Fresh Food
Fresh food economist Franco Lagudi publishes Australia's only regular Fresh Food Report which forecasts prices and quality in the fresh produce industry.
As one of Australia's leading and most respected fresh produce wholesalers, Mr Lagudi forecasts price and quality on a daily basis to Australia's major fresh food retailers, including the national chains.
Your Home spoke with Mr Lagudi and here's what he had to say:
■ What are the best value fruits to look out for this week?
Peaches and nectarines. As predicted in November and December, big volumes of peaches and nectarines continued to arrive on market floors around the country each day.
During December alone, retail prices dropped by as much as 60 per cent depending upon quality.
The run into Christmas and new year was unsurpassed for quality and quantity and nothing will change during the first month of 2013.
Stone fruit will be excellent buying so be sure to get out there and enjoy!
■ What products do you expect to go up in price this week?
Asparagus have been unobtainable over the past three weeks, increasing in price by around 100 per cent over the same time.
The Australian season is currently at an end with our main source of asparagus being Peru.
On the flipside to our weather, Peru has been experiencing unusually cold weather conditions over the past month, hence the extreme shortage of supply.
If your local food retailer has managed to source asparagus for his shelves the price will definitely be at a premium.
The very high retail price for asparagus is a direct reflection of its scarcity.
I expect to see more asparagus supplies arriving from Peru in the next 10 to 14 days, which should take the sting out of the price.
■ What other key changes should shoppers expect within the market this week?
Australian grapes are off and running and Menindee Seedless are still the pick of the bunch for price.
Heading into next week Menindee Seedless will be back in price by a further 10 per cent on top of last week's price decrease of 20 per cent, depending upon quality.
■ Details: Franco Lagudi, CEO at SOCExchange.com.au.