10-$20/tray for premium and a range of $8 -$12/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 10 to 27C whilst there have been some cool mornings on the Tablelands. We will soon be starting with Hass grown in the SE corner of the state, namely Blackbutt, who have also experience some cool overnight/morning temps in recent weeks ranging 5-12C and daytimes warming up to 19-22C. 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 - harvesting should commence next week.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing Fruit age ranged 8 to 16 days.

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 $0.99ea in store though the catalogue price had fruit at $1.19ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.20ea, whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.00 to $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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI BEENLEIGH

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had scarring. Some clusters with dull bloom.
Lady Fingers priced at $6.49/kg and very low stock.

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.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg. A degree of rub, minor bruising found.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. Most of the display was green and dull.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $6.49/kg.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES BEENLEIGH

Cavendish bananas displayed at $2.98/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. A light presence of underpeel chill noted. Kids packs at $3.50/kg.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg all clusters are dull and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.50. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Some skin marking present.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish on display priced at $3.50/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.50. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few clusters found with dull bloom. Some minor skin marking present.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS BEENLEIGH

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy but a considerable amount of stock in cartons as front spillover. Kids packs at $2.50ea (very green). Fruit presented cleanly and had bright bloom. Some cartons with packed date of 13th July so fruit was 14 days old.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Organic bananas at $4.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg - a neatly presented display- a low level presence of minor scarring and bloom was good. Kids packs at $2.50ea. most fruit was of semi-colour condition.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display was tidy. Kids packs at $2.50ea.

Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $5.50/kg with neck damage and minor skin marking. Organic also at $5.50/kg.

INDEPENDENT- INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish priced at $2.99/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI BEENLEIGH

AVORAMA HASS Avocados count 23’s at $0.99ea. Fruit packed 11th July so fruit age was 16 days.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

Dual displays of Avorama Hass Avocado Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $0.99 ea. Fruit packed 12th July therefore 15 days old.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 23s at $0.99ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES BEENLEIGH

Dual displays of Count 28 Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Costa’s, Dorian Consultancy packed by Simpsons and a few carry over Rock Ridge Farms from the previous day’s trade presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.20ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
Fruit packed dates range 15th to 19th July so 8 to 12 days old.
5 piece prepacks priced at $6.00ea and 1kg ImPerfects on special at $4.00ea.

COLES GARDEN CITY

On offer Count 28 Hass grown and supplied by Simpson Farms; Costa Avocado; Dorian Consultancy packed by Simpsons - displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.20ea.
Multiple grower stickers present. Good mix of condition.
5pk prepacks priced at $6.00ea and 1kg IM Perfect prepacks on special at $4.00ea.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Hass displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.20ea.
Multiple grower stickers present. Good mix of condition.
5pk prepacks priced at $6.00ea and 1kg IM Perfect prepacks on special at $4.00ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS BEENLEIGH

Hass in count 23/25’s were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame single sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Fruit supplied by Simpson Farms packed 14th July so 13 days old, most were very firm to start starting to break.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $4.00ea and 5 piece packs at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Howe Farming; Poggioli and Simpson Farm fruit in predominantly Count 20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.00 each - avos age was 12 days with fruit packed 15th July - a nice mix of maturities.
5 piece nets at $5.00ea and 1kg Odd Bunch at $4.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Hass Ct 16’s were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Growers included Purpleskin; Howe Farming and Poggioli’s fruit packed 12th July so fruit age 15 days old.
Prepacks: 1kg Odd Bunch at $4.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- INDOOROOPILLY

Hass Avocados at 3 for $6.00.

July 21, 2022

Retail Market Week 29 - 2022

July 21, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week was 412,371 cartons, an increase of 4.5% on the previous week or some 17,838 additional cartons. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler - winter has finally come to North Qld with minimums falling within a range of 4.7- to 18.5C; whilst day time temperatures have only seen a top of 26.9C -within a range of 19.1 to 26.9C across the week which for NQld is indeed mild. The weather has continued to have cold overnight temps and early mornings of 3.0-7.7C. In terms of rainfall, most regions had light falls ranging 0.2 to 13.4mm, though Innisfail was the exception with a total of 39.8mm falling across the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is now falling in the vicinity of 16-17 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we now seeing the presence of underpeel chill after the last two weeks of cold overnight and morning lows as well as some light scarring. Fruit bloom will be impacted by the weather we have been experiencing - such lows 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.

The presentation of Cavendish presented reasonably well and fruit generally exhibiting good bloom - though there is a growing presence of winter chill affected fruit. There was a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; as well as bronzing; bruising; small rub marks and sap staining. Colour was generally good.

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 $3.50 - $3.90/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $3.50 - $3.90/kg depending upon location of the stores visited. Fruit was presenting well with bright bloom and just minor skin marking.

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 28 - A total of 429,536 trays were harvested and transported last week which represents a significant increase of 68% ( or just over 174,000 trays) on Week 27, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 50% of this volume and North Qld in second place contributed 35% of this; 5% from Central NSW and 5% from South Qld. The remaining 5% is made up of contributions from WA (yes that’s right, a low volume is already trickling in) Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunshine Coast.

· It is forecast that a total of 383K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks to three weeks is for similar quantities of 380K to 384K trays per week and in the next fortnight after this it is forecast figures to drop to 350K. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 366,406 trays.

Major supermarkets were united in terms of avo pricing this week with premium Hass ticketed at $1.20 to $1.29ea . Hass market pricing has remained relatively steady this week. Prices ranging between $10-$19/tray for premium and a range of $8 -$12/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 4.7 to 26C whilst there have been some frosty mornings on the Tablelands with single digit temperatures experienced in low lying areas on a few mornings. Fruit quality from our packing shed has been good and we are still harvesting a major proportion of our crop in the count 14-18 sizing.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though a couple of lines of hass had a low level presence of light lenticel/nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region. Fruit age ranged 8 to 16 days.

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 $1.29ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.20ea, and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.00 to $1.20/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.00ea. 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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI LOGANHOLME

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $3.49/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had minimal scarring.

ALDI SPRINGWOOD

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. Some neck creasing present and odd finger found to be splitting.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg. A degree of rub, minor bruising found.

ALDI

A display of Cavendish were priced at $3.49/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. Most of the display was green and dull.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES LOGANHOLME

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.50/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. A light presence of underpeel chill noted.
‘Eco’ Red Tips at $5.50/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg. Organic at $4.90/kg.

COLES SPRINGWOOD

Cavendish on display priced at $3.90/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.90. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Some minor skin marking present.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg. Organic also at $4.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS LOGANHOLME

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display tidy but a considerable amount of stock in cartons as front spillover. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Fruit presented cleanly and had bright bloom.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organic bananas at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SPRINGWOOD

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.90/kg - a neatly presented display- a low level presence of minor scarring and bloom was good. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Eat now and eat later options in the correct locations.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organic variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS

Cavendish priced at $3.00-3.50/kg - two different price tickets on display?? - display was tidy. Kids packs at $2.50ea.

Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg with neck damage and minor skin marking.

INDEPENDENT- LOGANHOLME

Cavendish priced at $3.49/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI LOGANHOLME

HASS Avocados count 23’s supplied by Purpleskin at $1.29ea. Fruit packed 8th July so fruit age was 12 days.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI SPRINGWOOD

Dual displays of Purpleskins Hass Avocado Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $1.29 ea. Fruit packed 5th July therefore 15 days old.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 23s at $1.29ea. Fruit packed 8th July so 13 days old.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES LOGANHOLME

Dual displays of Count 23 Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Rock Ridge Farms, Simpsons and Delroy grower were presented on a table top display and also on two ends - ticketed at $1.20ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers. Did find a couple of pieces of Simpson fruit with copper residue.
Fruit packed dates range 2nd to 8th July so 12 to 15 days.
5 piece prepacks priced at $5.50ea and 1kg ImPerfects on special at $4.00ea.

COLES SPRINGWOOD

On offer Count 28 Hass grown and supplied by Simpson Farms; Purpleskin; Costa Avocado; Delroys (NQ fruit packed by Massaso’s) - displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at $1.20ea. GMAX Avocados at $2.00ea.
Multiple grower stickers present. Good mix of condition. Costa packed dates of 4th to 6th July so fruit age 14 to 16 days.
5pk prepacks priced at $5.50ea and 1kg IM Perfect prepacks on special at $4.00ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS LOGANHOLME

Hass in count 23/25’s were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame single sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Fruit supplied by Howe Farming (APP) packed 12th July so 8 days old, most were very firm and Poggioli.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $4.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS SPRINGWOOD

Purpleskin Count 20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.20 each - fruit packed 8th July so avos age was 12 days - a nice mix of maturities.
5 piece nets at $5.00ea and 1kg Odd Bunch at $4.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS

Hass Ct 18 and 20’s were ticketed at $1.20ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Growers included Purpleskin; Howe Farming and Poggioli’s fruit packed 6th to 8th July so fruit age 12 to 14 days old. GMAX at $2.00ea.
Prepacks: 5piece packs at $5.00ea and 1kg Odd Bunch at $4.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- LOGANHOLME

Hass Avocados at 3 for $5.00.

July 15, 2022

Retail Market Week 28 - 2022

July 15, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week was 394,533 cartons, a decrease of 3.1% on the previous week or some 12,585 fewer cartons. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler - winter has finally come to North Qld with minimums falling within a range of 8.6.0- to 15.9C; whilst day time temperatures have only seen a top of 25C -within a range of 21.2 to 25C across the week which for NQld is indeed mild. The weather has continued to be cool this week with some record breaking lows of -3.6C experienced on the Tablelands this week and the presence of frosts in low lying areas. In terms of rainfall, all regions were much drier with minimal falls of 0.2-0.8mm throughout the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 15-16 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom will be impacted by the weather we have been experiencing last week and this week - such lows 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.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $2.49 to $3.29/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $10-$26 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

The presentation of Cavendish presented reasonably well and fruit generally exhibiting good bloom - few odd clusters starting to show a presence of dull peel but believed not to be due to growing conditions at this stage. There was a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; as well as bronzing; bruising; small rub marks and sap staining. Colour was generally good.

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 $2.99/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit $3.00/kg and Coles also offered fruit at $3.00/kg depending upon location of the stores visited. Fruit was presenting well with bright bloom and just minor skin marking.

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 27 - A MUCH LIGHTER HARVEST OF 254,918 trays LAST WEEK and consigned this week which represents a significant decrease of 38% ( or just over 153,000 trays) on Week 26, 2022 production – Central Qld maintained the lead in production accounting for 56% of this volume and North Qld in second place contributed 30% of this; 7% from Central NSW and 4% from South Qld. The remaining 3% is made up of contributions from WA (yes that’s right, a low volume is already trickling in) Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunshine Coast.

· It is forecast that a total of 347K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks to three weeks is for between 360K to 375K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 365,533 trays.

Major supermarkets were united in terms of avo pricing this week with premium Hass ticketed at $0.9 to $1.00ea . Hass market pricing has remained relatively steady this week. Prices ranging between $10-$18/tray for premium and a range of $6 -$10/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 8 to 25C whilst there have been some frosty mornings on the Tablelands with sub-zero temperatures experienced in low lying areas on a few mornings. Fruit quality from our packing shed has been good and we are still harvesting a major proportion of our crop in the count 14-18 sizing.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though some of the hass had a low level presence of light lenticel/nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region. Fruit age ranged 6 to 14 days.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of only $0.99ea as featured in their weekly catalogue; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.00ea, and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had larger counts Hass selling at $1.00-$1.20/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.00ea to $2.20ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI CARINDALE

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had minimal scarring.
Lady Fingers for $5.99/kg.

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg. A mix of colour on this display including some semi-colour in terms of condition. Some neck creasing present and odd finger found to be splitting.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg. A degree of rub, minor bruising found.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. Odd dull cluster found.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg. Low stock.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES CARINDALE

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. Kids packs at $3.00ea.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg- no stock on display.

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish on display priced at $3.00/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.00. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Some minor skin marking present.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg and Kids packs priced the same. Bloom was good at this store though a higher level of minor skin marking, sap stains and rub found throughout.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg. Organic was also at $4.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Fruit presented cleanly and had bright bloom.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organic bananas at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00/kg - a neatly presented display- a low level presence of minor scarring and bloom was good. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Eat now and eat later options in the correct locations though Eat later area needed a refill.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organic variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg on special - display tidy and almost needing a top up. Kids packs at $2.50ea.

Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg with neck damage and minor skin marking. Organic at $5.50/kg with some minor and major skin marking and bruising noted.

INDEPENDENT- GARDEN CITY

Cavendish priced at $2.99/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI CARINDALE

HASS Avocados count 25’s supplied by Purpleskin and Greenskins GMAX both at $0.99ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

Dual displays of Purpleskins Hass Avocado Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $0.99 each and Greenskins GMAX also priced at $0.99ea. Fruit packed 30th June therefore 13 days old.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI GARDEN CITY

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 23s at $0.99 and Greenskins GMAX at $0.99ea. Fruit packed 30th June so 13 days old.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES CARINDALE

Dual displays of Count 23 Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Rock Ridge Farms were presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea. All fruit presented well - good selection of maturities available for customers.
GMAX priced at $2.00ea. Both prepacks priced at $5.00ea.

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

On offer Count 25 Hass grown and supplied by Simpson Farms; Costa Avocado; Delroys (NQ fruit packed by Massaso’s) - displayed on a table top and on an end opposite store entry priced at Fresh Special of $1.00ea. GMAX Avocados at $2.00ea. Disappointing to find Coles staff using the table top display as a dump point for packaging etc as they refill other displays
Multiple grower stickers present. Good mix of condition. Fruit packed 28th to 30th June - so 13 to 15 days old.
5pk and 1kg IM Prepacks both priced at $5.00ea.
Organic Avocados selling at $4.00 each - every piece on display was dark purple hued; light in weight and very soft.

