The berry category delivered mixed results this week. Blueberries led the charge, with volumes

up 14.0%, while strawberries lifted modestly by 3.4%. In contrast, raspberries and blackberries

softened, leaving overall category performance relatively subdued despite the blueberry surge.

Blueberries were the standout performer this week, driven by increasing availability as the

category shifts between southern growing regions and the early start of North Queensland

supply.

The Victorian season is winding down with around two to three weeks remaining. This coincides

closely with the end of the New Zealand import season, which is likely to finish at the same time

or about a week later. There is also some volume coming from the Coffs Coast, North Burnett,

and Toowoomba QLD regions, creating a mix of fruit quality but strong overall supply across

multiple regions.

Wholesale pricing remains robust, supported by strong retail demand ahead of the Easter period.

Strawberries recorded moderate growth as the autumn flush continues in southern regions.

Supply along the East Coast is mainly coming out of VIC and Tasmania, with smaller volumes

from WA, SA, and scattered eastern states regions. The current season is expected to run for

another 4–5 weeks.

Over in WA, In the past week volume has declined and price on central markets has increased

as a result – demand will be good this week leading into Easter, but retailers are cautious about

pushing price too high as there is an expected drop in demand from Thursday with school

holidays starting

Raspberries volume eased 12% week on week Nationally, with most of the supply coming from

Tasmania and the Coffs Coast regions.

The Coffs Coast is currently in peak season. Volumes have been steadily increasing in the

weeks leading up to now and are expected to remain consistent over the next four weeks and will

then gradually taper.

Wholesale channels are still seeing some lower-grade and quality-affected fruit in the market, but

there’s been a notable improvement in fruit quality across both retail and wholesale over the past

five days. While volumes from Tasmania were slightly lower this past week, Tasmanian

raspberries continue to command a premium due to their strong and reliable quality.

Blackberries also eased slightly, with wholesale prices at $2–$4 per punnet depending on size

and quality. Overall, Blackberry quality is stable, though volumes remain moderate.