The berry category held steady this week, with strong growth in blueberries helping to offset softness in strawberries. Total berry volume rose +1.6% week-on-week, while revenue remained relatively flat, easing -0.8%. 

Blueberries were again the standout performer, delivering a +24.5% lift in volume and a +11.9% increase in revenue. Raspberries and blackberries also performed well, with raspberry volume up +12.9% and revenue rising +5.6%, while blackberries lifted +18.3% in volume and +6.1% in revenue. 

Strawberries, however, saw a reversal from last week’s growth, with volume declining -8.4% and revenue down -10.4%. The reduction in supply is temporary, driven by ongoing rain in the SEQ growing regions. Despite this, the strength across blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries helped balance out the category, mitigating the impact of the strawberry decline. 

Blueberries

 Coffs Coast – Volume continues to climb week on week. Cooler temperatures and patchy rainfall are expected across the growing region this week, with rain peaking from Friday through Monday. While the early part of the week should support steady harvest conditions, the incoming wet weather may lead to short-term harvest delays and could begin to impact blueberry quality if prolonged. 

Strong volume continues out of FNQ. Warm, dry conditions are forecast this week, with temperatures consistently in the high 20s and minimal rainfall expected. These stable conditions are ideal for harvesting and should support continued strong blueberry volumes while maintaining quality. 

Strawberries

 Strawberry supply during the winter season remains inconsistent due to persistent wet weather in the SEQ growing regions. While reports indicate that volumes are reaching peak levels, the frequent rainfall continues to disrupt harvests. This results in fluctuating supply patterns, with periods of high availability followed by reduced volumes across both retail and wholesale markets. 

Raspberries

 Raspberry supply remains elevated, with multiple suppliers continuing to drive strong volume into the market — up nearly 13% week-on-week. Retail pricing remains relatively flat, and with school holidays wrapping up, we may see a lift in demand help stabilise performance in the coming weeks.