BUYER'S GUIDE: 26th Jun- 2nd Jul
The market is in good shape this week with only some slight issues:
QLD: Extreme cold snap is affecting a few lines. Good quality but slow growth and delay picking of beans, corn, peas, medium strawberries, rocket, rockmelons, bananas and raspberries. So stock is in short supply driving a price rise.
VIC: Experiencing lots of rain all over the state which in turn is affecting rocket, broccoli, iceberg lettuce and celery crops.
Noteworthy: Quinces are on their way out (end of season). New season USA Cherries are in stock now (for next 6 weeks). We have aromatic, Australian Black Truffles available by the gram.
Short Supply: Chestnut mushrooms, Zucchini flowers, pink and yellow mushroom, baby Zucchini , golden beetroots, and yellow chives
Great buys: Honeydew, Passionfruit, Green Zucchini, Papaya, Green Mango, Desiree large and bunched herbs.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp- USA) * Corella Pears (VIC) * Oranges - juicing (NSW) * Pawpaw- yellow (QLD) * Red seedless grapes (VIC)
Vegetable: Cos Lettuce - large (NSW) * Medium Potatoes- washed (SA) * Rhubarb (QLD) * Spring Onions (QLD) * Zucchini - green (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Dragonfruit- yellow (QLD) * Green Mangoes (NT) * Nashi Pears (VIC) * Pink Lady Apples (VIC)
Vegetable: Broad bean (NSW) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW) * Purple Carrots * Tuscan Cabbage (NSW)
Other: Black Truffles (WA- New Season) * Chestnuts (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Baby Gold Beetroot * Chestnut Mushroom * Oyster Mushrooms (pink & yellow) * Wild Rocquette * Zucchini Flower (female)
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Slippery Jacks Mushrooms * Wild Pine Mushrooms *
BUYER'S GUIDE: 19th Jun-25th Jun
The cooler weather has slowed down supply of some products, mainly Honeydews, Tomatoes and Strawberries. Quality is sound, just up in price slightly this week.
Overall the market is in good shape, with plenty to choose from.
Highlights: Australian Truffles Season is up and running and USA cherries Cumquats are on the markets also.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp- USA) * Delicious Apples- med (VIC) * Panama Passionfruit * Pineapple (QLD) * Ruby blush grapefruit (WA)
Vegetable: Brussel sprouts (VIC) * Kipfler Potatoes * Mesclun Lettuce* Red capsicum (QLD) * Silverbeet (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Blood Limes (NSW) * Honey Pears * Pink Lady Apples (VIC) * Pomello - red (QLD) * Starfruit- aka Carambola (QLD)
Vegetable: Broad bean (NSW) * Green Peas ( QLD) * Truffles - superior black (WA - new season) * Witlof - white
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Baby gold beetroot * Chestnut Mushroom * Snow Peas - expensive * Yellow Zucchini
Not Available: Blood Oranges
BUYER'S GUIDE: 5th June - 12th June
The overall quality on market has improved this week, with most items in good supply and very few shorts or items not available. Tomatoes and Strawberries still have some way to go before they are in their winter mode, however weather permitting this should be in the next week or two. Front runners 'fruit wise' is still the Apples, Pears and Citrus while 'veggie wise' it's Beans, Cauliflowers, Mushrooms & Spuds.
USA Cherries are now in full swing and price is easing weekly. We are stocking the larger Darker Cherry which is slightly more expensive but are the best eating and have the best visual appeal! Smaller fruit is available on request and the price is less.
Truffles: We are waiting for confirmation of our first arrival. The season is looking to be the best since the inception of Truffles Down-under.
Something New: “Samples Available on Request”
- Purple Jester Potatoes- deep purple inside and out
- Russet Burbank Potatoes- great for chipping
- Zebero’s Tomatoes- similar to Black Tigers, available by the punnet
- Heirloom Tomatoes- in good supply
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Orange- No 2 juicing (NSW) * Packham Pears - green (VIC) * Red Papaya (QLD) * Rockmelon (QLD)
Vegetable: Brussel Sprouts (VIC) * Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Leek - large (TAS) * Potato -washed, large (SA) * Rhubarb (NSW) * Silverbeet (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp- US) * Drinking Coconuts (IMP) * Golden Delicious Apples (VIC) * Honey Pears (VIC) * Red Pommello (QLD) * Strawberries - XL (QLD- New Season)
Vegetable: Asparagus - white (IMP) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Mandarins - VIP (QLD) * Royal Blue Potato (TAS)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Yellow Butter Bean * Yellow Zucchini
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Purple Asparagus
BUYER'S GUIDE: 29th May - 4th June
The market is in good shape this week with only some slight issues. Mainly Strawberries and Tomatoes but the rest is good to go. The problems with Strawberries & Tomatoes is the VIC & SA fruit is more backward with greener bums and the QLD fruit is rain affected- but the good news is... both are back in price!
