Capsicums, or peppers, are coming to the peak of the season in Northern Queensland, but field production will continue within weeks further down around Bundaberg. “We probably go through 40-45,000 cartons per week with what’s coming out of Queensland, and 50-55,000 including what we grow in Tasmania and South Australia, and elsewhere,” says Harry Kapiris, of Kapiris Bros wholesalers, based at the Epping Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Markets. “When you consider that each carton is 8kg, that’s quite a lot, and that’s just us in Victoria.”
The glasshouse capsicums have been getting around $6 per kilo on the wholesale market, while field grown are going for much less, around $2 or $2.50 per kilo, Mr Kapiris says. “The yellow capsicums at the moment are probably a bit cheaper than the red or green varieties and there are some specialty lines coming through but only very few.” As the peak season in Queensland slows down, prices are up slightly, according to him.
The season has been oversupplied in Northern Queensland, and field grown peppers will continue to come from the area for at least another month thanks to very good growing conditions, no significant crop damage or loss and some additional plantings, Mr Kapiris says. “It’s been a hassle free year particularly around Burdekin and that area. No rain, plenty of sunshine and no losses.”
The Tasmanian and South Australian glasshouse growers have had to cope with a very cold winter, which has had an impact, Mr Kapiris adds. The cold has been an issue, but it hasn’t stopped the glasshouse method becoming more popular, according to him “We have a covered cropping regime, and practice integrative pest management, which we’ve been doing for years. Other growers are interested now, looking at adding in good bugs instead of using chemicals.”
For more information
Harry Kapiris/Karen Whitener
Kapiris Bros
Phone: +61 401 649 699
E-mail: karenw@kapirisbros.com.au
Website: www.kapirisbros.com.au