Christmas shopping this year could be more costly than your usual run-of-the-mill celebrations—key ingredients like cherries and lobster are all set to arrive in wonderful condition, but they won’t come cheap.

While farmers and fishermen work hard all year to provide the highest quality produce, the weather, market demands, and increasing overheads affect what you'll find on store shelves.

Let’s start with cherries.

After suffering through a tough year last year, cherry farmers have something to cheer about in summer 2023-24 with more favourable weather conditions, making for abundant crops and excellent quality fruits.

Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and South Australian cherry grower Nick Noske said consumers would be glad about the quality of cherries this year.

Quality cherries and lobsters won’t come cheap. Credit: Unsplash

'It has almost been a sort of perfect growing season so far,' he said.

‘It seems to be a pretty similar situation across the board…I've seen some great fruit in supermarkets already.’

But this doesn’t automatically mean a better deal for consumers.

Despite more cherries on trees, growers still have to cover their increasing overheads.

Nick explained, 'Costs have gone up a lot for growers, and they do need to get a reasonable return.'

‘Chile, who is our biggest competitor in the overseas market, is having a pretty tough season … So strong export demand might hold the domestic price up a bit.’

Nick’s best guess for how much you’ll pay for cherries this Christmas? 'A little bit less, with some better fruit, but I wouldn’t expect cheap.'

Now, let’s talk about lobsters.

Prices have already increased for lobsters due to Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobsters despite the strong domestic and international markets.

Managing Director of lobster retailer Ferguson Australia, Andrew Ferguson, mentioned that prices increased around the same time last year.

‘The beach price has been higher, and fishermen have caught pretty well,’ he said.

‘They [fishers] are a bit choosy about when they go fishing. If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’

The seafood retailer used to sell whole-cooked fresh southern rock lobster at $110 per kilogram, whole-cooked frozen at $110 per kilogram, and live lobsters at $95.

Andrew said that the domestic market has been selling lobsters, especially during Christmas, in the past years.

‘We do a lot with the supermarkets with the half lobsters, which is going quite well,’ he said.

Despite the slightly higher price increase, Andrew ensured that consumers would likely be happy with the quality and condition of the lobsters but mentioned that they may not get a large one yet.

‘The quality is very good at the moment…We don't see those [large lobsters] come back into the catch in any large volume until very close to Christmas,’ he said.

‘It is always the same every year.’

As for future prices, Andrew reckoned if the Chinese government lifts restrictions on Australian rock lobster imports, prices won’t immediately return to pre-COVID-19 highs.

Having recently returned from China, Andrew reported that the economic conditions, along with the competitive seafood market, may keep prices lower, allowing more Australian consumers to afford than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I don’t think we will see the price hikes immediately that we would expect because we will have to find our way again,’ he said.

Despite the rising costs of goods and services, Australians are still gearing up to spend more on Christmas this year. According to a report, 1,014 shoppers nationwide plan to spend 16 per cent more on items this year. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• Favourites such as lobsters and cherries are expected to maintain their higher prices this Christmas due to various factors, including overhead costs for growers.
• The outlook for cherry growers for summer 2023-24 is promising, with more favourable weather conditions, although international pressures may sustain high prices.
• The Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobster have seen a modest price increase, reflecting the strong domestic and international market.
• While high quality is expected for both cherries and lobsters, consumers should not expect the costs of these items to drop significantly from last year.

Members, do you plan on getting cherries and lobsters for the holidays? Where do you get these fresh and quality products? Share them in the comments below!

 

[Abby2]

I have been getting cherries for the past 3 weeks and they are YUmmy beside being natures antibiotic
So never mind waiting till Xmas for me.

Albo made sure we won't get any Lobsters as he sold them all to China - of course they will be available to the Politicians.

 

[NotNats]

Christmas shopping this year could be more costly than your usual run-of-the-mill celebrations—key ingredients like cherries and lobster are all set to arrive in wonderful condition, but they won’t come cheap.

While farmers and fishermen work hard all year to provide the highest quality produce, the weather, market demands, and increasing overheads affect what you'll find on store shelves.

Let’s start with cherries.

After suffering through a tough year last year, cherry farmers have something to cheer about in summer 2023-24 with more favourable weather conditions, making for abundant crops and excellent quality fruits.

Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and South Australian cherry grower Nick Noske said consumers would be glad about the quality of cherries this year.

View attachment 35646

Quality cherries and lobsters won’t come cheap. Credit: Unsplash

'It has almost been a sort of perfect growing season so far,' he said.

‘It seems to be a pretty similar situation across the board…I've seen some great fruit in supermarkets already.’

But this doesn’t automatically mean a better deal for consumers.

Despite more cherries on trees, growers still have to cover their increasing overheads.

Nick explained, 'Costs have gone up a lot for growers, and they do need to get a reasonable return.'

‘Chile, who is our biggest competitor in the overseas market, is having a pretty tough season … So strong export demand might hold the domestic price up a bit.’

Nick’s best guess for how much you’ll pay for cherries this Christmas? 'A little bit less, with some better fruit, but I wouldn’t expect cheap.'

Now, let’s talk about lobsters.

Prices have already increased for lobsters due to Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobsters despite the strong domestic and international markets.

Managing Director of lobster retailer Ferguson Australia, Andrew Ferguson, mentioned that prices increased around the same time last year.

‘The beach price has been higher, and fishermen have caught pretty well,’ he said.

‘They [fishers] are a bit choosy about when they go fishing. If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’

The seafood retailer used to sell whole-cooked fresh southern rock lobster at $110 per kilogram, whole-cooked frozen at $110 per kilogram, and live lobsters at $95.

Andrew said that the domestic market has been selling lobsters, especially during Christmas, in the past years.

‘We do a lot with the supermarkets with the half lobsters, which is going quite well,’ he said.

Despite the slightly higher price increase, Andrew ensured that consumers would likely be happy with the quality and condition of the lobsters but mentioned that they may not get a large one yet.

‘The quality is very good at the moment…We don't see those [large lobsters] come back into the catch in any large volume until very close to Christmas,’ he said.

‘It is always the same every year.’

As for future prices, Andrew reckoned if the Chinese government lifts restrictions on Australian rock lobster imports, prices won’t immediately return to pre-COVID-19 highs.

Having recently returned from China, Andrew reported that the economic conditions, along with the competitive seafood market, may keep prices lower, allowing more Australian consumers to afford than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I don’t think we will see the price hikes immediately that we would expect because we will have to find our way again,’ he said.

Despite the rising costs of goods and services, Australians are still gearing up to spend more on Christmas this year. According to a report, 1,014 shoppers nationwide plan to spend 16 per cent more on items this year. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• Favourites such as lobsters and cherries are expected to maintain their higher prices this Christmas due to various factors, including overhead costs for growers.
• The outlook for cherry growers for summer 2023-24 is promising, with more favourable weather conditions, although international pressures may sustain high prices.
• The Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobster have seen a modest price increase, reflecting the strong domestic and international market.
• While high quality is expected for both cherries and lobsters, consumers should not expect the costs of these items to drop significantly from last year.

Members, do you plan on getting cherries and lobsters for the holidays? Where do you get these fresh and quality products? Share them in the comments below!

wont be buying either this year or maybe the next few years as well.

 

[trakn]

Current rain band won't do anything for cherry prices.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Why would people want large rock lobsters. The bigger they are, the older they are, the tougher they are.
Buy the smaller ones, they taste so much better.
My ex was a crayfisherman, we never ate the big crays.

 

[darrellh]

We have been enjoying cherries for the last few weeks here in WA. They are beautiful and will only get better closer to Christmas. Always make the most of them as it is such a short season.

 

[magpie1]

Lobsters @$110kg.......just went off my Christmas menu for lunch this year.

 

[Shane/#]

Christmas shopping this year could be more costly than your usual run-of-the-mill celebrations—key ingredients like cherries and lobster are all set to arrive in wonderful condition, but they won’t come cheap.

While farmers and fishermen work hard all year to provide the highest quality produce, the weather, market demands, and increasing overheads affect what you'll find on store shelves.

Let’s start with cherries.

After suffering through a tough year last year, cherry farmers have something to cheer about in summer 2023-24 with more favourable weather conditions, making for abundant crops and excellent quality fruits.

Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and South Australian cherry grower Nick Noske said consumers would be glad about the quality of cherries this year.

