The berry category is in a state of transition, with different berries moving through their respective

seasonal phases.

Overall, blueberries are shaping up to take over as the category’s primary growth driver, with

blackberries providing added support. Strawberries remain plentiful but are edging closer to

seasonal decline, while raspberries continue to face challenges with consistency.

Blueberries are the key watchpoint as the industry charges towards peak season. The shift into

larger formats such as 170g is taking hold, with 300g packs beginning to flow — the strongest

indicator of volume building at scale. While revenue has shown some stability, volumes remain

uneven week to week, reflecting the market still finding balance as supply builds.

Strawberries, while still in heavy supply, are clearly on the back end of their peak. The

combination of significant price pressure and strong quality across the market is accelerating

movement, but indications are the current season has around 3–4 weeks left before transitioning

into Victorian and South Australian production.

Raspberries continue to experience up-and-down performance, with fluctuations in both volume

and quality. These swings are translating into inconsistent shelf presence and pricing, making the

line less predictable for retailers.

Blackberries stood out this week, recording strong growth in both revenue and volume,

suggesting supply has improved and shelf presence is strengthening.

Blueberries

This week marks the staggered transition into 170g packs, with Woolworths and Aldi moving in

Queensland, and Coles shifting in New South Wales. The 300g pack is also commencing, which

is the strongest indicator of industry-wide volume availability.

From week commencing 16 September, all retailers will move into 170g across QLD, NSW and

VIC. We encourage all growers to stay in close contact with us for guidance on packing formats

and dispatch destinations.

Coffs Coast – We’re seeing volumes from the region really ramp up, and we expect this trend to

continue. This week’s weather outlook is favourable, with plenty of sunshine and only scattered

showers. Warm days paired with cool nights are supporting strong fruit development, helping

maintain harvest momentum and setting us up for consistent supply as we move toward peak

season.

Northern Rivers – Strong and increasing volumes are coming out of Northern NSW, supported by

a favourable weather outlook of mostly sunny days with only light, scattered showers. Warm

daytime temperatures combined with cool nights are driving fruit size and quality, setting up

steady supply through September.

Far North Queensland – Volume out of the region remains strong, though growers are now on a

gradual decline as the season moves toward its tail end. Warm, mostly sunny conditions with

only brief showers are supporting steady harvest progress.

While high UV and the chance of isolated thunderstorms may create minor harvest interruptions

this week, overall weather remains favourable for sustaining fruit quality and supply levels.

Raspberries

Supply and quality out of Victoria remain mixed, with inconsistent volumes keeping us in a

quieter period. While fruit continues to present well on shelf, numbers are expected to lift over the

next 3–4 weeks as production builds.

Strawberries

The market remains consistent, with good quality fruit across the board during a period of high

supply. Queensland is now in the back end of peak production, with around 2–3 weeks remaining

before volumes transition south into Victoria and South Australia from October. Retail presence

remains strong as strawberries continue to dominate shelf space.