Raspberries showed a notable turnaround this week, climbing 4.0% in volume and 3.1% in revenue after several weeks of decline. This uplift has been driven by improved production out of the Coffs Coast and Far North QLD growing regions, which is encouraging as the season approaches its lull. Fruit quality remains high. 

Strawberries, on the other hand, continue to trend downward, with revenue down 7.4% and volume falling 8.1%. As we transition into the winter season, volume build remains slow week-on-week. However, pricing is expected to hold steady in the short term. 

Blackberries also declined this week, with revenue down 6.9% and volume down 7.1%, continuing their recent downward trend. 

Blueberries 

North QLD – Mild and mostly dry conditions are forecast, with temperatures between 22–28°C and minimal rainfall expected. Increasing cloud cover and steady easterly winds will support harvest activity, though growers should remain mindful of humidity and past rainfall impacts. 

Coffs Coast – Industry volume continues to build, with increased pressure on quality. 

Blueberry volume has continued to climb this week, driven by steady increases out of the Coffs Coast and Northern Rivers growing regions. At the same time, pricing is continuing to soften, reflecting a more competitive market as supply ramps up. Alongside this increase in volume, we are seeing a rise in quality issues, particularly mould, splits, shrivel, and rots moving through the network. While this is somewhat expected following the high rainfall experienced in Coffs during May, we urge all growers to maintain strict quality control prior to dispatch. Retailers are closely monitoring fruit condition, especially as prices remain relatively high – so delivering clean, well-graded product is critical during this transitional period. 

 Raspberries 

Weather conditions remain favourable across most growing regions over the next 7 days, with some light rain forecast for next Monday and Tuesday in select areas.  Volumes continue to decline week-on-week as we move toward the tail end of the season. Despite this, fruit quality remains strong across the board. 

Strawberries 

Winter season strawberry volume build continues to be slow week on week and prices are expected to hold at current levels for another week. Overall Quality is reported as good across all markets.