Compared with last week’s broad-based pressure, this week shows a more polarised performance across the category. Total berry revenue has lifted modestly week on week despite a decline in overall volume, indicating strong growth in select lines is offsetting continued throughput softness elsewhere.

Strawberries experienced a decline across both revenue and volume week on week. Volume has fallen more materially than revenue, suggesting some pricing resilience remains, however reduced movement continues to weigh on overall contribution. Strawberry supply on the East Coast remains light, with market floors reporting prices between $4 and $5 for good quality fruit.

On the West Coast, the temperature range for most of this week is forecast to be lows of 10 to 11 degrees and highs of 22 to 26 degrees in the Southwest growing region. These conditions should help increase berry size, improve packout conversion on farms, and the market may expect to see a slight increase in volume as a result.

Blueberries delivered solid growth across both metrics, with revenue and volume increasing week on week. The aligned uplift points to improved availability and steady demand absorption, with pricing holding firm alongside stronger throughput.

Domestic availability is small but consistent, mostly out of Tasmania and Victoria with Australian fruit returning premium prices due to import NZ volumes incoming with an increase in retail and wholesale markets however quality challenges on NZ imported fruit continue with an increase in retail rejected fruit noted in local wholesale markets as well as directly delivered lower spec fruit.

The upcoming weather in the VIC commences with humid conditions and significant rainfall, including severe weather warnings and a flood watch, which may disrupt harvesting and impact fruit quality in the short term. Conditions then stabilise from mid-week, with drier, warmer days and increased sunshine expected, supporting improved growing conditions and more consistent picking through the back half of the week.

Raspberries softened moderately, with both revenue and volume declining week on week. The proportional movement suggests relatively stable pricing conditions, although reduced availability continues to weigh on overall category contribution.

Volume availability remains steady, with overall supply limited, but consistent movement over the past few weeks continues to support sales. Quality feedback indicates that the most common issue in the market is overripe fruit, which is driving lower sale prices due to the need to sell quickly.

The upcoming weather in the Coffs growing region is expected to be warm and mostly sunny, with periods of humidity and occasional light showers midweek and over the weekend, providing generally favourable but somewhat variable conditions for raspberry growth.

Blackberries also moved lower across both revenue and volume, with volume declining more noticeably. This indicates some underlying price support remains, however reduced throughput is limiting overall value growth.

Supply is predominantly coming out of Tasmania, with fruit quality reported as good and consistent, supporting pricing despite softer movement.