Strawberries are once again the standout in the berry category, with strong growth in both

revenue and volume helping to lift overall performance. Their peak season availability, supported

by competitive pricing and strong shopper demand, is driving the category forward.

Blueberries also delivered positive results this week, with both revenue and volume increasing as

supply and quality supported stronger in-store movement. This uplift was expected, as key

growing regions, particularly the Coffs Coast, experienced a reprieve from wet weather, with

sunshine and warmer days providing ideal picking conditions. This has allowed supply to better

reflect the true position of crops as they head toward peak.

Raspberries softened slightly, with small declines in both revenue and volume reflecting tighter

supply and a slower sales pace. Supply has been inconsistent, with waves of smaller availability

followed by lulls, creating price fluctuations week to week.

Blackberries continue to struggle, with sharp declines in both revenue and volume highlighting

the ongoing seasonal challenges facing this line.

Overall, strawberries are carrying the category, supported by blueberries, while raspberries have

eased and blackberries supply stays constrained.

COFFS COAST BLUEBERRIES

Last week, the region saw volumes increase up to five times compared to the prior

week, with a significant rise in quality issues across the board. Retailers are being selective,

given the abundance of fruit and competition with strawberries for shelf space. Thus, we expect

an increase in rejections.

This week, volumes are expected to continue rising as the weather remains favourable, with dry

and sunny conditions supporting full-day harvesting. Temperatures are forecast at 8–12°C

overnight and 19–23°C during the day, with light winds (9–15 km/h) from varying directions. A

couple of showers on Tuesday and Sunday may temporarily slow harvesting and create typical

post-rain quality issues such as mould, splits, tears, and rots.

Early in the week, volumes may be smaller and consistent; however, as picking ramps up over

the next few weeks, we encourage growers to monitor their harvest and ensure their teams are

conducting a clean pick to maintain a long shelf life while we progress discussions on moving

demand for space in stores with retailers. Space in store is allocated 7-10 days in advance, and

based on prior forecasts, the Blueberry category was not at a price point or consistency to allow

for extra display. We expect this to change within the next week, but in the short term, we will

only have limited incremental space available in-store.

Please ensure that your daily forecasts are as accurate as possible, as we make plans based on

the information that is provided. We also expect some larger pack sizes to start to make their

way into the market next week, with some retailers looking to open up on 300g in-store as we

begin to move below the main season.

NORTHERN RIVERS BLUEBERRIES

The Northern Rivers is set for mostly favourable harvesting conditions this

week. Temperatures will range from 7–11°C overnight to 19–26°C during the day, with light

winds across the region. Monday and Tuesday may see a few showers or cloudy periods, while

the remainder of the week is expected to be mostly sunny, providing a solid window for fieldwork.

Volumes have been building steadily, and with these conditions, picking is expected to continue

ramping up as fields dry out and crews can work consistently through blocks. Early in the week,

showers may temporarily slow harvesting in some areas, but overall, volumes are likely to

increase steadily.

The key focus remains on fruit quality. Earlier rain has left some post-harvest challenges,

including mould, splits, and tears. The upcoming run of dry, sunny days should support improved

quality outcomes, but growers are encouraged to maintain careful harvesting and sorting

practices. Far North Queensland – The outlook for early September in the Tolga region shows warm, dry,

and stable conditions. Daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 27–30°C, with

overnight lows in the mid-teens. Rainfall chances remain very low (1–7% most days), and breezy

easterly winds will persist throughout the week. Sunshine and high UV levels (often rated very

high) are also expected across most days.

For growers, these conditions are favourable for ripening and harvest. The consistent warmth

supports crop development, while the ongoing dry spell reduces disease pressure and helps

maintain fruit quality. Overall, the stable, dry forecast underpins good picking conditions and

steady supply into September.

Regional volumes are now in steady decline, consistent with the typical season winding down by

November.

RASPBERRIES

Supply continues from Victoria, though volumes remain inconsistent, leading to occasional lulls in

availability. Quality is strong across the board, with good shelf life, attractive colour, and excellent

eating quality.

STRAWBERRIES

Queensland is right in the middle of peak strawberry production, with strong volumes expected to

continue for the next 2–3 weeks before the season begins its rapid decline. From October,

supply will transition smoothly into Victorian and South Australian production.

Quality has improved as weather and harvesting conditions stabilise, reducing earlier defects

such as mould. Retail availability is strong, with strawberries taking up most berry shelf space.

While volumes remain high, the combination of plentiful supply and improved quality is keeping

the category very visible and actively moving in the market.