BUYER'S GUIDE: 7th Feb 2012 - 13th Feb 2012
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
Considering the poor weather in key growing areas, we are still looking good in terms of supply and price.
Fruit:
Say goodbye to Cherries, as TAS has now ended its season. Next supply will be in June when USA fruit starts.
New Season Apples are in, grapes are in full swing and a solid range of tropical fruits are coming from up north. When it comes to melons- Rocks, Honey, Long and Seedless are all good buying and eating well.
Quality on Strawberries is ranging between 7/10 to 8/10, mainly due to the weather.
Vegetables:
Broccoli and Caulies are up in price while Yellow Squash, Gold Zucchini’s and large Heirlooms Tomatoes are on the short list.
The rest of the tribe are right to go, but we will see some kick up in price on selected lines over the next few weeks.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Fig Tray (NSW)
Lychees (QLD)
Papaya - red (QLD)
Peaches (NSW)
Pineapples (QLD)
Vegetables:
Cos Lettuce - large (VIC)
Eggplant (NSW)
Sweet Potato - large (QLD)
Tomatoes - small (VIC)
Zucchini - green (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Coconut - drinking (Imported)
Dates - California (Imported)
Finger Limes (NSW)
French Truffles - extra class (Imported)
Palm Hearts (Far North QLD)
Papaya - green/cooking (QLD)
New Season Quince (QLD)
Salsify- black (SA)
Winter Melon (QLD)
Wasabi Stems (TAS)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Heirloom tomatoes
Not Available:
Baby Gold Beetroot
Baby Leeks
Purple Asparagus
Yellow Zucchini
FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY
Q: Are seasonal guides redundant now that many produce lines are available year round?
Despite all evidence to the contrary, February is the last month of Summer and soon the hot, sunny days (we were supposed to have) will begin to give way to cooler Autumn months. Inevitably, the changing of the seasons brings new fashion and food trends, which for chef’s means a revamp of the menu.
So, to help ease the burden of menu planning we thought we would literally give you four seasons in one day and attach our new SG&S seasonal charts to this week’s bulletin. These charts serve as a quick reference guide to the fruit & veges you can expect to see in the markets each month.
These charts are also hosted on the Season’s Best section of our blog, however for those who want something more permanent to keep in their kitchen, contact SG&S and we will issue you with a laminated poster version which covers the full year.
Seasonal supply does vary, with individual lines arriving at the market early, late or in fits and starts due to unexpected weather conditions. So, keep an eye on our weekly buyer’s guide. Posted on our blog each Tuesday, these guides outline the week’s best buys, new season stock and any notable gaps in supply. To receive these updates directly, click on the follow button on the blog homepage and enter your email address.
Happy planning!
A: In short, no! We may not live by the Cordoba Calendar anymore (Google that when your bored!) but knowing your seasonal produce is the best way to serve up a cost-effective and reliable menu- rain, hail or shine. Not only will the fruit and veg you use be abundant and therefore cheaper, it will also be more nutritional and taste better, having been harvested at its peak and spared from travelling long distances.
BUYER'S GUIDE: 31st Jan 2012 - 6th Feb 2012
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
Good supplies all round this week. There has been some quality issues due to the rain, but still plenty to chose from.
Fruit:
The weather has hit Strawberries hard this week. Nectarines and Peaches have also seen a slight kick up in price.
New Season Apples are now in. Melons are good quality, good eating and well priced.
If you're looking for something different try Green Cooking Mangos, Lychees, Rambo’s, Starfruit and USA Navels...Very Sweet!
Vegetables:
Some ups and downs this week. in terms of supply and price
Price of Asparagus is back down with some Summer crop from VIC hitting the market. Broccoli and lettuce are also down, while Caulies and Celery are up just a touch.
All in all clear sailing for the week ahead
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Apricot (TAS)
Black Seedless Grapes (VIC)
Fig Tray (NSW)
Navel Oranges (USA-Imported) - very sweet!!
New Season Royal Gala apples (NSW)
Vegetables:
Capsicum - red (QLD)
Eggplant (NSW)
Snow Peas (NSW)
Sweet Corn (NSW) - honey sweet!!
Zucchini - green (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
New Season Baby/Young Ginger (QLD)
New Season Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC)
New Season Birdseye Chillies- red (NSW)
Bitter Melon/Gourd (QLD)
Dragon Fruit (QLD)
Kaffir Lime Leaves (QLD)
Papaya - green/cooking (QLD)
Rambutan (QLD)
Royal Blue Potatoes (SA)
Salsify- black (SA)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Heirloom tomatoes
Not Available:
Baby Leeks
Globe Artichokes
Mangosteen
Purple Asparagus
YEAR OF THE DRAGON
Q: Why is 2012 said to be a powerful year?
2012 is well and truly here, as are the doom and gloom predictions for the global economy... but what does the year of the Water Dragon really have in store?
