Australian Seasonal Produce Market Overview: Availability and Pricing

Australian Produce Market Overview: Seasonal Availability and Pricing Insights

An overview of the current Australian produce market indicates the availability and pricing of various fruits and vegetables, based on insights from independent grocers and market analysts across Melbourne and Sydney.

This report details items currently in season, those transitioning out, and anticipated supply changes across Melbourne and Sydney.

Seasonal Fruits

Apricots are currently available, with Victorian varieties in supply. Tasmanian varieties are anticipated by the end of the month. Prices range from $5 to $8 per kilogram, with the Moorpark variety specifically mentioned.

Nectarines are priced at approximately $5 per kilogram. Flat nectarines are also available, priced at about $1 each, though their supply is limited.

Yellow and white peaches are around $4 per kilogram in supermarkets. Flat peaches are priced higher, at approximately $10 per kilogram. Clingstone peaches are anticipated to remain available through the end of March.

Lychees are selling for $18 to $20 per kilogram in supermarkets. The Erdon Lee variety was specifically mentioned.

Watermelon is priced at approximately $2 per kilogram. Honeydew and rockmelon are also readily available, though their prices are currently increasing.

Cherries are expected to be available for another six to eight weeks, with Victorian varieties such as Regina and Sylvia continuing to arrive. Tasmanian cherries were noted for their quality.

The cherry season is nearing its conclusion, with prices for larger varieties ranging from $20 to $50 per kilogram.

Following cold spring months in Victoria, strawberries are experiencing a later season. They are currently selling for approximately $2 per punnet.

New varieties of grapes, including sweet globe, ruby rush, crispy dream, and sweet sapphire, are available, with their season extending into autumn. Sweet sapphire grapes are approximately $5 per punnet, and candy snap varieties are around $8.50 per punnet in supermarkets. Seedless black, green, and red varieties benefit from strong supply due to favorable growing conditions, with observed prices around $5 per kilogram, a decrease from earlier in the season.

Figs are currently abundant, with prices decreasing since their initial arrival in February.

New season apple and pear varieties, such as Royal Galas and Ginger Golds, are now available. Pink Lady and Granny Smith varieties are anticipated closer to April.

Plums are available, with specific mention of the Queen Garnett variety.

Limes are currently abundant.

Blackberries are currently available.

Seasonal Vegetables

Sweetcorn, sourced from South Australia and Victoria, is becoming abundant. Prices are approximately $1 per cob at independent grocers, rising to $1.70 to $2 per cob in supermarkets.

Hand-picked green beans are priced at $8 to $10 per kilogram. Supermarket prices for green beans range from $6.50 to $7.50 per kilogram.

Sugar snap pea prices are anticipated to decrease to approximately $10 per kilogram soon.

Various types of tomatoes are in plentiful supply, priced between $4 and $6 per kilogram at independent grocers.

In supermarkets, baby cos lettuce is priced from $2 to $4 per head, and iceberg lettuce is $2 to $3 per head.

Smaller, paler Lebanese zucchini are currently available.

Produce Transitioning Out or with Limited Supply

The mango season is concluding, leading to increased prices. Varieties are shifting from Calypso to Keitts as the Northern Territory season ends and the North Queensland season nears its conclusion.

The mango season is concluding, with increased prices and varieties shifting as supply dwindles. Mangoes are currently priced between $3 and $5 each.

Hass Avocados will be available for a few more weeks before the Shepard variety becomes dominant for approximately one to one and a half months.

Bananas, Brussels Sprouts, and Red Capsicum are currently in limited supply.

Supply of lemons is expected to increase soon.