COLES GARDEN CITY

Dual displays of Hass Avocados in count 23/25 supplied by multiple growers including Simpson Farms and Costa’s; presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea. Fruit packed 29th June to 5th July so fruit age 8 to 14 days.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

Hass in count 23/25’s were ticketed at $1.20ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. GMAX at $2.00ea on the opposite side of the display.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Howe Farming Count 28 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.00 each - avos age is 13-16 days - majority quite firm. Love the header card usage concept. Whilst display is set up on an A Frame display unit only the front side has avocados displayed upon it.
GMAX variety priced at $2.00ea.
5 piece nets and 1kg Odd Bunch both priced at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Hass Ct 16 and 18’s mainly grown by Tinnaro Falls (Simpson Farms) and one tray from Poggioli Farming were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Ct 14 GMAX at $2.00ea. Fruit packed 27th June to 30th June so aged 13 to 16 days.
Prepacks: 5piece packs and 1kg Odd Bunch both at $5.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- GARDEN CITY

Hass Avocados at 3 for $5.00 or packs at $2.50ea.

July 10, 2022

Retail Market Week 27 - 2022

July 10, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week was 407,118 cartons, an increase of 7.2% on the previous week or some 27,000 additional cartons. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler falling within a range of 12.0- to 20.5C; whilst day time temperatures have been similar to last week with a top of 27.6C -within a range of 16.2 to 27.65C across the week which for NQld is mild. In terms of rainfall, all regions had plentiful rain as did most of the state and NSW. Mareeba received some 94mm, Walkamin 136.7mm; whilst Tully and Innisfail had falls across the week totalling 225 to 250mm. With these weather patterns industry - farm work varied according to conditions on any given day in the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 15-16 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom at this stage is still bright but as the weather continues to cool; not only will we will see bunch age increase over the coming weeks but we may now start seeing a dulling/greying of fruit appearance. This is due to cold temperatures (usually under 10C for a few hours) causing a slowing or temporary cessation of sap flow which results in the sub-epidermal layer browning/greying which reflects outward through the peel, the result is fruit with dull bloom and in more extreme cases the fruit looks grey.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $2.99/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $10-$26 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

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 26 - 408,074 trays harvested and consigned this week which represents a moderate increase of 9% ( or almost 35,000 trays) on Week 25, 2022 production – last week saw a lead change in terms of production with Central Qld accounting for 48% and North Qld slipping to second, accounting for 40% of this; with 5% from South Qld. The remaining 7% is made up of contributions from WA (yes that’s right, a low volume is already trickling in) Central NSW and Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunny coast.

· It is forecast that a total of 289K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks to three weeks is for between 335K to 370K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 402,380 trays.

Major supermarkets were quite varied in their approach to avo pricing this week with premium Hass ticketed at $1.00 to $1.50ea . Hass market pricing has tidied up somewhat with an improvement in pricing of $1 to $2 per tray after the “blood bath” that was last week within the market. Prices ranging between $10-$18/tray for premium and a range of $6 -$10/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 12 to 27C with rather heavy falls last week in all growing regions associated with the tropical lows and cold snap being experienced down the east coast. Fruit quality from our packing shed has been good and we are still harvesting a major proportion of our crop in the count 14-18 sizing. A light presence of lenticel damage is noted but we continue to grade out anything with heavier marking to ensure fruit is in spec at store level.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though some of the hass had a low level presence of light to moderate lenticel/nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region and a couple of lines with blackened skin areas indicating body rot. Fruit age ranged 6 to 14 days. A few of the GMAX avos were found to be soft with bruising.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of only $1.19ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.00ea, and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had larger counts Hass selling at $1.00-$1.40/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.00ea to $2.20ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI SUNNYBANK

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had minimal scarring.
Lady Fingers for $5.99/kg, these were full in terms of girth measurements at this store.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. A mix of colour on this display including some semi-colour in terms of condition.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg, no stock on display.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. Odd dull cluster found.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg. Low stock.

ALDI ACACIA RIDGE

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg- a range of colour
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg. No stock on display.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES SUNNYBANK

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. Kids packs at $3.00ea.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish on display, no price ticket but assumed priced at $3.00/kg, as Kid’s packs also at $3.00. Majority of fruit had good colour. A few odd clusters found with dull bloom. Some minor skin marking present.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg and Kids packs priced the same. Bloom was good at this store.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

COLES

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg and Kids packs priced the same.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg - display tidy. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Fruit presented cleanly and had bright bloom.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Organic bananas at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00/kg - a neatly presented display- a low level presence of minor scarring and bloom was good. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Eat now and eat later options in the correct locations.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organic variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg on special - display tidy and almost needing a top up. Kids packs at $2.50ea.

Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg with neck damage and minor skin marking. A number of the red tip clusters were found to be spotting. Organic at $5.50/kg with some minor and major skin marking and bruising noted.

WOOLWORTHS ACACIA RIDGE

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg - display tidy and full. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organic at $5.50/kg.

INDEPENDENT- THE FRUIT TEMPLE SUNNYBANK HILLS

Cavendish priced at $2.49/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI SUNNYBANK

HASS Avocados count 23’s supplied by Purpleskin and Greenskins GMAX both at $1.19ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

Dual displays of Avocado Estates Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $1.19 each and Greenskins GMAX also priced at $1.19ea.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI SUNNYBANK HILLS

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 25’s at $1.19 and Greenskins GMAX at $0.99ea. Fruit packed 28th to 30th June so aged 6-8 days - most pieces very firm to the touch.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

ALDI ACACIA RIDGE

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 23’s at $1.19 packed 28th June so 8 days old and Greenskins GMAX at $1.19ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $4.49ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES SUNNYBANK

Dual displays of Hass Avocados supplied by various growers were presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea.
GMAX priced at $2.50ea packed 23rd June so 14 days old.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

On offer Count 23 Hass - displayed on a table top aligning store entry and also on an end, priced at Fresh Special of $1.00ea. Multiple grower stickers present. Good mix of condition.
5pk and 1kg IM Prepacks both priced at $5.00ea.

COLES SUNNYBANK HILLS

Dual displays of Hass Avocados supplied by multiple growers including Serra Farms supplied by MBM; Rockridge Farming; and numerous others were presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea. Pieces found with blackened skin area indicative of rots.
GMAX green skinned avos ticketed at $2.20ea with the majority firm. Fruit age ranging 13 to 14 days.
1kg prepacks at $5.00ea and 5pk at $5.00ea.

COLES

Dual displays of Hass Avocados supplied by various growers presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea.
GMAX green skinned avos ticketed at $2.20ea.
1kg prepacks at $5.00ea and 5pk at $5.00ea. Organic at $4.00/kg.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK

Hass in count 23/25’s were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Prepacks: 1kg packs at $3.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Purpleskin Count 20 Hass Avocados ticketed at $1.00 each - avos age is 13-16 days - majority quite firm.
GMAX variety priced at $2.00ea.
5 piece nets and 1kg Odd Bunch both priced at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK HILLS

Hass mainly grown by Tinnaro Falls and one tray from Howe Farming were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Prepacks: 5piece packs at $3.90ea and 1kg packs at $3.90ea.