View attachment 35646

Quality cherries and lobsters won’t come cheap. Credit: Unsplash

'It has almost been a sort of perfect growing season so far,' he said.

‘It seems to be a pretty similar situation across the board…I've seen some great fruit in supermarkets already.’

But this doesn’t automatically mean a better deal for consumers.

Despite more cherries on trees, growers still have to cover their increasing overheads.

Nick explained, 'Costs have gone up a lot for growers, and they do need to get a reasonable return.'

‘Chile, who is our biggest competitor in the overseas market, is having a pretty tough season … So strong export demand might hold the domestic price up a bit.’

Nick’s best guess for how much you’ll pay for cherries this Christmas? 'A little bit less, with some better fruit, but I wouldn’t expect cheap.'

Now, let’s talk about lobsters.

Prices have already increased for lobsters due to Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobsters despite the strong domestic and international markets.

Managing Director of lobster retailer Ferguson Australia, Andrew Ferguson, mentioned that prices increased around the same time last year.

‘The beach price has been higher, and fishermen have caught pretty well,’ he said.

‘They [fishers] are a bit choosy about when they go fishing. If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’

The seafood retailer used to sell whole-cooked fresh southern rock lobster at $110 per kilogram, whole-cooked frozen at $110 per kilogram, and live lobsters at $95.

Andrew said that the domestic market has been selling lobsters, especially during Christmas, in the past years.

‘We do a lot with the supermarkets with the half lobsters, which is going quite well,’ he said.

Despite the slightly higher price increase, Andrew ensured that consumers would likely be happy with the quality and condition of the lobsters but mentioned that they may not get a large one yet.

‘The quality is very good at the moment…We don't see those [large lobsters] come back into the catch in any large volume until very close to Christmas,’ he said.

‘It is always the same every year.’

As for future prices, Andrew reckoned if the Chinese government lifts restrictions on Australian rock lobster imports, prices won’t immediately return to pre-COVID-19 highs.

Having recently returned from China, Andrew reported that the economic conditions, along with the competitive seafood market, may keep prices lower, allowing more Australian consumers to afford than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I don’t think we will see the price hikes immediately that we would expect because we will have to find our way again,’ he said.

Despite the rising costs of goods and services, Australians are still gearing up to spend more on Christmas this year. According to a report, 1,014 shoppers nationwide plan to spend 16 per cent more on items this year. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• Favourites such as lobsters and cherries are expected to maintain their higher prices this Christmas due to various factors, including overhead costs for growers.
• The outlook for cherry growers for summer 2023-24 is promising, with more favourable weather conditions, although international pressures may sustain high prices.
• The Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobster have seen a modest price increase, reflecting the strong domestic and international market.
• While high quality is expected for both cherries and lobsters, consumers should not expect the costs of these items to drop significantly from last year.

Members, do you plan on getting cherries and lobsters for the holidays? Where do you get these fresh and quality products? Share them in the comments below!

Well cherries might be a shop around thing or of the side of the road purchase as for crayfish maybe maybe not so no big deal got frozen prawns from ALDI a few week's ago and they are Australian

 

[Luckyus]

Christmas shopping this year could be more costly than your usual run-of-the-mill celebrations—key ingredients like cherries and lobster are all set to arrive in wonderful condition, but they won’t come cheap.

While farmers and fishermen work hard all year to provide the highest quality produce, the weather, market demands, and increasing overheads affect what you'll find on store shelves.

Let’s start with cherries.

After suffering through a tough year last year, cherry farmers have something to cheer about in summer 2023-24 with more favourable weather conditions, making for abundant crops and excellent quality fruits.

Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and South Australian cherry grower Nick Noske said consumers would be glad about the quality of cherries this year.

View attachment 35646

Quality cherries and lobsters won’t come cheap. Credit: Unsplash

'It has almost been a sort of perfect growing season so far,' he said.

‘It seems to be a pretty similar situation across the board…I've seen some great fruit in supermarkets already.’

But this doesn’t automatically mean a better deal for consumers.

Despite more cherries on trees, growers still have to cover their increasing overheads.

Nick explained, 'Costs have gone up a lot for growers, and they do need to get a reasonable return.'

