🍎 Weekly Market Update - July 1, 2025
This past week, we faced significant challenges in sourcing key produce items like broccoli, strawberries, corn, and melons. Despite our efforts, we found that major supermarkets - thanks to long-term supply contracts - were able to offer some of these at lower prices, while independent retailers like us faced steep cost increases.
The big retailers have fixed-price contracts with farmers, shielding them from market fluctuations caused by weather and supply issues. Unfortunately, this means independents often carry the price burden, which can make it seem like we're inflating prices - when really, we're just trying to stay fair and sustainable.
Articles like this ABC News piece highlight the unfair playing field and the pressure this puts on both farmers and small retailers.
That said, we're doing everything we can to keep prices lean while maintaining our commitment to quality. For example, we sourced the best strawberries we could this week from interstate, and continue to search for opportunities to buy direct from local farmers wherever possible.
On a more exciting note, we'll soon be trialling apples from a local Red Hill grower - and we're keen for your feedback when they arrive. We're always working to reduce food kilometres and shorten the time between picking and delivery.
Lastly, we've noticed a couple of boxes from one supplier didn't meet our usual freshness standards. We've raised it with them and made it clear we won't accept end-of-week stock. Please let us know if anything seems off in your order - your feedback helps us stay on top of quality.
This week, there's a glimmer of relief, with a few key items easing slightly in price:
🥦 Broccoli is back to $5.80 each - supply remains tight, but at least pricing has softened slightly and will continue that way.
🥬 Cauliflower has dropped to $5.90 each and is looking great.
🍅 Field Tomatoes have eased and are now $1.42 each - we're watching to see if this trend continues.
🥒 Cucumbers are all down across the board.
🍉 Melons are still limited, but prices are improving slowly.
🍊 We have a handful of Sunzest 2L Orange Juices with a 10th July expiry available at $6.99 - great value while they last!
Please note: recent NSW storms may impact supply in the coming weeks - we're monitoring the situation closely.
🥖 Pantry & Local Favourites Update
Island Pasta will be taking a well-earned 5-week break starting next week. If you've got a favourite, now's the time to grab it - we'll be stocking up to get through, but it may not last!
Basketcase Gourmet is also heading off for a short break, so we've restocked the Korean Fried Chicken Marinade, Balsamic Glaze, and the ever-popular Veggie Rub - grab them while you can.
Boatshed Cheese Truffle Brie has landed, and it's absolutely delicious - a special treat normally reserved for restaurants, now available in limited supply.
And for drinks and snacks:
🍏 Eddie's Cider is a personal favourite in our house
🥂 Kombucha from Mumma Made is packed with flavour and live cultures
🥜 Peninsula Nut Co. continues to deliver the best treats around - fresh, crunchy, and local.
With appreciation,
- Pete & the Jointly Team