WOOLWORTHS ACACIA RIDGE

Purpleskin Hass were ticketed at $1.00ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. GMAX on the opposite side priced at $2.00ea.
Prepacks: 5piece packs at $5.00ea and 1kg packs on special at $3.90ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- THE FRUIT TEMPLE SUNNYBANK HILLS

Hass Avocados at $1.50ea.

July 01, 2022

Retail Market Week 26 - 2022

July 01, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week was 379,808 cartons, a touch more than last week by some 2,000 cartons. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler falling within a range of 12.5- to 20.7C; whilst day time temperatures have been similar to last week with a top of 26.3C -within a range of 19.3 to 26.35C across the week which for NQld is mild. In terms of rainfall, Mareeba and Walkamin had no rain or just under 1mm; whilst Tully and Innisfail had falls across the week totalling 19-23mm, though heavier rain is predicted for late this week. With these weather patterns industry production should be similar this week. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 15-16 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom at this stage is still bright but as the weather continues to cool; not only will we will see bunch age increase over the coming weeks but we may now start seeing a dulling/greying of fruit appearance. This is due to cold temperatures (usually under 10C for a few hours) causing a slowing or temporary cessation of sap flow which results in the sub-epidermal layer browning/greying which reflects outward through the peel, the result is fruit with dull bloom and in more extreme cases the fruit looks grey.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $2.49/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $10-$24 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

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 $2.99/kg; whilst Woolies offered fruit $3.00/kg and Coles offered fruit at $2.80/kg depending upon location of the stores visited.

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 25 - 373,096 trays harvested and consigned this week which represents a moderate decrease of 12% ( or almost 53,000 trays) on Week 24, 2022 production – North Qld maintains the lead in production accounting for 46% of this; followed by Central Qld with 45%; 5% from South Qld. The remaining 4% is made up of contributions from WA (yes that’s right, a low volume is already trickling in) Central NSW and Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunny coast.

· It is forecast that a total of 374K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks to three weeks is for between 340K then dropping to 320K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 411,953 trays.

Major supermarkets were quite varied in their approach to avo pricing this week with premium Hass ticketed at $0.99 to $1.40ea . Hass market pricing has been awful with some marketers sitting on a lot of old fruit in the system bringing prices down unnecessarily on fresh, good quality lines. Prices ranging between $8-$16/tray for premium and a range of $4 -$9/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 12 to 25C with minimal rain during last week but considerable rain forecast for late this week. Fruit quality from our packing shed has been good and we are still harvesting a major proportion of our crop in the count 14-18 sizing. There is still a presence of light lenticel damage but we continue to grade out anything with heavier marking to ensure fruit is in spec.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though some of the hass had a low level presence of light to moderate lenticel/nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region. Fruit age ranged 14 to 19 days. A few of the GMAX avos were found to be soft with bruising.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of only $0.99ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.00ea, and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had larger counts Hass selling at $1.00-$1.40/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.50ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI FAIRFIELD

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had minimal scarring. There were a few clusters that were quite dull thrown into the mix as well as a few heavier marked clusters (perhaps carry-over from the previous days trade).
Lady Fingers for $5.99/kg but no stock.

ALDI SUNNYBANK

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. Bulk of the display was semi-colour in terms of condition.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg.

ALDI LOGANHOLME

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg- a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted. Odd dull cluster found.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99/kg. Marking along ridges and some sap stains.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES FAIRFIELD

Cavendish bananas displayed at $2.80/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. Kids packs at $2.80ea.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

COLES SUNNYBANK

Cavendish priced at $2.80/kg, Kid’s packs also at $2.80. Majority of fruit had good colour. Steps needed to be swept and cleaned.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg.

COLES LOGANHOLME

Cavendish bananas displayed at $2.80/kg and Kids packs priced the same. Fruit from Lizzio and Ferraro Farming supplied by DBM. Bloom was good at this store.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg. Organic variety at $4.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg - display tidy and full. Quality of fruit was definitely the best at this store. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Packed on date 14th June so fruit age 15 days.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg minimal stock on show and Red Tips at $4.90/kg. Organic bananas at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.00/kg - a neatly presented display- a low level presence of minor scarring. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Eat now and eat later options in the correct locations.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Organic variety at $5.50/kg. No Red Tips at this store.

WOOLWORTHS LOGANHOLME

Cavendish priced at $2.50/kg on special - display tidy and full. Kids packs at $2.50ea. Growers Howe Farming; Mackays and Collins - packed date of 14th June so fruit age 15 days.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg minimal stock and Red Tips at $4.90/kg with neck damage and minor skin marking. Organic at $5.50/kg with some minor and major skin marking and bruising noted.

INDEPENDENT- LOGANHOLME

Cavendish priced at $2.49/kg and Lady Fingers at $6.99/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI FAIRFIELD

HASS Avocados count 23’s supplied by Dorian and DBM (Grower: Ferraro Farming) and Greenskins GMAX both at $0.99ea.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI SUNNYBANK

Dual displays of Purpleskin Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $0.99 each and Greenskins GMAX also priced at $0.99ea.
Front of this week’s Aldo catalogue acknowledging the Costa growers who supply avocados on special at $0.99ea.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI LOGANHOLME

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 25’s and Greenskins GMAX both at $0.99ea. Hass packed 14th June so 15 days old and GMAX packed 23rd June so 6 days old. Some of the Purpleskin Hass did not present well.
Both the Hass 5 piece supplied by Simpsons and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES FAIRFIELD

Dual displays of Hass Avocados supplied by various growers were presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea.
1kg prepacks at $4.90ea and 5pk at $6.50ea. Found some of the 5 packs containing 1 or 2 cocktail sized fruit which had netted bag weight at only 600g???

COLES SUNNYBANK

On offer Count 23 Hass packed by Massaso’s (numerous growers); Blue Lagoon (supplied by Delroys) and Costa’s - displayed on a table top aligning store entry and also on an end, priced at Fresh Special of $1.00ea. GMAX priced at $2.20ea. Packed dates ranged 10th, 13th and 16th June with oldest fruit at 19 days.

COLES LOGANHOLME

Dual displays of Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Blue Lagoon supplied by Delroy’s were presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.00ea. Pieces found with blackened skin area indicative of rots. GMAX green skinned avos ticketed at $2.20ea were all very hard. Fruit packed 14th to 16th June so fruit age ranging 13 to 15 days.
1kg prepacks at $4.90ea and 5pk at $6.50ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Hass in count 20’s grown by Purpleskin and packed 16th June were ticketed at $1.40ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Greenskin GMAX avos Ct 14 priced at $2.50ea, displayed just inside the produce department on opposite side to the Hass, packed 14th June so 15 days old. Odd piece found with soft spots/potential bruising.
Prepacks: 5piece packs at $5.00ea and 1kg packs also at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS SUNNYBANK

Howe Farming Count 25 Hass Avocados supplied by Aust. Produce Partners ticketed at $1.00 each - avos age is 13-16 days - majority quite firm. A few pieces found with nodule damage or skin marks.
GMAX variety priced at $2.50ea.
5 piece nets and 1kg Odd Bunch both priced at $5.00ea.