FRUIT:
Much the same as last week but with increased supply on some lines bringing prices back into play. These lines are all Berries, Watermelons and Honeydews with the staples still going strong. Apples, Pears, Bananas, Grapes, Mandarins, Kiwifruit, Pineapples, Papaw and New Season Navel Oranges are good buying and great quality.
VEGIES:
With the rain and cooler weather in the QLD growing areas, some items will be affected but no shortage is expected. Beans, Corn, Capsicums, Gold Squash and Iceberg Lettuce are the main products affected- and as said Tomatoes are back in price but still nothing over the top quality wise. Everything else good to go.
New season USA Cherries in stock now (and for the next 7 weeks) and we should have the first of the Australian Truffles by end of next week.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Apple- delicious (VIC) * Banana- cavendish (QLD) * Mandarin (QLD) * Paw Paw- yellow (QLD) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Beetroot (QLD) * Celery (VIC) * Cocktail Chats Potato (SA) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Mushroom - button (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Blood Limes (NSW) * Cherries (Imp- US) * Mango (IMP) * Tangello (QLD)
Vegetable: Asparagus - white (IMP) * Black Radish (NSW) * Habanero Chilli (NSW) * King Brown Mushrooms (IMP) * Roquette Lettuce (NSW) * Roman Beans (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Yellow Butter Bean * Yellow Zucchini
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Longan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 22nd - 28th May
The market overall is settling in for what looks to be a good winter season across both fruit and veggies. Citrus is in abundance, vegetable are in good supply and supply and demand is matching across the range... except for Tomatoes, which we will see back in play within the next 2 weeks.
FRUIT:
No real shorts at all, Rockmelons, Strawberries and Raspberries still holding up in price, but no problems with supply. Plenty to choose from including the imports- USA Cherries, Mexican Mangoes and NZ Gold Kiwi. Also, we will see the first of the USA grapes by middle of next month and with the change in import requirements, they will be cheaper and better quality than in the past! Aussie Blood Oranges will be available beginning of June.
VEGIES:
Just a couple on the upper end of price, but no problems with supply: Broccoli, Red Capsicums (quality), Cucumbers, and Tomatoes (quality and price)!! All the colours are there, the quality is sound and priced to suit.
The cooler weather is affecting the edible flowers supply and limiting the range. On an exciting note, we should see the first of the Aussie Truffles by the second week of June if not earlier and the word is we could be in for our best season (quality wise) to date!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC) * Cherries (imported) * Grape - red seedless (VIC) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Carrot - med/lge (TAS) * Cocktail Chat Potatoes (SA) * Green Beans (QLD) * Heirloom Tomatoes
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Gold Kiwifruit (Imp- NZ) * Tangello (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Turnip (NSW) * Borlotti Bean (QLD) * French Radish (NSW) * Hawaiian Sweet Potato (QLD) * Morel Mushroom- fresh (Imp) * Porcini Mushroom- fresh (Imp) * Purple Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Red Witlof (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Raspberries (expensive ) * Yellow Oyster Mushrooms
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Purple Asparagus
BUYER'S GUIDE: 15th - 21st May
Tomato Agent's dream as prices go through the roof!!
Supply is short but the abnormally high figure is driven by the Market Agents not the farmer. Ever since we grew accustomed to crazy prices for fresh produce after the first QLD cyclone, the market agents are quick to jump- especially Tomato Agents!! In short, tomatoes are available this week but are over the top in price!
As for the rest of the market, very little change. Some slight increases matched by an equal amount of decreases.
FRUIT:
One to watch again this week is Strawberries- which are still holding ground but will come back over the next few weeks.
Rockmelons are still up in price but quality is good- plenty to cover for them this week. Both Watermelons are down in price, as are Honeydews.
Apples, Pears, Kiwifruit & Gold Kiwi, imported Dates, Mandarins, imported Mangoes, New Season Navel Oranges, Pineapples, Dragonfruit & Pomegranates! Go the Fruit!
