In Veg:
I have been doing this job for a bit over fifty years and this is about as difficult as it gets. The only time as tough was in 1974 after the floods.
Until North Queensland gets underway (should be in a few weeks time) there won’t be much relief. Lettuce has now hit $100 dollars a box - I think it is double the previous record high. All prepacked salad lines are just as difficult to procure. Tomatoes, broccoli and caulies are all very expensive too.
The only relief is that we have a fantastic line of Spanish onions in all our stores that are great quality and inexpensive. Fennel is still reasonable and red capsicums are coming back in price. I wish I had better news!
In Fruit:
Fruit is far better supplied than vegetables. We have fantastic Kanzi apples in all our stores at a bargain price. As well bananas that are excellent quality and cheap. All pears are great value and as we wait for the berries to get going, I am enjoying the Gold Kiwi from New Zealand. Strawberries remain quite expensive, but are now eating superbly!