WOOLWORTHS LOGANHOLME

Hass mainly grown by Tinnaro Falls and one tray from Howe Farming were ticketed at $1.20ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Greenskin GMAX avos priced at $2.50ea, displayed just inside the produce department on opposite side to the Hass.
Prepacks: 5piece packs at $5.00ea and 1kg packs at $5.00ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE- LOGANHOLME

Hass Avocados at 3 for $3.00 or $3.99/bag.

June 15, 2022

Retail Market Week 24 - 2022

June 15, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures for last week was 387,606 cartons, some 13,000 less than the week prior. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler falling within a range of 9.2- to 20.5C; whilst day time temperatures have been similar to last week with a top of 25.5C -within a range of 19.8 to 25.5C across the week which for NQld is mild. In terms of rainfall, all major North Qld growing regions have had their first dry week in a long time. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 15-16 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom at this stage is still bright but as the weather continues to cool; not only will we will see bunch age increase over the coming weeks but we may now start seeing a dulling/greying of fruit appearance. This is due to cold temperatures (usually under 10C for a few hours) causing a slowing or temporary cessation of sap flow which results in the sub-epidermal layer browning/greying which reflects outward through the peel, the result is fruit with dull bloom and in more extreme cases the fruit looks grey.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $2.99/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $0-$26 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas has come back a little this week in comparison to the week prior and amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s banana ticket price at $2.49/kg; whilst both Woolies offered fruit at $2.50 to $3.00/kg and Coles offered fruit at $2.00 to $3.00/kg depending upon location of the stores visited.

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 23 - 402,307 trays harvested and consigned this week which represents a decrease of 10% ( or some 44,000 or so less cartons) on Week 22, 2022 production – North Qld maintains the lead in production accounting for 56% of this; followed by Central Qld with 37%; 3.8% from South Qld and the remaining 3.2% is made up of a contribution from Central NSW and Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunny coast.

· It is forecast that a total of 397K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks to three weeks is for between 340-371K trays per week. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 449,580 trays.

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.20 to $1.60ea . Hass market pricing is comparable to last week, with prices ranging between $14-$18/tray for premium and a range of $10 -$14/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 10.6 to 25.5C with no rain this week at all. Fruit quality from our packing shed has been good, still seeing some light lenticel damage but we continue to grade out anything with heavier marking to ensure fruit is in spec. We are still experiencing a significant proportion of our crop being count 16’s - we sure do know how to grow them big!

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though some of the hass had a presence of light to moderate lenticel/nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region. Fruit age ranged 9 to 16 days.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of $1.29ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.20ea and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had larger counts Hass selling at $1.60/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.50ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.49/kg. Fruit had developing colour, most clusters had minimal scarring.
No Lady Fingers on display.

ALDI CARINDALE

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.49/kg. range of colour at this store, a low level presence of some light minor skin marks and dry sap staining noted.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99ea.

ALDI MT GRAVATT EAST

A half display of Cavendish priced at $2.49/kg. A few clusters found with rub marking. Display about to be refilled.
Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $2.00/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step. Fruit supplied by DBM. with some cartons showing a pack date of 26th May - so fruit age is 20 days.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg. Minimal stock on display.

COLES CARINDALE

Cavendish priced at $2.00/kg, Kid’s packs also at $2.00. Majority of fruit was semi colour condition - also noted piling of fruit on the bottom layer which can tend to cause bruising of the bottom layer.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg
Organic Variety at $4.90/kg.

COLES MT GRAVATT CENTRAL

Cavendish bananas, display priced at $3.00/kg - approximately 1/3 of stock was semi colour in condition - a little bronzing and scarring observed. Kid’s packs priced at $3.00ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg supplied by DBM - quite a number of clusters with rub marking and bronzing. Red Tips at $4.90/kg - most clusters with rub marking/bronzing. Organic bananas also at $4.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish priced at $2.50/kg - display reasonably tidy, a few clusters with creased necks and some minor skin marking observed. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg. Organic Variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

Cavendish bananas priced at $2.50/kg - a neatly presented display- a presence of minor neck damage and scarring - odd cluster found with bat/bird scratches. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Red Tips ticketed at $4.90/kg, Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Organic variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS MT GRAVATT CENTRAL

Display of Cavendish were priced at $3.00/kg. Display was predominantly clean. Fruit supplied by Mackays; Collins with packed dates of 1st June, so fruit age 14 days. Quite a large spillover display of full cartons.
Lady Fingers priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Organics at $5.50/kg quite clean.

INDEPENDENT STORE - CARINDALE

Cavendish priced at $2.99 per kg, some developing fruit, all minimal marking.
Lady Fingers at $7.99/kg and Cavendish prepacks at $1.99ea.

IGA - PARKINSON

Cavendish priced at $2.50/kg.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

HASS Avocados count 25’s supplied by Dorian and DBM (Grower: Ferraro Farming) and Greenskins GMAX both at $1.29ea. Packed date 2nd June - so fruit age is 13 days.
Both the Hass 5 piece and 1kg Net packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI CARINDALE

Dual displays of Purpleskin Count 23/25 Hass - priced at $1.29 each and Greenskins GMAX ct 20’s also priced at $1.29ea. Hass with some skin blemishes. Fruit packed 31st May through to 6th June so age ranging 9 days to 15 days.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI MT GRAVATT EAST

Ct 23 Purpleskin Hass and Greenskins GMAX Ct 23 Avocados on display - priced at $1.29 each.
1kg packs at $5.99ea and 5 piece packs also at $5.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Dual displays of Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Ferraro Farming supplied by Freshmax were presented on a table top display and also on an end - ticketed at $1.20ea.
1kg prepacks at $6.50ea and 5pk at $7.50ea.

COLES CARINDALE

On offer Count 23 Hass packed by Massaso’s (numerous growers) and Costa’s - displayed on a table top aligning store entry and also on an end, priced at Fresh Special of $1.20ea. GMAX priced at $2.20ea. Some of the fruit has been packed 1st June so fruit age is 14 days.
Both prepacks priced at $6.50ea. Organics avos ticketed at $4.00ea.

COLES MT GRAVATT CENTRAL

Two full displays of loose Count 23 Hass Avocados featured at this store - ticketed at $1.20ea - table top located at entry visible from the external entry and display end. Growers on display included Ferraro Farming and Rock Ridge with packed dates of 30th May to 2nd June so fruit age 13 to 16 days. The majority of fruit presented well, a few pieces found with lenticel/nodule damage or dark skin blemishes. GMAX variety at $2.20ea in count 18, packed 31st May so 15 days old.
$7.50 for the Coles 5pk or $6.50ea for the 1kg I’m Perfect nets.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Hass in count 18’s grown by Tinnaro Falls and Pogglio’s were ticketed at $1.60ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Most lines packed 31st May so fruit age is 15 days.
Greenskin GMAX avos Ct 16 priced at $2.50ea, displayed just inside the produce department on opposite side to the Hass.