‘Chile, who is our biggest competitor in the overseas market, is having a pretty tough season … So strong export demand might hold the domestic price up a bit.’

Nick’s best guess for how much you’ll pay for cherries this Christmas? 'A little bit less, with some better fruit, but I wouldn’t expect cheap.'

Now, let’s talk about lobsters.

Prices have already increased for lobsters due to Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobsters despite the strong domestic and international markets.

Managing Director of lobster retailer Ferguson Australia, Andrew Ferguson, mentioned that prices increased around the same time last year.

‘The beach price has been higher, and fishermen have caught pretty well,’ he said.

‘They [fishers] are a bit choosy about when they go fishing. If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’

The seafood retailer used to sell whole-cooked fresh southern rock lobster at $110 per kilogram, whole-cooked frozen at $110 per kilogram, and live lobsters at $95.

Andrew said that the domestic market has been selling lobsters, especially during Christmas, in the past years.

‘We do a lot with the supermarkets with the half lobsters, which is going quite well,’ he said.

Despite the slightly higher price increase, Andrew ensured that consumers would likely be happy with the quality and condition of the lobsters but mentioned that they may not get a large one yet.

‘The quality is very good at the moment…We don't see those [large lobsters] come back into the catch in any large volume until very close to Christmas,’ he said.

‘It is always the same every year.’

As for future prices, Andrew reckoned if the Chinese government lifts restrictions on Australian rock lobster imports, prices won’t immediately return to pre-COVID-19 highs.

Having recently returned from China, Andrew reported that the economic conditions, along with the competitive seafood market, may keep prices lower, allowing more Australian consumers to afford than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I don’t think we will see the price hikes immediately that we would expect because we will have to find our way again,’ he said.

Despite the rising costs of goods and services, Australians are still gearing up to spend more on Christmas this year. According to a report, 1,014 shoppers nationwide plan to spend 16 per cent more on items this year. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• Favourites such as lobsters and cherries are expected to maintain their higher prices this Christmas due to various factors, including overhead costs for growers.
• The outlook for cherry growers for summer 2023-24 is promising, with more favourable weather conditions, although international pressures may sustain high prices.
• The Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobster have seen a modest price increase, reflecting the strong domestic and international market.
• While high quality is expected for both cherries and lobsters, consumers should not expect the costs of these items to drop significantly from last year.

Members, do you plan on getting cherries and lobsters for the holidays? Where do you get these fresh and quality products? Share them in the comments below!

They say that If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’ I say that if rises above a certain level I'll keep my hand and cash in my pocket?.

 

[mylittletibbies]

They say that If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’ I say that if rises above a certain level I'll keep my hand and cash in my pocket?.

The reason they stop fishing if the price drops is because it's not viable.

 

[magpie1]

The reason they stop fishing if the price drops is because it's not viable.

And people STOP eating it when the price becomes exorbitant.

 

[mylittletibbies]

And people STOP eating it when the price becomes exorbitant.

Actually most of them don't.

 

[magpie1]

Actually most of them don't.

well they either have money to 'burn', paying $110kg. or they have been saving up since last Christmas to buy an overpriced bit of shellfish....brains like a Crayfish.

 

[mylittletibbies]

well they either have money to 'burn', paying $110kg. or they have been saving up since last Christmas to buy an overpriced bit of shellfish....brains like a Crayfish.

Maybe so, I'm not saying it's not crazy to pay those prices, just saying that there's s never a shortage of people who will.

 

[MariaG]

I have been getting cherries for the past 3 weeks and they are YUmmy beside being natures antibiotic
So never mind waiting till Xmas for me.

Albo made sure we won't get any Lobsters as he sold them all to China - of course they will be available to the Politicians.

I haven't seen hide nor hair of cherries so far. Have been looking for the last couple of weeks.
The stone fruit has been nice, so, can't complain.

 

[MariaG]

Christmas shopping this year could be more costly than your usual run-of-the-mill celebrations—key ingredients like cherries and lobster are all set to arrive in wonderful condition, but they won’t come cheap.

While farmers and fishermen work hard all year to provide the highest quality produce, the weather, market demands, and increasing overheads affect what you'll find on store shelves.

Let’s start with cherries.

After suffering through a tough year last year, cherry farmers have something to cheer about in summer 2023-24 with more favourable weather conditions, making for abundant crops and excellent quality fruits.

Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and South Australian cherry grower Nick Noske said consumers would be glad about the quality of cherries this year.

View attachment 35646

Quality cherries and lobsters won’t come cheap. Credit: Unsplash

'It has almost been a sort of perfect growing season so far,' he said.

‘It seems to be a pretty similar situation across the board…I've seen some great fruit in supermarkets already.’

But this doesn’t automatically mean a better deal for consumers.

Despite more cherries on trees, growers still have to cover their increasing overheads.

Nick explained, 'Costs have gone up a lot for growers, and they do need to get a reasonable return.'

‘Chile, who is our biggest competitor in the overseas market, is having a pretty tough season … So strong export demand might hold the domestic price up a bit.’

Nick’s best guess for how much you’ll pay for cherries this Christmas? 'A little bit less, with some better fruit, but I wouldn’t expect cheap.'

Now, let’s talk about lobsters.

Prices have already increased for lobsters due to Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobsters despite the strong domestic and international markets.

Managing Director of lobster retailer Ferguson Australia, Andrew Ferguson, mentioned that prices increased around the same time last year.

‘The beach price has been higher, and fishermen have caught pretty well,’ he said.

‘They [fishers] are a bit choosy about when they go fishing. If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’

The seafood retailer used to sell whole-cooked fresh southern rock lobster at $110 per kilogram, whole-cooked frozen at $110 per kilogram, and live lobsters at $95.

Andrew said that the domestic market has been selling lobsters, especially during Christmas, in the past years.

‘We do a lot with the supermarkets with the half lobsters, which is going quite well,’ he said.

Despite the slightly higher price increase, Andrew ensured that consumers would likely be happy with the quality and condition of the lobsters but mentioned that they may not get a large one yet.

‘The quality is very good at the moment…We don't see those [large lobsters] come back into the catch in any large volume until very close to Christmas,’ he said.

‘It is always the same every year.’

As for future prices, Andrew reckoned if the Chinese government lifts restrictions on Australian rock lobster imports, prices won’t immediately return to pre-COVID-19 highs.

Having recently returned from China, Andrew reported that the economic conditions, along with the competitive seafood market, may keep prices lower, allowing more Australian consumers to afford than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I don’t think we will see the price hikes immediately that we would expect because we will have to find our way again,’ he said.

Despite the rising costs of goods and services, Australians are still gearing up to spend more on Christmas this year. According to a report, 1,014 shoppers nationwide plan to spend 16 per cent more on items this year. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• Favourites such as lobsters and cherries are expected to maintain their higher prices this Christmas due to various factors, including overhead costs for growers.
• The outlook for cherry growers for summer 2023-24 is promising, with more favourable weather conditions, although international pressures may sustain high prices.
• The Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobster have seen a modest price increase, reflecting the strong domestic and international market.
• While high quality is expected for both cherries and lobsters, consumers should not expect the costs of these items to drop significantly from last year.

Members, do you plan on getting cherries and lobsters for the holidays? Where do you get these fresh and quality products? Share them in the comments below!

Back in the day, I used to host Christmas Day for both sides of the family. Usually around 25-30 people for buffet lunch. I was young with limitless energy. I spent Boxing day in a trance. It was exhausting and quite costly, however, I did it because it was an ideal way of getting everyone together at the same time.
Back then, I started to buy non-perishables at the beginning of October. A little bit every shop softened the blow before the big lunch. There was always plenty of fruit on the table. We were not into fancy price items, but hubby could not go without the tiger prawns.
Now, we are in the oldies category and are more than happy to go to one son's for breakfast (I really like the Christmas brekkies), and dinner at the other son's (buffet style). The nanna nap was between brekkie and dinner.
We always bring something to put on the table, as do others. Things are never like they used to be.
I know one thing for sure....I never have to go through the pre-Xmas food stress out again.

 

[Rosalie30]

Have been saving all my Woolworths and Coles $10 from points and use them for Christmas. I also do a number of surveys during the year and save the vouchers from these too. Non-perishables I collect in the weeks before, then it’s only fresh items days before. Therefore no need to skimp on Christmas Lunch, but lobster is never on the menu - nice but over-rated. Aussie prawns, Adelaide Hills cherries, turkey and ham are always on the table.

