Popular summer fruit prices heat up just in time for sunnier days

As we approach that time of year when the craving for a refreshing summertime classic sets in—watermelon—you simply can't resist the unbeatable combination of sweet juiciness and crunchiness!

Regrettably, if you plan to satisfy your watermelon cravings soon, you might want to reconsider. The prices of a beloved summer snack have been skyrocketing, leaving Australians with a somewhat bitter taste in their mouths.



Whether you're a fan of Coles or Woolworths, one thing is clear—obtaining a whole watermelon doesn't come cheap these days. Depending on your location, the price for a single watermelon can often soar to as high as $36 or more!

So, why exactly are watermelons so expensive? The answer lies in the weather. Summer isn't just a season for Australian fruit to thrive; it also marks the transition from one growing region to the next.


watermelon_unsplash_68fb2e68-8bb2-415b-856a-138dc6700505.jpeg
A supermarket staple is now selling for an eye-watering sum at major supermarkets. Credit: Unsplash.



We're currently in what's known as the 'watermelon crossover' period, as the melon-growing region shifts from the Northern Territory to Northern Queensland.

Naturally, this transition isn't always seamless, and one of the consequences of unpredictable weather patterns is a skyrocketing price for this summer favourite.

But don't despair just yet! The peak of the watermelon-growing season will stretch from December to May. This means you can look forward to plenty of sweet, juicy fruit flooding the markets during summer, and prices will gradually fall in response.



Speaking of summer fruit, supermarkets offer plenty of other specials for those who decide to hold off on the watermelons. Strawberries are available for just $1.80 per punnet, while normally pricey blueberries can be purchased for only $2.80 a punnet.

According to a Woolworths spokesperson, there are still high-quality fresh watermelons available, and farmers have informed them that a great crop is coming just in time for summer.

In short: Customers can look forward to seeing an improvement in the coming weeks.



Coles also promotes local seasonal fruit and vegetables, with tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, and citrus as their top picks for Aussie shoppers.

In their own words, 'There's plenty to look forward to as we come into summer, as we expect to see a strong season on quality and abundant volume for Australian stone fruit and mangoes available over the coming months.'

In related news, Bowen mangoes—a summer classic—are also short in supply due to a warmer-than-usual winter, according to growers.

In October, along with watermelons, you can enjoy a delightful array of seasonal fruit, including avocados, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, mangoes, Valencia oranges, papaya, papaw, passionfruit, pineapples, pomelo, and tangelos.

Key Takeaways

  • Watermelon prices are increasing across major supermarkets due to a change of season and supply challenges.
  • The rise in watermelon prices has been attributed to irregular weather patterns in the Northern Territory.
  • The peak watermelon growing season is from December to May, which is anticipated to stabilise prices.
  • Despite rising watermelon prices, Coles and Woolworths assure customers of high-quality, in-season fruit availability.



To all our members, enjoy the variety of summer fruit these stores will offer—instead of breaking the bank for just one.

You can also take a look at this article for a guide on the best value fruit and veg this September!

So, members: Are watermelons your favourite fruit? What are your thoughts on potentially paying more for it? Maybe you even have recipes using it—tell us below!
 
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As we approach that time of year when the craving for a refreshing summertime classic sets in—watermelon—you simply can't resist the unbeatable combination of sweet juiciness and crunchiness!

Regrettably, if you plan to satisfy your watermelon cravings soon, you might want to reconsider. The prices of a beloved summer snack have been skyrocketing, leaving Australians with a somewhat bitter taste in their mouths.



Whether you're a fan of Coles or Woolworths, one thing is clear—obtaining a whole watermelon doesn't come cheap these days. Depending on your location, the price for a single watermelon can often soar to as high as $36 or more!

So, why exactly are watermelons so expensive? The answer lies in the weather. Summer isn't just a season for Australian fruit to thrive; it also marks the transition from one growing region to the next.


View attachment 30869
A supermarket staple is now selling for an eye-watering sum at major supermarkets. Credit: Unsplash.



We're currently in what's known as the 'watermelon crossover' period, as the melon-growing region shifts from the Northern Territory to Northern Queensland.

Naturally, this transition isn't always seamless, and one of the consequences of unpredictable weather patterns is a skyrocketing price for this summer favourite.

But don't despair just yet! The peak of the watermelon-growing season will stretch from December to May. This means you can look forward to plenty of sweet, juicy fruit flooding the markets during summer, and prices will gradually fall in response.



Speaking of summer fruit, supermarkets offer plenty of other specials for those who decide to hold off on the watermelons. Strawberries are available for just $1.80 per punnet, while normally pricey blueberries can be purchased for only $2.80 a punnet.

According to a Woolworths spokesperson, there are still high-quality fresh watermelons available, and farmers have informed them that a great crop is coming just in time for summer.

In short: Customers can look forward to seeing an improvement in the coming weeks.



Coles also promotes local seasonal fruit and vegetables, with tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, and citrus as their top picks for Aussie shoppers.

In their own words, 'There's plenty to look forward to as we come into summer, as we expect to see a strong season on quality and abundant volume for Australian stone fruit and mangoes available over the coming months.'

In related news, Bowen mangoes—a summer classic—are also short in supply due to a warmer-than-usual winter, according to growers.

In October, along with watermelons, you can enjoy a delightful array of seasonal fruit, including avocados, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, mangoes, Valencia oranges, papaya, papaw, passionfruit, pineapples, pomelo, and tangelos.

Key Takeaways

  • Watermelon prices are increasing across major supermarkets due to a change of season and supply challenges.
  • The rise in watermelon prices has been attributed to irregular weather patterns in the Northern Territory.
  • The peak watermelon growing season is from December to May, which is anticipated to stabilise prices.
  • Despite rising watermelon prices, Coles and Woolworths assure customers of high-quality, in-season fruit availability.



To all our members, enjoy the variety of summer fruit these stores will offer—instead of breaking the bank for just one.

You can also take a look at this article for a guide on the best value fruit and veg this September!

So, members: Are watermelons your favourite fruit? What are your thoughts on potentially paying more for it? Maybe you even have recipes using it—tell us below!
I've always thought apart from the taste their is very little substance in watermelon.
 
I noticed mangoes 🥭 selling in woollies for$4-60 Each last week ,they can stay there at that price. And were medium size.
 
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I love mangoes but I don’t miss the exorbitant price and that damn big pip in the middle. Until there grown pipless I’m not buying. 🙀
You know the old common mangoes 🥭 were really tasty a bit messy to eat ,you don’t see them anymore. Mores the shame.
 
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Reactions: Ezzy

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