Current market conditions indicate seasonal availability and pricing for various produce items across Australia, based on reports from Graham Gee, senior buyer at The Happy Apple in Melbourne, and Michael Simonetta, owner of La Frutteria in Sydney.
Stone Fruits
Apricots are currently available, with Victorian varieties being consumed, and Tasmanian varieties anticipated by the end of the month. Prices range from $5 to $8 per kilogram. Graham Gee identified the moorpark apricot for its flavor. Nectarines are approximately $5 per kilogram, while yellow and white peaches are around $4 per kilogram in supermarkets. Flat peaches are priced at approximately $10 per kilogram. Flat nectarines, a newer market introduction, are priced at about $1 each but have limited availability.
Other Fruits
Lychees are selling for $18 to $20 per kilogram in supermarkets. Erdon Lee lychees were noted for their size and flavor. Watermelon is priced at approximately $2 per kilogram.
Cherries are expected to be available for another six to eight weeks, with Victorian varieties like Regina and Sylvia continuing to arrive due to a late season. Tasmanian cherries are noted for quality, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per kilogram for larger varieties. Strawberries are experiencing a later season following cold spring months in Victoria, characterized by their red color, sweetness, and aroma, selling for approximately $2 per punnet.
New grape varieties such as sweet globe, ruby rush, crispy dream, and sweet sapphire are noted to be performing well, with their season extending into autumn. Sweet sapphire grapes are approximately $5 per punnet, while candy snap varieties are around $8.50 per punnet in supermarkets.
Mangoes remain of good quality, but prices have increased as the Northern Territory season concludes and the North Queensland season nears its end. Mangoes are currently priced between $3 and $5 each. Limes are abundant.
Vegetables
Sweetcorn from South Australia and Victoria is becoming abundant, with Gee selling it for approximately $1 per cob. Supermarket prices range from $1.70 to $2 per cob. Green beans, sugar snap peas, and snow peas are also noted for their quality. Gee suggests selecting hand-picked green beans to reduce bruising, with these selling for $8 to $10 per kilogram, compared to $6.50 to $7.50 per kilogram in supermarkets. Sugar snap pea prices are anticipated to decrease to approximately $10 per kilogram soon. Tomatoes of various types are in plentiful supply, priced between $4 and $6 per kilogram at La Frutteria. Baby cos lettuce is priced from $2 to $4 per head, and iceberg lettuce is $2 to $3 per head in supermarkets.
Supply Overview
Currently Available:
- Apricots
- Australian grapes
- Avocado
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Limes
- Lychees
- Mangoes (season ending)
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Plums
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Anticipated Changes:
- Lemons: Supply expected to increase soon.
- Sugar snaps: Prices likely to decrease soon.
Limited Supply:
- Bananas
- Brussels sprouts
- Red capsicum