In fruit: Lots of very good fruit both this week and in the pipeline for next week. In mangoes, it will be hard to pick between honeygolds and KPs; they are both at their peak, however it's not a good year for North Queensland KPs, so I feel the honeygolds will be the best value we have. With cherries being short for Christmas, there is a lot of pressure on lychees which are very good but any of the top varieties are very dear. The best eating varieties of apricots have now started - beautiful to eat, however again fairly expensive. In peaches and nectarines, excellent choices are available. I believe the best value, best tasting peaches are yellow peaches. This may change next week.
As often happens at Christmas, limes are now significantly cheaper than lemons. I will be buying limes. Our Aussie navels are not standing up to all this rain, and we will switch over to Valencia's this week. They don’t look fantastic, but are full of juice and will keep. Raspberries and strawberries are both very good and quite reasonably priced. We still have plenty of top value topless pineapples, papaya and bananas in our stores, and that should continue through to Christmas.
In veg: I am pleased to report that due to better weather down South, quality and supply of most lines look promising for the festive season. Red caps are easing a little, and we will have the cheaper nets in store as the week goes on. Corn is also easing, and we are seeing some excellent quality premium eggplant at cheaper prices in our stores.
