Market Report 9-12-2010

Overview

Extreme weather is causing supply difficulties with heavy rain in most growing regions.

Apples

All apples with the exception of Granny Smiths are in short supply but quality is excellent. Apples will remain expensive until the new season. Starts in February.

Bananas

We have good supplies of local Cavendish and Lady Finger Bananas at good prices.
Grapes

Australian Grapes have started. There are minimal quantities available. Early season quality is poor.

Stonefruit

The quantities of stonefruit are slowly increasing. By the month’s end we should have good eating fruit. Apricots should be plentiful in coming weeks. Cherries and Lychees are likely to be in short supply this season with prices firmer than other years. Plums are just starting.

Citrus

Lemon supplies are improving as are limes. Limes are now plentiful. Valencia Oranges are now available and are juicing well. A few late lane Navels are left. Oranges supplies are being disrupted by extreme wet weather.

Avocados

We have large supplies of cheap good quality Hass avocadoes available from Mt. Tambourine. Choose avocadoes by gently squeezing the narrow end of the Avocado. Hass avocadoes should be dark in colour when ripe. All other varieties should be green in colour.


Salad Vegies

All cucumbers will be good value. Lettuce from Victoria is plentiful and quality is good.

Tomatoes

Tomato Prices will remain firm over the next month, however quality is good. We are sourcing a supply of local tomatoes and their quality is excellent! Extreme rain in Bundaberg at the weekend has caused major supply problems.

Melons

Supply and quality of Rockmelon & Honeydew is still quite erratic out of Northern Queensland. We are starting to see some fruit from Chinchilla. Seedless Watermelon out of Northern Territory is starting to ease in quantity. Price is firming.

Cooking Veggies

We are starting to use Victorian Broccoli & Cauliflower quality is excellent. Brussels Sprouts & Leeks are very expensive & look like remaining that way in the near future.

Brushed Potatoes

Recent rain has upset Bundaberg, Atherton and South Australian production. Potatoes are expensive and will remain in short supply in the near future.

Sweet Potatoes

These are plentiful at the moment and produce a cheap alternative to potatoes.

Washed Potatoes

Washed Potatoes are expensive and quality is variable.

Pumpkin

All pumpkins are expensive and in short supply.

Onions

Local Brown Onions are becoming more plentiful and quality is improving. Local Salad Onions are improving in quality and price.

Herbs & Salad Mixes

Silverbeet is in short supply due to the recent rainy weather. Prices on most herb lines should remain the same. Eschallots are also light supply due to rain. Salad mixes are in short supply this week.

Mangoes

Kensington Pride (Bowen) mangoes are in short supply. R2E2 Mangoes will be plentiful over the next few weeks but the season is likely to be short. Mangoes will be expensive at Christmas time so enjoy them now.

Roger Hill
Owner/Manager
Tugun Fruit Market