There is so much being grown, and being imported from the northern states that Victoria’s coldest winter in 26 years has not seen a significant change to produce available to consumers, according to one trader. “Cold does affect produce, things that take six weeks to grow might take 8, but overall it hasn’t had a huge effect,” says Charlie Recupero, of Charleville Fruit Supply. “We’re getting just about everything from up north at the moment; cauliflower, broccoli and lettuces, you name it.”
Prices have not had any lasting impact either, according to Mr Recupero. “Prices might go up for a week, but they’ll always come down again the next week. The situation is overall very good for consumers,” he said. Even with bananas they’re still sending a plentiful amount to keep prices really low.” The only fruit that might be in short supply is melons, Mr Recupero adds, because the crops have been affected by the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus, or CGMMV, and many had to be destroyed.
As a trader Mr Recupero visits the Melbourne Markets regularly, and deals with suppliers from all over the country, and he says that the situation is a worry for the farmers who are not getting good enough prices. “If we keep going like this we’re going to see farmers who can no longer stay in business,” he says. “When you look at the prices of fresh fruit especially, compared to other things, it’s not that expensive to the consumer.”
For more information
Charlie Recupero
Charleville Fruit Supply
Phone: +61395703485
E-mail: cmrecuper@gmail.com