More than 800 tonnes of potatoes, 170 tonnes of carrots, 200 tonnes of cherries and more than 500 tonnes of mangoes are expected to be traded in the week leading up to Christmas through Melbourne Market, Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower trading centre.

In good news for festive entertainers, early summer has also brought strong volumes of Victorian leafy greens and the first flush of local stonefruit. Lettuce, celery and the first Victorian zucchinis are all in excellent quality heading into the festive period, with citrus also performing strongly as lemons move into peak season.

Phil Stilo from Mildura Fresh, which will sell more than 35 tonnes of carrots in the week leading up to Christmas, says demand for carrots remains strong. “Quantities are the same if not a little bit more than last year as carrots eat well during the Christmas and entertaining season,” he says.

Growers’ agent Newton Harvey says seasonal conditions have still resulted in healthy cherry availability. “We did start the cherry season late due to the weather, but there will still be plenty of cherries in the lead up to Christmas,” he says.

It’s shaping up to be another vibrant Christmas for mangoes, with varieties including Kensington Pride, Calypso, and R2E2 varieties in excellent eating quality. Peter Tran from Produce of Virginia, which will sell about 55 tonnes of mangoes through Melbourne Market this week, says fruit lovers can expect premium flavour. “Mangoes are a bit dearer this year, but the quality is still incredible. Sweet, vibrant and eating beautifully,” he says. “They make such a great gift and are perfect to bring along to any of your end of year celebrations. Fresh, tasty and premium as always.”

Potato supply is also strong heading into Christmas, with quality holding up well. Adrian Antonello from Antonello Produce, which will sell about 150 tonnes of potatoes in the week leading into Christmas, says availability remains excellent. “Despite mention of a potato shortage in supermarkets, supply at the Market is strong,” he says. “Potatoes will be plentiful at your independent fruit and veg shops. We will sell more than last year for sure. There is lots of stock and quality is holding up well.”