VEGIES:
Red Light on Tomatoes where possible!
Other ones to watch: Rocket will be available, supply is down, price is up- same with good Lebanese Cucumbers! Sub Gold Squash for Yellow Zucchinis. Baby Caps (Red and Vine Sweet) are NA, the rest is clear.
Artichokes, Cauliflowers, Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Chinese Cabbage, Celery, Celeriac, Chillies, Eggplant, Leeks, Mushrooms, Peas, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini- all good to go.
News: USA Cherries by the end of the week!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Gold Kiwifruit (imported) * Mangoes (imported) * Navel Oranges - lge (SA) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Celery (VIC) * Fresh Green Peas (VIC) * Leek - lge (VIC) * Portabello Mushrooms (NSW) * Red Spanish Onion (SA)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Golden Delicious Apples (VIC) * Cumquats (QLD) * Feijoas (NSW) * Guava (QLD) * Pomegranate (VIC) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetable: Honeycomb - full frame (QLD) * Jap Pumpkins (QLD) * Red Witlof (VIC) * Slippery Jack Mushrooms (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Raspberries (expensive ) * Wild Rocket
Not Available: Baby Red Capsicum * Blood Oranges * Yellow Zucchini
BUYER'S GUIDE: 8th May - 14th May
The cooler weather and the changeover of growing areas is affecting some products (these will hold throughout winter or come back into play once the QLD season switches on in 3 to 4 weeks time).
Main products affected:
Figs: Price on the move and supply slowing as the season comes to an end. SGS will have supply right throughout winter, just watch the cost from June onwards
Grapes: Quality Seedless White and Coloured on the move up in price
Honeydew: QLD season has commenced and it is expected price, quality and supply will hold as is for the winter
Rockmelon: QLD season has commenced, price will hold till the season get into full swing in the next 3 to 4 weeks
Strawberries: Limited supplies at present- eating quality just okay and price right up there. Will change with the QLD Season commencing early June
Tomatoes: QLD- Bowen season about 3 weeks away, expect market to stay high till then
Watermelons: Quality is better in the small size melons for both varieties, price back this week
FRUIT:
Honeydews, Rockmelons & Strawberries the 3 main products to watch out for- price and quality.
Prime Products are Apples, Pears, Citrus, Hass Avocados, Bananas, Pineapples, Kiwifruit, Imported Dates, Dragonfruit, Pomegranates, Pomelos & Quince.
VEGIES:
Tomatoes, Gold Squash, Red Witlof, Gourmet Rocket & Spinach are the mains ones to watch this week- quality, supply and price. Rocket will be short due to poor weather down south.
Prime Products are Artichokes, Beans - Broad, Borlotti, Continental & Green, Broccolini, Cauliflowers, Celery, Eggplant, Cos and Iceberg Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini.
News from WA: Bumper Truffle crop expect this coming season, peaking in July!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Bethonga Pineapple (QLD) * Californian Dates (Import) * Granny Smith Apples- med (VIC) * Kiwifruit- bulk buy (VIC) * Mandarin (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Broccoli (VIC) * Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Celeriac (NSW) * Silverbeet (NSW)- Sweet Potato - lge (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Feijoas (NSW) * Longans (Import) * Mangoes (Import) * Pears - Beuure Bosc (VIC) * Pears - Honey(VIC)
Vegetable: Baby Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Baby Globe Artichoke (NSW) * Habanero Chili- HOT (NSW) * Honeycomb - full frame (QLD) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Red Witlof
Not Available: Baby Red Capsicum * Green Mangoes * Oyster Mushroom- Pink * Oyster Mushroom- Yellow
BUYER'S GUIDE: 1st May - 7th May
It is a good market this week due to supply still outweighing demand for most of the main lines.
PROBLEMS: Rockmelons * Honeydews * Strawberries * Watermelons * Roma Tomatoes
SOLUTIONS: Bananas * Grapes * Kiwifruit * Mandarins * Pineapples * Tomatoes (small)
We are starting to see an increase in Winter lines at the markets and if the weather holds we should have a great winter 'fresh produce' wise. Also worth a mention, as of last week, 90% of Australia's growing regions are classified drought free. Amen!
FRUIT:
Everything except stonefruit, melons (all) and straweberries are in good supply, good eating and well priced.
Apples, Pears, Avocadoes, New Season Navel Oranges, Mandarins, Pineapples, Quinces, Pomegranates and imported mangoes are the picks of the week.
