As summer approaches Australian tropical fruit is back in great supply. JE Tipper CEO, Steve Barnes, said that it is now time for grocery shoppers to back Queensland growers and add tropical fruit to their baskets.
His customers are looking forward to the much-needed boost in available volume this month, "In the last twelve months, tropical fruit growers have showed resilience and determination after being heavily impacted by weather and natural events earlier in 2024, it's particularly great to see tropicals back on shelves. Lychees and limes are also hitting the market this week and so shoppers will soon be spoilt for choice."
The devastation caused earlier in the year by over three meters of rainfall, significant tree loss, and damage to plant and soil interrupted the usual 52-week supply of papaya. JE Tipper supply a full range of tropical fruit to independent retailers, green grocers, and food service customers across Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, and are pleased to report increased volume across multiple categories available for consumers.
"When you rely on fruit from several major growers located in Far North Queensland, you also rely on good weather and consistent growing conditions," said Barnes, "this year has definitely tested our resilience and processes like no other, but I am pleased to see grower's investment in nursery, crop and variety development delivering volume in time for summer. Additional crops have been planted, and care has been taken with seedlings and soil health to return to normal levels of supply."
But growers aren't the only ones who have had a tough year, and nor are they the only ones who can enjoy the benefits of increasing supply of tropical fruit. "Cost of living pressure has impacted tropical sales, as it has grocery sales across the board, however, fresh produce continues to be staple. Tropicals are healthy, nutritious and a little bit fancy… and we definitely like to consider them an affordable luxury! When day spas and island holidays seem out of reach, a fresh piece of papaya drizzled with passionfruit and lime can transport you to a place of relaxation!. While papaya, passionfruit and lime are available year-round, at Christmas time, they become the centrepiece of desserts and fruit platters and remind consumers just how delicious they are."
The Aussie mango is an obvious tropical favourite, mostly because the consumer builds anticipation for the season, looking forward to it all year. However, thanks to social media, delicious recipes, and photos of tropicals such as Papaya, Dragon fruit and Pomegranate are making these choices more popular than ever before!
"The category's rising star is the next generation passionfruit, currently on shelves. Consumers are enjoying the larger pieces of fruit – they are full of sweet juice and pulp. Investment and research into variety development and grower support is delivering on taste and quality for the consumer.
For more information:
Nicole Lenske
JE Tipper
[email protected]
Tel: +61487 000 433