WOOLWORTHS CARINDALE

Count 16 Hass Avocados supplied by Poggioli ticketed at $1.60 each - avos were good, packed 2nd June so age is 13 days - majority quite firm. An very good display though it would be better if there was a greater choice of fruit maturity.
Count 14 and 16 GMAX variety priced at $2.50ea.
5 piece nets and 1kg Odd Bunch both priced at $6.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS MT GRAVATT CENTRAL

A frame bed display of Simpson Farm Hass Ct23s priced at $1.60. Greenskins GMAX Avos in count 14 and 16’s priced at $2.50ea. GMAX packed 31st May so fruit age is 15 days.
5 piece packs were priced at $6.50ea and 1kg packs were also priced at $6.50ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE - CARINDALE

Hass Avocados priced 2 for $4.00, all similar quality with good choice of ready to eat and firmer pieces.

IGA - PARKINSON

Count 25 Hass Avocados priced at just $1.00ea, supplied by Costa.

June 09, 2022

Retail Market Week 23 - 2022

June 09, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

National transport figures last week fell within the low 400K cartons. In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler falling within a range of 13.2- to 21.8C; whilst day time temperatures have been similar to last week with a top of 28.9C -within a range of 25 to 28.9C across the week which for NQld is mild. In terms of rainfall, all major North Qld growing regions have been experiencing light rain in most growing regions. Both Tully and Innisfail regions received 41.2mm to 61.6mm accumulatively throughout the week. Mareeba and Walkamin experienced more sporadic falls totalling 11.2 TO 24.4mm for the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 15-16 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom at this stage is still bright but as the weather continues to cool; not only will we will see bunch age increase over the coming weeks and months but if field temperatures fall below 10C we may start to see a dulling of fruit in appearance.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $3.29/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $0-$26 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has. There was one agent in particular in the Brisbane market that was giving fruit away today which is a sign that they are in trouble, but the downside of this is that it degrades the market overall.

The presentation of Cavendish presented reasonably well and fruit is exhibiting good bloom - few odd clusters starting to show a presence of dull peel but believed not to be due to growing conditions at this stage. There was a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; as well as bronzing; bruising; small rub marks and sap staining. Colour was generally good.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas has come back a little this week in comparison to the week prior and amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s banana ticket price at $2.99/kg; whilst both Woolies offered fruit at $2.50 to $3.00/kg and Coles offered fruit at $3.00 to $3.50/kg depending upon location of the stores visited.

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 22 - 446,364 trays harvested and consigned this week which represents a decrease of 3% ( or some 15,000 or so less cartons) on Week 21, 2022 production – North Qld maintains the lead in production accounting for 55% of this; followed by Central Qld with 38%; 4.3% from South Qld and the remaining 2.7% is made up of a contribution from Central NSW and Northern Rivers/Tamborine and Sunny coast.

· It is forecast that a total of 388K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks is for between 374-382K trays per week and then supply is forecast to lighten to approximately 336K trays/week by early July. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 438,273 trays.

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.39 to $1.50ea . Hass pricing has come back somewhat this week, with prices ranging between $14-$20/tray (a top of $18 is probably a better indication) for premium and a range of $10 -$14/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 13.2 to 28C with a little more rain around in the last week with total falls of 11 to 40mm accumulatively in the main growing regions. Fruit quality from our packing shed has been good, still seeing some lenticel damage but we are grading to ensure this is not too heavy. We are still experiencing a significant proportion of our crop being count 16’s - we sure do know how to grow them big!

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though some of the new season hass had a presence of moderate lenticel/nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region. Fruit age ranged 7 to 15 days.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of $1.39ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.50ea and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.50-$1.70/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.50ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI GARDEN CITY

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Fruit had developing colour, whilst most clusters had minimal scarring there were random clusters that were heavily marked and a few that were quite dull in appearance.
No Lady Fingers on display.

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg. range of colour at this store, a low level presence of some light minor skin marks noted. A full, well presented display.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99ea.

ALDI WEST END

A full display of Cavendish priced at $2.99/kg. A few clusters found with rub marking, rust thrip damage an scarring.
Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.
Both lines had some semi-colour fruit.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES GARDEN CITY

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step, Kid’s packs at $3.00ea.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg (these were green) and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg.

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish priced at $3.00/kg, Kid’s packs also at $3.00.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg a couple of clusters with neck damage and green in colour and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg (minimal bruising)
Organic Variety at $4.90/kg.

COLES WEST END

Cavendish bananas, display priced at $3.50/kg - approximately 1/3 of stock was semi colour in condition - a little bronzing and scarring observed - also some quite dull clusters present. Kid’s packs priced at $3.50ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg supplied by DBM. Red Tips at $4.90/kg - most clusters with rub marking/bronzing.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display reasonably tidy, a few clusters with creased necks and some minor skin marking observed. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips at $4.90/kg. Organic Variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Cavendish bananas priced at $2.50/kg - a neatly presented display, a little light on the ‘Eat Now’ stock - a presence of minor neck damage and scarring. Kids packs at $2.50ea - clusters with skin markings.
Red Tips ticketed at $4.90/kg on special - no fruit, Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - also no fruit and Organic variety at $5.50/kg (full stock).

WOOLWORTHS WEST END

Display of Cavendish were priced at $3.00/kg. Display was predominantly clean.
Lady Fingers priced at $7.90/kg, low stock levels, Red Tips at $4.90/kg, quite marked and needing a refill and Organics at $5.50/kg quite clean.

INDEPENDENT STORE - GARDEN CITY

Cavendish priced at $1.99 per kg, some developing fruit, all minimal marking.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI GARDEN CITY

Purpleskin HASS Avocados count 25’s packed 1st June meaning fruit was just 7 days old and Greenskins GMAX both at $1.39ea.
Hass 5 piece packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI BROWNS PLAINS

Purpleskin Count 25 Hass - priced at $1.39 each and Greenskins GMAX ct 20’s also priced at $1.39ea. Hass with some skin blemishes. Hass packed 26th May meaning fruit age was 13 days old.
1kg and 5 piece packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI WEST END

Ct 23 Hass and Greenskins GMAX Ct 23 Avocados on display - priced at $1.39 each. GMAX packed 24th May so 15 days old.
1kg packs at $5.99ea and 5 piece packs also at $5.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES GARDEN CITY

Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Ferraro Farming supplied by Freshmax were presented on a table top display, ticketed at $1.50ea. Fruit packed 25th May so 14 days old.
Both prepacks at $6.50ea.

COLES BROWNS PLAINS

On offer Count 25-28 Hass displayed on a table top, priced at Fresh Special of $1.50ea. Fruit supplied by Murray Brothers included Googa Farms and Makhona Farms; also present were a tray of Kureen Farming; and Blue Sky Produce. Fruit packed dates ranged 24 to 27th May so age ranged 12-15 days.
GMAX on display for $2.00ea. Stock needed replenishing.
Both prepacks priced at $6.50ea.