 

[Abby2]

I haven't seen hide nor hair of cherries so far. Have been looking for the last couple of weeks.
The stone fruit has been nice, so, can't complain.

Yes I've also been fortunate enough to get some apricots - the stone fruits are definitely tasty.

 

[Rusty-anne]

Christmas shopping this year could be more costly than your usual run-of-the-mill celebrations—key ingredients like cherries and lobster are all set to arrive in wonderful condition, but they won’t come cheap.

While farmers and fishermen work hard all year to provide the highest quality produce, the weather, market demands, and increasing overheads affect what you'll find on store shelves.

Let’s start with cherries.

After suffering through a tough year last year, cherry farmers have something to cheer about in summer 2023-24 with more favourable weather conditions, making for abundant crops and excellent quality fruits.

Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and South Australian cherry grower Nick Noske said consumers would be glad about the quality of cherries this year.

View attachment 35646

Quality cherries and lobsters won’t come cheap. Credit: Unsplash

'It has almost been a sort of perfect growing season so far,' he said.

‘It seems to be a pretty similar situation across the board…I've seen some great fruit in supermarkets already.’

But this doesn’t automatically mean a better deal for consumers.

Despite more cherries on trees, growers still have to cover their increasing overheads.

Nick explained, 'Costs have gone up a lot for growers, and they do need to get a reasonable return.'

‘Chile, who is our biggest competitor in the overseas market, is having a pretty tough season … So strong export demand might hold the domestic price up a bit.’

Nick’s best guess for how much you’ll pay for cherries this Christmas? 'A little bit less, with some better fruit, but I wouldn’t expect cheap.'

Now, let’s talk about lobsters.

Prices have already increased for lobsters due to Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobsters despite the strong domestic and international markets.

Managing Director of lobster retailer Ferguson Australia, Andrew Ferguson, mentioned that prices increased around the same time last year.

‘The beach price has been higher, and fishermen have caught pretty well,’ he said.

‘They [fishers] are a bit choosy about when they go fishing. If the price drops below a certain amount, they stop fishing.’

The seafood retailer used to sell whole-cooked fresh southern rock lobster at $110 per kilogram, whole-cooked frozen at $110 per kilogram, and live lobsters at $95.

Andrew said that the domestic market has been selling lobsters, especially during Christmas, in the past years.

‘We do a lot with the supermarkets with the half lobsters, which is going quite well,’ he said.

Despite the slightly higher price increase, Andrew ensured that consumers would likely be happy with the quality and condition of the lobsters but mentioned that they may not get a large one yet.

‘The quality is very good at the moment…We don't see those [large lobsters] come back into the catch in any large volume until very close to Christmas,’ he said.

‘It is always the same every year.’

As for future prices, Andrew reckoned if the Chinese government lifts restrictions on Australian rock lobster imports, prices won’t immediately return to pre-COVID-19 highs.

Having recently returned from China, Andrew reported that the economic conditions, along with the competitive seafood market, may keep prices lower, allowing more Australian consumers to afford than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I don’t think we will see the price hikes immediately that we would expect because we will have to find our way again,’ he said.

Despite the rising costs of goods and services, Australians are still gearing up to spend more on Christmas this year. According to a report, 1,014 shoppers nationwide plan to spend 16 per cent more on items this year. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• Favourites such as lobsters and cherries are expected to maintain their higher prices this Christmas due to various factors, including overhead costs for growers.
• The outlook for cherry growers for summer 2023-24 is promising, with more favourable weather conditions, although international pressures may sustain high prices.
• The Chinese restrictions on Australian rock lobster have seen a modest price increase, reflecting the strong domestic and international market.
• While high quality is expected for both cherries and lobsters, consumers should not expect the costs of these items to drop significantly from last year.

Members, do you plan on getting cherries and lobsters for the holidays? Where do you get these fresh and quality products? Share them in the comments below!

Used to have lobster every year, but since living in a colder part of Australia, I can only afford the cooked ones at the supermarket, and they're just not good...so I'll be having reef & beef this year...no lobsters..as for Cherries. May get a few and make a real black forest cake...we'll see. Rent has just hiked, so may end up with a meat pie and 1 prawn at this rate...