Traditionally the Year of the Dragon encourages growth and change, making it the ideal time for an innovative leader to reap great rewards. But with big banks shedding staff, European countries going bankrupt and consumers warned to pinch pennies; we need to start working smarter not harder. While it may be sacrilege to say this on Burns Day, it’s time to stop doing things “For Auld Lang Syne” (“for the sake of old times”), challenge the status quo and make our dollar work for us.
Here’s our top 3 tips on how to work smart , not hard for your produce in 2012:
TIP 1: WALK THE DOCK
While systems like Marketboomer are a convenient, cost-saving tool; beware of comparing apples with oranges. Not all suppliers specify the number of kilos per bag or lettuce per case- which can skew your results. So, while it may appear to be cheaper on paper, if you’re a Boomer, the best way to ensure you’re getting the best value product is to walk the dock.
(Just quietly, at SG&S we specify items/case and weight/bag, so you know what you’re getting every time)
TIP 2: MONITOR THE MARKETS
The best way to work smarter with fresh produce is to keep up to date on how weather and supply are impacting market prices and buy accordingly. You can find this info on our Market Muse blog, which hosts buyer’s guides to the markets, produce and service updates.
TIP 3: ORDER ONLINE
Time is a commodity and whether we like it or not, we’re time poor- so save time (and money) and order online. The SG&S online ordering facility is secure, user-friendly and efficient. In addition to lodging orders, you can set product preferences, review pricing and retrieve past orders – all at your convenience.
At SG&S, 2012 will see our team focus on quality, service and price. By listening to our client’s needs and helping them to achieve success, we hope to solidify our position as a market leader! Big thanks to all who took the time to complete our survey. It has given us a great insight into your needs and how we can work smarter for you in 2012. Results to be released on a later blog!
A: 2012, the year of the Dragon is a year of change; having the confidence to take chances and face challenges head on. Having survived the year of the Metal Rabbit, which was full of negotiation, resolving tensions and planning ahead, the year of the Dragon is the time to act on these plans and start to reap the rewards.
BUYER'S GUIDE: 24/01/12-30/01/12
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
Some movement in the market across both fruit and vegetables. The major factors being weather and some items coming to the end of their season.
Fruit:
New season apples are just starting to appear from QLD.
Plenty of stonefruit with the introduction or cherries and apricots from Tassie. Seedless grapes are in good supply, sweet and excellent quality. Citrus is a mixed bag.
Mangoes are still in good supply but by half, which has pushed the price up. Pineapples & strawberries are up in price due to the weather. There are plenty of rockmelons, honeydews, watermelons (long and seedless), which are all good buying.
Vegetables:
Only a few lines have kicked in this week: iceberg, broccoli and asparagus. Everything else is either the same or down on last week. Plenty of colour and lines to chose from.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Fig Tray (NSW)
Green Seedless Grapes (VIC)
Lychee (QLD)
Peach (NSW)
Red Papaya (QLD)
Vegetables:
Chat (Sml) Potatoes (SA)
Green Zucchini (NSW)
Eggplant (NSW)
Shiitaki Mushrooms (IMP)
Snake Beans (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
New Season Apricot (TAS)
New Season Baby (Young) Ginger (QLD)
New Season Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC)
Cherries (TAS)
French Truffles - Extra Class (IMP)
Golden Queen Peaches (VIC)
Green Jalapeno Chillies (QLD)
New Season Pomello (QLD)
Prickly Pear (NSW)
Royal Blue Potatoes (SA)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Baby Gold Beetroot
Heirloom Tomatoes
Not Available:
Asparagus - No 2
Baby Leek
Lotus Root
FRESH FRENCH TRUFFLES ARE HERE!
It's that time of year again! Fresh, aromatic French Truffles have once again reached our shores.
The first delivery arrives on site at SG&S Sydney today... place your orders now! There's no perfume quite like it!
Bon Appétit!!
BUYER'S GUIDE: 17/01/12- 23/01/12
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Black Seedless Grapes (QLD)
Blueberries- large (NSW)
Fig Tray (NSW)
Nectarines (VIC)
Vegetables:
Cocktail Chat Potatoes (SA)
New Season Sweet Corn (NSW)
Lebanese Cucumber (NSW)
Rhubarb (NSW)
Tomato- small (VIC)
Yellow Squash (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
New Season Apricot (TAS)
New Season Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC)
Golden Queen Peaches (VIC)
Kaffir Limes (QLD)
Longan (QLD)
Mandarin - VIP (IMP)
New Season Pomello (QLD)
Bamboo Shoot (QLD)
Eggplant - seedless (NSW)
French Truffles - Extra Class (IMP)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Baby Gold Beetroot
Heirloom tomatoes
Not Available:
Asparagus - No 2
Lotus Root
Purple Congo Potatoes
BUYER'S GUIDE: 10/01/12-16/01/12
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
Another good week ahead with supply and quality. No change in the range, plenty to choose from and well priced.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Black Seedless Grapes (QLD)
Blueberries - large (NSW)
Nectarine (VIC)
Paw Paw- Yellow (QLD)
Plum (NSW)
Vegetables:
Cauliflower (NSW)
Green Beans (QLD)
Sweet Corn (QLD/NSW)
Sweet Potato - Large (QLD)
Roma Tomato (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
New Season Cherries (TAS)
Fig Tray (NSW)
Long Melon (QLD)
Papaya - Green/Cooking (QLD)
New Season Paradise Cocktail Pears (VIC)
Sugar Plum (NSW)
Bamboo Shoot (QLD)
Eggplant - Seedless (NSW)
Mandarins - VIP (Imported)
Snake Beans (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Baby Gold Beetroot
Heirloom Tomatoes
Not Available:
Asparagus - No2
Beurre Bosc Pear
Lotus Root
BUYER'S GUIDE: 20/12/11 - 28/12/11
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
It is the season to be Merry and with the way our market is shaping up for the week all I can say is Ho Ho Ho and away we go!