COLES WEST END

Two full displays of loose Hass Avocados featured at this store - ticketed at $1.50ea - table top located at entry visible from the external entry and display end. In part the supply was from Simpson Farms - Ct25 Hass packed 28th May meaning fruit was 11 days old. The majority of fruit presented well, a few pieces found with heavier lenticel/nodule damage or dark skin blemishes. GMAX Avocados presented separate Hass priced at $2.00ea.
$6.50 for either the Coles 5pk or the 1kg I’m Perfect nets. Organic Avos priced at $4.00ea.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS GARDEN CITY

Purpleskin Hass were ticketed at $1.70ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department.
Greenskin GMAX avos priced at $2.50ea, displayed just inside the produce department.
Prepacks had some questionable fruit, with heavy marking on some pieces.

WOOLWORTHS BROWNS PLAINS

Count 25-28 Hass Avocados supplied by Howe Farming (APP) and Simpson Farms for $1.50 each, packed 27th to 28th May (11-12 days old) - avos were good - majority quite firm. An excellent display with well tied in header cards and promo material.
5 piece nets and 1kg Odd Bunch both priced at $6.50ea.

WOOLWORTHS WEST END

A frame bed display of Purpleskin Hass Ct16s priced at $1.50. Greenskins GMAX Avos in count 14 and 16’s priced at $2.50ea.
5 piece packs were priced at $6.50ea and 1kg packs were also priced at $6.50ea.

INDEPENDENT STORE - GARDEN CITY

Hass Avocado Prepack priced at $3.99ea, all similar quality and colour. Stage of ripeness within the packs varied giving the customer a selection of staged fruit.

June 03, 2022

Retail Market Week 22 - 2022

June 03, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

In the last week, morning temperatures have been noticeably cooler falling within a range of 12.8- to 20C; whilst day time temperatures have been similar to last week with a top of 29.6C -within a range of 26.8 to 29.6C across the week which for NQld is mild. In terms of rainfall, all major North Qld growing regions have been experiencing light rain in most growing regions experienced. Both Tully and Innisfail regions received 1.4mm to 4.2mm accumulatively throughout the week. Walkamin and Mareeba experienced more sporadic light falls totalling 3.8mm for the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 16 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom at this stage is still bright but as this week we officially start winter and from here on in the weather will continue to cool and not only will we will see bunch age increase over the coming weeks and months but if field temperatures fall below 10C we may start to see a dulling of fruit in appearance.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $1.99 to $3.29/kg this week. The markets all have moderate supplies of cavendish relative to demand with fruit selling at $15-$29 per carton, dependent upon quality and quantity each agent has.

The presentation of Cavendish presented reasonably well and fruit is exhibiting good bloom. There was still a presence of minor dry scar; minor neck damage; as well as bronzing; bruising; small rub marks and sap staining. Colour was generally good.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas has come back a little this week in comparison to the week prior and amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s banana ticket price at $2.99/kg; whilst both Woolies offered fruit at $3.00 to $3.50/kg and Coles offered fruit at $3.00 to $3.50/kg depending upon location of the stores visited.

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 21 - 462,012 trays harvested and consigned this week which represents a significant decrease of 5% ( or some 25,000 or so less cartons) on Week 20, 2022 production – North Qld maintains the lead in production accounting for 65% of this; followed by Central Qld with 30%; 2.9% from South Qld and the remaining 2.1% is made up of a contribution from Central NSW and Northern Rivers/Tamborine.

· It is forecast that a total of 421K trays will be despatched this week nationally. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks is for between 385-400K trays per week and then supply is forecast to lighten to approximately 370K trays/week by mid-late June. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 427,922 trays.

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.49 to $1.70ea . Hass pricing has steadied somewhat this week, with prices ranging between $18-$24/tray for premium and a range of $14 -$18/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 12.8 to 29.6C with lighter, more sporadic rain in the last week which has been welcomed. Unfortunately as our fruit travels and time passes we are seeing the development of some nodule damage - despite the fact that every care has been taken to avoid picking fruit when wet and to treat the fruit with due care to minimise damage - a level of lenticel/nodule damage is present. We have our ripening partners assessing fruit to specification and raising a flag if the level exceeds permissible levels to enable us to either seek a temporary variance to spec or move fruit to the market floor depending upon the severity.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of $1.49ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.50ea and Gmax selling at $2.00ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.70/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.50ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi

BANANAS AT ALDI

ALDI FAIRFIELD

A full display of Cavendish Bananas ticketed at $2.99/kg. Fruit had developing colour (about 50% on display was semi colour in condition), with minimal scarring.
Lady Fingers on display at $5.99/kg.

ALDI MT GRAVATT

A display of Cavendish were priced at $2.99/kg. good colour at this store, though a presence of some light minor skin marks noted. Odd dull cluster present.
Lady Fingers at this store priced at $5.99ea - a few fingers were quite thin, not filled out enough.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

A full display of Cavendish priced at $2.99/kg.
Lady Fingers priced at $5.99/kg.

BANANAS AT COLES

COLES FAIRFIELD

Cavendish bananas displayed at $3.00/kg - fruit that was displayed in single layer on each step, a number of dry flower ends on display unit, Kid’s packs at $3.00ea.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg (minimally marked). Note Red Tips were positioned between the price ticket for them and ladyfingers, minimal lady finger stock.

COLES CORINDA

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg, no stock and yet steps still had dry flower ends present. Kid’s packs also at $3.50. Perhaps waiting on arrival of truck? visited 9.30am.
Red Tips at $4.90/kg a couple of clusters with neck damage and severe bruising and Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg (no stock)
Organic Variety at $4.90/kg.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Cavendish bananas, display priced at $3.00/kg - majority of stock was semi colour in condition - a little bronzing and scarring observed. Kid’s packs priced at $3.00ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg supplied by DBM most clusters with rub marking/bronzing. Red Tips at $4.90/kg.

BANANAS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Cavendish priced at $3.50/kg - display reasonably tidy, a few clusters with creased necks and some minor skin marking observed. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg and Red Tips on special at $4.50/kg. Organic Variety at $5.50/kg.

WOOLWORTHS ACACIA RIDGE

Cavendish bananas priced at $3.50/kg - a neatly presented display - odd cluster or two with fingers that are starting to spot; a presence of minor neck damage, rust thrip damage and scarring. Kids packs at $2.50ea - a few clusters with skin markings.
Red Tips ticketed at $4.50/kg on special - odd cluster spotting, neck damage and scarring impacting fruit, Lady Fingers at $7.90/kg - very clean, presented in hands for customers to pull apart and Organic variety at $4.90/kg.

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

Display of Cavendish were priced at $3.00/kg. Display was predominantly clean. Kids packs at $2.50ea.
Lady Fingers priced at $7.90/kg, Red Tips at $4.50/kg on special, quite heavily marked and Organics at $5.50/kg quite clean but display looked rummaged.

