Australian Markets Observe Autumn Produce Shift and Price Fluctuations

Australia's Autumn Harvest: A Market Update

Reports from various market sources across Australia, including Melbourne and Sydney, indicate a notable shift in produce availability as autumn progresses. New season fruits like mandarins, apples, and pears are entering the markets, alongside specific autumn vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and a wider range of root vegetables. While some summer fruits like mangoes and cherries are nearing the end of their season, others like grapes continue to show strong supply. Market conditions are also influencing pricing, with some items seeing price decreases due to abundance and others experiencing increases.

A notable shift in produce availability marks autumn's progress, with new season fruits and vegetables entering markets while summer crops conclude.

Seasonal Fruit Outlook

Autumn brings a fresh wave of new season fruits:

• Mandarins: New season winter mandarins have commenced.
• Apples and Pears: New season varieties of apples (Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden, Missile, Royal Gala, Ginger Gold) and pears (Corella, Nashi) are now available. Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples are anticipated closer to April.
• Pomegranates, Persimmons, and Quince: These fruits are noted as being in season.
• Chestnuts: Typically available from mid-March through July.

Stone Fruits:
Apricots are currently available, with Victorian varieties being consumed and Tasmanian varieties expected by month-end, priced between $5 and $8 per kilogram. Nectarines are approximately $5 per kilogram, while yellow and white peaches are around $4 per kilogram. Flat peaches are priced at approximately $10 per kilogram. Quality stone fruit, including plums and Clingstone peaches, is expected through the end of March. Flat nectarines are a newer market introduction, priced at about $1 each with limited availability.

Grapes:
New varieties such as Sweet Globe, Ruby Rush, Crispy Dream, and Sweet Sapphire are performing well, with their season extending into autumn. Sweet Sapphire grapes are approximately $5 per punnet, and Candy Snap varieties are around $8.50 per punnet. Overall, grape value has been noted to improve, with prices reaching around $5 per kilogram for quality fruit.

Melons:
Honeydew, rockmelon, and watermelon are readily available, though prices are increasing. Watermelon is approximately $2 per kilogram.

Cherries:
Expected to be available for another six to eight weeks, with Victorian varieties continuing to arrive. Tasmanian cherries have been noted for quality, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per kilogram for larger varieties. The season is nearing its end.

Mangoes:
The season is concluding, with varieties shifting from Calypso to Keitts. Prices have increased, ranging between $3 and $5 each.

Strawberries:
Experiencing a later season following cold spring months in Victoria, selling for approximately $2 per punnet.

Figs:
Prices have decreased since their February arrival, with an abundance of ripe figs reported.

Avocados:
Hass avocados will be available for a few more weeks before the Shepard variety becomes dominant for approximately 1 to 1.5 months.

Lychees:
Selling for $18 to $20 per kilogram. Erdon Lee lychees have been noted for their size and flavor.

Limes:
Currently abundant.

Blackberries:
Available.

Seasonal Vegetable Snapshot

Autumn brings a robust selection of vegetables to the market:

• Brussels sprouts: Now in season, though some reports indicate limited supply.
• Cabbages: Varieties such as savoy, green, purple, and wombok are available.
• Leafy Greens: Endive and rape are in season. Cavelo nero, kale, and silverbeet are expected to become more tender and higher quality as winter progresses.
• Leeks: Increasingly available.
• Root Vegetables: Shoppers are seeking sweet potatoes, with more root vegetables like turnips, parsnips, and celeriac becoming available and affordable through April.

Sweetcorn:
From South Australia and Victoria is becoming abundant, priced at approximately $1 per cob, with supermarket prices ranging from $1.70 to $2 per cob.

Green Beans:
Noted for quality, hand-picked varieties sell for $8 to $10 per kilogram, compared to $6.50 to $7.50 per kilogram in supermarkets.

Sugar Snap Peas and Snow Peas:
Also noted for quality. Sugar snap pea prices are anticipated to decrease to approximately $10 per kilogram soon.

Tomatoes:
Various types are in plentiful supply, priced between $4 and $6 per kilogram.

Zucchini:
Smaller, paler Lebanese zucchini are at their peak for affordability and quality.

Lettuce:
Baby cos lettuce is priced from $2 to $4 per head, and iceberg lettuce is $2 to $3 per head.

Market Trends & Supply Insights

The transition into autumn has brought new seasonal produce to Australian markets, while some summer crops are concluding their harvest.

• Apricots
• Australian grapes
• Avocado
• Blackberries
• Cherries
• Green beans
• Lettuce
• Limes
• Lychees
• Mangoes (season ending)
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Plums
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Zucchini

• Lemons: Supply is expected to increase soon.
• Sugar Snap Peas: Prices are likely to decrease soon.

Limited Supply Noted:

• Bananas
• Brussels sprouts
• Red capsicum

Market observers indicate that predicting price fluctuations remains challenging, partly due to factors such as fuel costs. The emphasis on seasonality by food educators and market owners influences purchasing decisions and menu planning.

Market Sources

Information was gathered from various market vendors and industry professionals including Chef Helly Raichura, Oriana Camuglia and Patrick Capuano from Preston Market, Graham Gee (senior buyer at The Happy Apple in Melbourne), Michael Simonetta (owner of La Frutteria in Sydney), Karima Hazim (cook and food educator), and Dominic Mollica (owner of MnM Fruit, sourcing from Melbourne's wholesale market).