“Tomatoes, during the winter months, are expected to remain at the higher kilo price points, due to being difficult to grow during lower light days and colder weather.”
And as winter approaches with a cold snap, Prendergast said the plentiful supply of vegetables available on the market now would slow.
“This week, we are getting a cold snap and this will slow up growth and reduce what is available in the market and reverse the plentiful supply we are seeing now.
“The weather’s been warm and wet which was producing good volumes; now, as we head into winter, growth slows. My message [is] buy in season always and this will generally mean you will get good value fruit and vegetables.”
Jerry Prendergast’s weekly best buys:
Broccoli & leafy greens
Average price: $2-2.50
Virtually all green-leaf vegetables for the next few days are good value, however, this will change with the colder snap. Examples of this range of good-value leafy greens are silverbeet, celery and spinach.
The cos lettuce and iceberg lettuce range is around $3-$4 each and cauliflower $3-$4.50.
Kiwifruit
Average price: $3-4kg (gold kiwifruit)
The value of kiwifruit is peaking as we see large export pack-out volumes. This extra volume will not last for long.
Mandarins
Average price: $4-6kg (depending on size)
The retail price is going to vary, due to quality and fruit size. The larger size fruit will demand a higher price compared to smaller size fruit.
You will also see retail stores running mandarin specials as loss leaders as they are a great draw card for consumers.