Fruit:
No real shorts this week. A few quality issues, Strawberries being one but otherwise it's a buyers market. Quality is excellent, pricing is low and other than mandarins it is a Misère Ouverte! As per last week just Apples and Lemons holding in price and will lift as the weeks roll on.
Very good supply of Tropical Fruits from the Top End and Far North QLD: Longans, Lychees, Mangosteen, Rambutans and Ship Loads of Mangoes.
Also now in full swing Aussie Grapes, Red, Black & White all seedless, very sweet and crunchy.
Vegetables:
Slightly different story here. Broccoli and Caulies have come well down off last week's highs as have Green Beans, the quality and supply of Butter Beans is also back to normal.
Main items this week are Baby Corn, nil on market due to the heavy flooding in Thailand, White Asparagus limited due to imports and Green Asparagus doing its usual Xmas dance for this time of the year with supply coming from NZ, Peru and Aussie packers.
And oh yes Tomatoes being pushed by the market agents “they can't help themselves around this time of the year” pushing price which scared buyers into buying just in case the market Tomato agents are right.......for once! Roma Tomatoes are short and up in price. Otherwise plenty of colour and range to chose from.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Cherries- Van's (NSW)
Kiwifruit (Imported)
Lychee (QLD)
Mango- R2E2 (QLD)
Peach (NSW)
Vegetables:
Broccoli (VIC)
Cauliflower (VIC)
Chat (Sml) Potatoes (SA)
Sweetcorn (NSW)
Rhubarb (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Chestnuts (VIC)
Edible Flowers (VIC/NSW)
Jerusalem Artichokes (QLD)
Longan (Imported)
Popcorn Sprouts (VIC)
Purple Congo Potato (SA)
Rambutan (QLD)
Donut Peaches (NSW)
Red Currant (SA)
Yellow Butter Beans (QLD)
NOT THIS WEEK:
End of Season:
Red Tamarillos
Poor Quality:
Broad Beans
Not Available:
Baby Corn
Horseradish
White Asparagus
BUYER'S GUIDE: 13/12/11 - 19/12/11
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
I wish I could tell you that the rain is going to STOP and the sun is coming out…….but unfortunately it's not looking likely for now. A wet Xmas and New Year means we should expect some problems with Fresh Produce, but it’s not all bad!!
FRUIT:
Quality here is exceptional and so is the price. No out of the ordinary items in short supply at present and pricing is well down on the past years. Other than the usual items for this time of the year- apples and lemons being the most relevant- the rest of the gang is in good supply and should stay that way well into the new year.
Stonefruits are the pick, good quality, eating well and cost effective buying as is watermelons!
VEGETABLES:
We are seeing the wet weather taking its toll here on quality and supply. Right now it’s mainly impacting supply and price on Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Bean, Cauliflowers and has slightly lifted Tomatoes price. Still there is plenty to pick from as Pumpkin, Carrots, Zucchini, Eggplant and Spuds are in good supply and price well.
Back to “Singing In The Rain”
BEST BUYS:
FRUIT:
Avocado (#25-28 per tray)
Cherries- Van's (NSW)
Limes (QLD)
Mango R2E2 (QLD)
Rockmelon (QLD)
VEGETABLES:
Carrots - Med to Large (QLD)
Chat (Sml) Potatoes (SA)
Butternut Pumpkin (QLD)
Snow Peas (NSW)
Zucchini- Green (VIC)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Dragon Fruit (QLD)
New Season- Fig Tray (NSW)
New Season- Black Grapes (QLD)
Lychees - (QLD)
Mangosteen (QLD)
Donut Peaches (NSW)
New Season - Blood Plums (NSW)
Rambutan (QLD)
Popcorn Sprouts (VIC)
VIP Cherries - (NSW)
SORRY NOT THIS WEEK:
END OF SEASON:
Broad Bean
Red Tamarillo
SHORT SUPPLY:
No 2. Asparagus
Sweet Potato- large (very $$$)
Yellow butter beans
NOT AVAILABLE:
Bella Rossa Tomatoes