Delayed Nectarine Season in Australia Due to Heavy Rains

The new summer fruit nectarine season is approaching but delayed by 1-2 weeks due to heavy rain and storms in Northern Victoria. The harvest was forecasted to be similar to 2021, but with the recent rain, early varieties may be of lower quality and reduced volumes for export. Further rain and cold weather are expected for W44 and W45, which will slow the development and drop the Brix levels (sweetness) of nectarines. Starting prices are forecasted to be at an all-time high in November at USD 5.13-5.77/kg FOB (AUD 8-9/kg FOB) due to lower volumes and less fruit quality.