AVOCADOS AT ALDI

ALDI FAIRFIELD

HASS Avocados supplied by Dorian and Greenskins GMAX both at $1.49ea.
Hass 5 piece packs at $4.99ea.

ALDI ACACIA RIDGE

Purpleskin Count 23 Hass packed 18th May so fruit age is 14 days old - priced at $1.49 each and Greenskins GMAX ct 20’s also priced at $1.49ea. Hass with a presence of lenticel/nodule damage and some skin blemishes.
1kg packs at $5.99ea.

ALDI INDOOROOPILLY

Dorrian Ct 23 Hass and Greenskins GMAX Ct 23 Avocados on display - priced at $1.49 each. GMAX packed 19th May so 13 days old. Avos featured in the Aldi Catalogue this week, image featured a hass and greenskin varietal with sale price the same.
Also noted in the catalogue Aldi are celebrating “National Avocado Toast Day”- promoting the well known concept of smashed avo on toast with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt and a kick of paprika!
1kg packs at $5.99ea and 5 piece packs at $4.99ea.

AVOCADOS AT COLES

COLES FAIRFIELD

Hass Avocados supplied by various growers including Rock Ridge Farming were presented on a table top display and an end, ticketed at $1.50ea. GMAX Avos priced at $2.00ea.
Both prepacks at $6.50ea.

COLES CORINDA

On offer Count 25-28 Hass displayed on a table top, priced at Fresh Special of $1.50ea - NOTE old signage of $1.70 ea or 2 for $3.00 was present on the end unit. Maturity of fruit varied.
GMAX on display for $2.00ea.
Both prepacks priced at $6.50ea.

COLES INDOOROOPILLY

Two displays of loose Hass Avocados featured at this store - ticketed at $1.50ea - table top located at entry visible from the external entry and first end opposite entry. The majority of fruit presented well, a few pieces found with heavier lenticel/nodule damage or dark skin blemishes. GMAX Avocados presented beside Hass priced at $2.00ea.
$6.50 for either the Coles 5pk or the 1kg I’MPerfect nets.

AVOCADOS AT WOOLWORTHS

WOOLWORTHS MOOROOKA

Purpleskin Hass count 18’s, were ticketed at $1.70ea, displayed on A Frame double sided display just inside the entrance to the produce department. Promo signage presented well.
Greenskin GMAX Ct 16 avos priced at $2.50ea, displayed on the reverse side of the A frame just inside the produce department. Quite a number of these had darkened skins, some bruising and soft spots.

WOOLWORTHS ACACIA RIDGE

Count 25 Hass Avocados supplied by Howe Farming (APP) for $1.50 each - this display was only half full but avos were good - majority quite firm.
Purpleskin 5 piece nets and 1kg Odd Bunch both priced at $7.00ea.
Empty bags sitting on the display of Hass, for over ripe fruit value offer, but none filled?

WOOLWORTHS INDOOROOPILLY

A frame bed display of Purpleskin Hass Ct18s priced at $1.70 packed 19th May so 13 days old. Greenskins GMAX Avos in count 14 and 16’s priced at $2.50ea - packed 18th May so 14 days old.
5 piece packs were priced at $7.00ea and 1kg packs were also priced at $7.00ea.

May 26, 2022

Retail Market Week 21 - 2022

May 26, 2022/ Paul Wilson

QUICKLINKS

BANANA OVERVIEW

STOCK IN STORES

BANANA OVERVIEW

SUPPLY UPDATE

In the last week, morning temperatures have been falling within a range of 16.6- to 21.7C; whilst day time temperatures have been similar to last week with a top of just under 28C -within a range of 24.7 to 27.4C across the week which for NQld is mild. In terms of rainfall, all major North Qld growing regions have been experiencing precipitation of light to moderate falls with increasing precipitation across latter part of the week. Both Tully and Innisfail regions received 104mm to 126mm accumulatively throughout the week. Walkamin and Mareeba experienced more sporadic light falls totalling 0.6mm to 2.1mm for the week. Cavendish banana bunch age is still in the vicinity of 15 weeks, with fruit quality generally good overall in our packshed though we continue to grade out some light scarring. Fruit bloom at this stage is still bright but as we are now in the autumnal season the weather will continue to cool and not only will we will see bunch age increase over the coming weeks and months but if field temperatures fall below 10C we may start to see a dulling of fruit in appearance.

Independent retailers were selling bananas at $3.29 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.

Retail ticket pricing in Queensland on bananas with little variance this week in comparison to the week prior and amongst the major supermarkets with Aldi’s banana ticket price at $3.49/kg; whilst both Woolies offered fruit at $3.50 to $3.90/kg and Coles offered fruit at $3.00 to $3.50/kg depending upon location of the stores visited.

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 20 - 487,639 trays harvested and consigned this week which represents a significant increase of 37% ( or some 130,000 or so extra cartons) on Week 19, 2022 production – North Qld maintains the lead in production accounting for 67% of this; followed by Central Qld with 29%; 2% from South Qld and the remaining 2% is made up of a contribution from Sunshine Coast, Central NSW and Northern Rivers/Tamborine.

· It is forecast that a total of 421K trays will be despatched this week nationally, with the last few weeks continuing to be impacted by reduced harvestable days due to inclement weather across North Qld. The Hass forecast for the next two weeks is for between 400-420K trays per week and then supply is forecast to lighten to approximately 360K trays/week by mid June. The current four week average dispatch as of this week is 381,415 trays.

All major supermarkets are selling premium Hass at $1.49 to $1.80ea . Hass pricing has steadied somewhat this week, with prices ranging between $24-$30/tray for premium and a range of $17 -$25/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.

The weather in North Qld for our avocado crop has seen daytime temperatures ranging 16.6 to 27.8C with lighter, more sporadic rain in the last week which has been welcomed. Unfortunately as our fruit travels and time passes we are seeing the development of some nodule damage - despite the fact that every care has been taken to avoid picking fruit when wet and to treat the fruit with due care to minimise damage - a level of lenticel/nodule damage is present. We have our ripening partners assessing fruit to specification and raising a flag if the level exceeds permissible levels to enable us to either seek a temporary variance to spec or move fruit to the market floor depending upon the severity.

Avocado display presentation in Qld stores this week was generally pleasing though some of the new season hass had a presence of moderate presence of nodule damage relating to recent rain in the growing region. Pricing this week varied with Hass unit pricing differing by $0.20 to $0.30 per unit between retailers. Fruit age ranged 8 to 14 days.

In terms of Avocado retail pricing in Qld shelf prices were as follows: Aldi Qld had Hass and Gmax avos selling this week at a ticket price of $1.49ea; Coles Qld had NQ Hass ticketed at $1.70 ea and Gmax selling at $1.90 - $2.20ea; whilst Woolworths Qld had Hass selling at $1.70 to $1.80/piece depending upon store location and Gmax selling at $2.50ea. The fruit on shelves varied in condition with maturity ranging just yielding to soft (especially amongst the hass, any piece with a dull hue and sun blemish tended to be quite soft).

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 Aldi