Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Veg Market Report – September 11th
Rockmelon is stepping up, while watermelon is scarce and Koo Wee Rup asparagus is flooding the floor. The Melbourne’s market is balanced right now — good value in key veg, fruit supply is ticking along, and just a handful of shortages to plan around. The calm part of spring rarely lasts long.
For chefs balancing cost control with quality, this update flags where to lean in (zucchini, asparagus) and where to tread carefully (watermelon, potatoes).
✅ What’s Looking Good
Asparagus: Local stock from Koo Wee Rup is pushing prices down daily. Loose and 2nds boxes are now available — ideal for kitchens that can handle larger volumes. Imported product will disappear by the end of this week.
Rockmelon: Sweet, well-sized fruit from WA and Queensland is a standout. With watermelon tight, rockmelon is the best menu substitute right now.
Spring Peas & Beans: Snow peas, sugar snaps, and yellow/green beans are all good value and consistent in quality — versatile additions for seasonal menus.
Strawberries: Supply has improved again with fruit from Coldstream and Queensland, plus Mornington Peninsula just starting. Smaller fruit offers great value for healthcare and childcare menus where size matters less.
Zucchini (Green & White): The market is awash with zucchini, making it one of the best buys this week. Both green and white varieties are excellent quality — perfect for fritters, grills, or adding a seasonal twist to the specials board.
Tomatoes: Cherry truss and mini roma truss boxes from Queensland are great value, with new growers also boosting cherry medley supply. Flavour and shelf life are strong. Gourmet and larger lines are steady, while romas remain patchy.
Mangoes: Queensland KP’s are abundant, juicy, and dropping in price. It’s shaping up to be a strong season.
Avocados: Hass from WA, NSW, Victoria and SA are steady in supply and very well priced. Keep ripe fruit in the chiller to extend life in busy kitchens.
Broccoli & Broccolini: Both Victorian and Queensland crops are performing strongly with excellent yields. Pricing is stable and quality is high.
Capsicums: All colours are abundant. Sweet yellows and bullhorns (red and green) are especially good this week. Consider stuffing and roasting for something new on specials boards.
Passionfruit: Panamas are plentiful and bursting with juice — a great garnish option for desserts or cocktails in pubs and cafés.
Limes & Lemons: Supply has lifted, quality is cleaner, and prices have eased compared to last week.
Salad Greens: Baby spinach and wild rocket are holding steady with reliable supply.
Red Mizuna: Tripod Farmers (Bacchus Marsh) now supplying in 1.5kg boxes. A niche but eye-catching salad option.
Cabbage & Wombok: Queensland green cabbage is excellent — dense, clean, and about half the cost of red. Wombok also sharp value.
Eggplant: Strong supply with prices softening. Seconds in 5kg bags are available and a smart option for bulk use.
Quail Eggs: On hand and in good numbers — an easy way to add a point of difference to specials.
🔻What’s in short supply
Watermelon: Supply is tight, prices have more than doubled, and fruit is skewing large (11kg+). WA and NT supply should ease pressure soon. For now, swap to rockmelon or honeydew.
Apples: Jazz are nearly absent, while Granny Smiths are very limited and quality is not up to usual standards. Prices remain high. Pink Lady or Kanzi are the better alternatives. (Check out our Apple & Pear guide for seasonal timing)
Potatoes & Processed Potato Products: Still under pressure with mop-top virus in Tasmania causing havoc and SA crops down 80%. Prices are climbing and will keep rising as shortages are expected to persist for months. Peeled & processed stock may still be the most cost-effective for kitchens that can use it. Processed lines = less prep, no wastage and lower labour cost - handy option with warmer weather and busier services ahead.
Pumpkin: Supply has tightened, pushing up prices. Peeled and processed lines have followed. Sweet potato is the best substitute for now.
Baby Cucumbers: Supply inconsistent due to planting gaps. Expect short runs of unavailability until local crops ramp up. Lebanese or continental cucumbers are more reliable.
Mushrooms: Supply dipped last week but should improve mid-week. Quality remains good, though prices have edged higher. Exotic imported varieties are unaffected.
Flat Beans: Tight supply and elevated prices. Stick with green beans where possible.
Looking for a wholesale fruit and veg supplier Melbourne kitchens can trust week to week? Get in touch or explore our seasonal fruit and veg guide.
