Market Report - 7th October 2010

Apples & Pears.

Apple supplies are limited with the exception of Granny Smiths. Quality apples are expensive, quality is good.

Avocados.

Local Hass are available and plentiful with good quality. Hass Avocadoes darken to a black colour when ripe. (Tip: gently press the avocado at the stalk end. If there is slight softness, the avocado is ripe and ready)

Bananas.

Queensland and New South Wales bananas are in good supply. Quality and taste are excellent, and prices are good.

Grapes.

New season Australian grapes have started. Seedless varieties are available. They will be in short supply for some time.

Citrus.

Late Lane navels from Riverina are available. Quality is excellent. Lemons and limes are in short supply. Honey Murcott Mandarins will be finishing in the next few weeks.

Imported.

New Zealand Kiwifruit is less plentiful this year but quality is good. Thai Drinking Coconuts are available and quality is excellent.

Mangoes.

Northern Territory mangoes have started. Supply is plentiful and we can look forward to good supplies for the next couple of months. Quality Mangoes may be more expensive this year.

Stone fruit.

Queensland peaches and nectarines have started. Peaches have good flavour for this early in the season. Quality and price will improve in the coming weeks.

Melons.

Rockmelons and honeydews are in short supply. There is an increase in watermelon volume and quality is excellent.

Berries.

Queensland strawberry season is nearly finished with recent rain ruining many crops. West Australian berries are available and quality is good. Blueberries are coming in season. Quality and prices are good.

Tropical.

Pineapples are in short supply. Topless pineapples are the best eating. Pawpaw is in good supply.

Green Vegetables.

Recent heavy rain has forced up the price of many green vegetables. Broccoli, lettuce and silverbeet are still plentiful while cabbages have become more expensive. Zucchini is in very short supply. Asparagus from Victoria will soon be more plentiful once the soil dries out after the recent heavy rain.

Salad Vegetables.

Cucumbers are expensive and supply is limited. Recent rain in the Bundaberg district has caused a shortage of capsicum, cucumbers and zucchinis. Tomatoes also are likely to become more expensive.

Heavy Produce.

Pumpkin and onion crops are in between season. Jap pumpkin is likely to be more expensive in coming weeks. Queensland onions will soon be available. Tasmanian onions are good quality. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are in short supply due to high rainfall in growing areas.


Roger Hill
Owner/Operator
Tugun Fruit Market