It is shaping up as a good season for pumpkins, with one Western Australian grower saying market prices are well up on last year's figure.
Odeum Farms near Perth, say it is comparable to the prices seen in the 2015-16 season, thanks to the good quality of the produce.
"I think volume would be down on last season, from what we have seen so far," Category Manager David Hemmings said. “Last year quality was excellent and supply was good, but prices were low. This year farmers are seeing much better prices across the board - especially on your Kent pumpkins and your Greys. They hit rock bottom real quickly last year."
Odeum grows three varieties of pumpkins; Kent, Butternut and Jarrahdale across three properties across WA. Crops in the south west of the state and around Canarvon have just started, with Kununurra set to start in coming weeks. Mr Hemmings says despite the late start, due to weather, it has not affected supply.
"We are looking good for consistent supply throughout the year, especially in WA," he said.
The farm supplies the local market, chain stores across the state and exports internationally, mainly to countries in the Middle East and Asia. This year they have even provided interstate, due to a shortage caused by severe weather events.
"Demand has been strong, especially from east coast," Mr Hemmings said. "Especially around three weeks ago, they went a bit short over east, so a bit of fruit headed over that way. But they have recovered now from the rain, and the new season in Queensland. So demand has been fairly steady"
The company also produces several varieties of other vegetables, melons and citrus at its five locations.
For more information:
David Hemmings
Odeum Farms
Phone: +61 8 9256 8100