VEGETABLES:
Just Roma Tomatoes, Cherry Truss and Shiso Leaf are the main ones to watch out for this week, otherwise it's a green light from Artichokes to Zucchinis.
Beetroot, Broccoli, Cauliflowers, Continental Cucumbers, Leeks, Sweet Potatoes, Swedes, Butternut Pumpkin and Zucchini are the veggie picks.
NB: New Season Australian Truffles will be available early June. Let the fun begin.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Bethonga Pineapple * Delicious Apples -med (VIC) * Grapefruit - Marsh (QLD) * Mandarin (QLD) * Pomegranate (NSW)
Vegetable: Beetroot - large (TAS) * Celeriac (NSW) * Leek - large (VIC) * Sweet Potato - large (QLD) * Zucchini - green (VIC)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Mango (Imported) * Mangosteen (Imported) * Papaya- green/cooking (QLD) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Globe Atichokes (NSW) * Baby Purple Carrots (NSW) * Roman (continental) Beans (NSW) * Red Witlof (VIC) * Tomato- Bella Rossa (NSW) * Tomato - Heirloom Mix (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Cherry Truss Tomatoes * Longan
Not Available: Broad Bean * Rambutan * Shiso Leaf
BUYER'S GUIDE: 24th Apr - 30th Apr
Thankfully the wet has not had the expected negative affect on quality and supply this week, so the markets are performing much as they have for the last fortnight. Main items to watch out for are Melons (quality and price on all lines) and Tomatoes (just the quality- not at their best).
Fruit:
Clean slate and plenty to chose from. Stonefruit is O V E R. Imported Mexican Mangoes are on market this week as are the last of the late variety Brooks Mangoes. Blueberries are up in price, with supply shortening. As for the rest clear sailing!
Vegetables:
Just a few items to watch. Asparagus (price), Butter beans (quality and price), Yellow Capsicums & Gold Squash (price), Sweet Corn (price- as we move from local to QLD supply) and Cauliflowers (quality not a problem, just hold in price again this week). As for the rest, it's good to go.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Bethonga Pineapple (QLD) * Grapes - red seedless (VIC)* Mandarin (QLD) * Oranges - juicing No2 (NSW) * Strawberries - medium (VIC)
Vegetables:
Baby Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Broccoli (VIC) * Celery (VIC) * Leek - large (VIC) * Kipfler Potatoes (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit:
Corella Pears (NSW) * Feijoa (NSW) * Mangosteen (QLD) * Papaya - green/cooking (QLD) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetables:
Baby Globe Artichokes (NSW) * Baby Gold Beetroot (NSW) * Roman Beans- aka Continental (NSW) * Savoy Cabbage (NSW) * Tuscan Cabbage (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Bella Rossa Tomatoes * Longans
Not Available:
Broad Beans * Nectarines * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 17th Apr- 23rd Apr
Another good week, much the same as the last. Main problem items Rockmelons, Honeydews & Seedless Watermelons.
Fruit:
Apples, Pears, New Season Hass Avocados, Bananas, Feijoas, Figs, Guavas, Grapes, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mandarins, Papaws & Pineapples. On the move up in price but still great quality are Blueberries, Strawberries, Oranges and Passionfruit. Bye Bye to Peaches & Nectarines and Plums in another week.
Vegetables:
Artichokes, Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, All Cabbage, Eggplant, Fennel, Leeks, Iceberg & Cos Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Spuds & Zucchini. Tomatoes holding price and quality. Moving up in price - Broccoli, Cauliflowers & Gold Squash.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Delicious Apples - med (VIC) * Fig Tray (NSW) * Grapes - red seedless (VIC)* Kiwifruit (VIC) * Mandarin (QLD)
Vegetables:
Celery (VIC) * Globe Artichoke (NSW) * Iceberg Lettuce (VIC) * Leek - large (VIC) * Mushrooms - cup (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Chestnuts (VIC)
Fruit:
New Season Avocado (QLD) * New Season Pink Lady apples (NSW) * Mangosteen (QLD) * Papaya - green/cooking (QLD) * New Season Quince (QLD) * Tamarillos- red (NSW)
Vegetables:
Baby Gold Beetroot (NSW) * Horseradish (SA) * Jicama aka Water yam (QLD)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Broad Beans * Butter Bean - yellow
Not Available:
Nectarine * Peach * Rambutan