Vegetable prices set to fall as warm winter leads to oversupply
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 2
As the days grow longer and the chill of winter begins to wane, Australians are not only welcoming the warmer weather but also the unexpected boon it brings to their grocery bills.
Thanks to an unseasonably warm end to winter, particularly in Queensland and the recent warmer winds in Victoria, a glut of vegetables is set to hit the market, promising a significant drop in prices for savvy shoppers.
Catherine Velisha, a farmer and the founder of Veg Education, a horticulture business education company, has shed light on this phenomenon.
The warmer temperatures have accelerated the growth of winter plantings, meaning that vegetables typically expected on the shelves later are arriving now.
This sudden surge in supply is anticipated to last approximately four to six weeks, and ‘anything that can be planted’ would be affected, including broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, Asian vegetables, and spring onions.
Velisha expected prices to return to normal once the winter plants are sold.
‘Customers can make hay for a little while by rushing down to their local,’ she said.
While consumers stand to benefit from the lower prices, Velisha acknowledged that this period could be challenging for growers.
They are already grappling with higher production and farm costs, and the reduced prices, although temporary, could add to their burden.
Yet, she remained optimistic, suggesting that this price respite could be a 'win-win' situation if it encourages more customers to head to the veggie section during their next shopping trip.
In a previous story, Coles has also slashed prices on several pantry staples and winter essentials for 12 weeks!
Shoppers can save up to 23 per cent on groceries, such as beef lasagne, BBQ sausages, bread rolls, and soap. You can read more about the story here.
Members, will you take advantage of the lowered prices on vegetables? What dishes do you love making with them? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks to an unseasonably warm end to winter, particularly in Queensland and the recent warmer winds in Victoria, a glut of vegetables is set to hit the market, promising a significant drop in prices for savvy shoppers.
Catherine Velisha, a farmer and the founder of Veg Education, a horticulture business education company, has shed light on this phenomenon.
The warmer temperatures have accelerated the growth of winter plantings, meaning that vegetables typically expected on the shelves later are arriving now.
This sudden surge in supply is anticipated to last approximately four to six weeks, and ‘anything that can be planted’ would be affected, including broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, Asian vegetables, and spring onions.
Velisha expected prices to return to normal once the winter plants are sold.
‘Customers can make hay for a little while by rushing down to their local,’ she said.
While consumers stand to benefit from the lower prices, Velisha acknowledged that this period could be challenging for growers.
They are already grappling with higher production and farm costs, and the reduced prices, although temporary, could add to their burden.
Yet, she remained optimistic, suggesting that this price respite could be a 'win-win' situation if it encourages more customers to head to the veggie section during their next shopping trip.
In a previous story, Coles has also slashed prices on several pantry staples and winter essentials for 12 weeks!
Shoppers can save up to 23 per cent on groceries, such as beef lasagne, BBQ sausages, bread rolls, and soap. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
- Vegetable prices are anticipated to drop due to a surplus caused by a warm end to winter and warmer winds in Victoria speeding up winter planting growth.
- A variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, Asian vegetables, and spring onions, are expected to be affected by the glut.
- The period of lower prices is expected to last about four to six weeks, after which prices may return to normal levels.
- The decrease in vegetable prices could be financially challenging for growers but is seen as an opportunity for customers to save on their grocery bills.