15/12/2025
Fresh produce prices usually rise in the lead-up to Christmas – mainly because of higher demand – but this year, prices have largely remained reasonable (if not downright cheap). But as always, there are some notable exceptions.
Most fruit is excellent value: nectarines, peaches, apricots, white grapes, mangoes, bananas, all berries (except blackberries), limes, papaya, grapefruit and watermelons are all good value. Rockmelons appear pricey, but they’re large.
But cherries – as is often the case in the week before Christmas – are starting to tighten. This is as much a function of stronger demand as it is of reduced supply: the further we get into the season, the greater the chance of crop losses due to wet & wild weather. Whilst growing regions in northern Victoria have had steady conditions, Orange and Young have struggled with rain and hail. Nevertheless, the quality is excellent – and still under $20 a kilo (with the 2kg box at $17.50/kg).
Apples and pears are still available, if you must… Also, pineapples remain scarce.
In vegetables, the news is even better: corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans, snow peas, sugar snap, continental cucumbers, basil, mint, all lettuces, celery, mushrooms, garlic, pumpkin, zucchini and all tomatoes varieties are cheap. Even onions and potatoes are edging down.
Still expensive: red capsicums and cauliflowers.
All-in-all, it looks like a bumper Christmas crop!
