Melbourne Market is heading into late summer with traders reporting strong supply across tropical fruit, stonefruit and cherries, alongside the launch of a new way for the public to experience Melbourne Market firsthand.
Melbourne Market has opened its doors to the public for the first time with the launch of Super Saturdays. As Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower trading centre, Melbourne Market supplies fresh produce to greengrocers, florists and food businesses across the state.
Super Saturdays give consumers rare access to this behind-the-scenes operation, inviting the public onto the trading floor to buy fresh produce direct from traders at wholesale prices. Running every Saturday from 8.30am to 1.30pm, Super Saturdays will have peak summer fruit and vegetables on offer at great prices.
​Across the market, Queensland mangoes are beginning to wind down, with around another month left in the season, while other tropical lines are stepping into the spotlight. Peter Tran from Produce of Virginia says dragon fruit from Queensland is now starting to come into the market, with more variety to follow in the coming weeks.
“We’ll start to see rambutans arrive in late February, followed by custard apples from North Queensland, with mangosteens expected in March,” he says. At the same time, Victorian tomatoes are in season, with strong local supply.
According to Henry Huynh from CK Tropical, South Australian eggplants are plentiful, alongside red chillies from Queensland and winged beans from North Queensland near Townsville, which are in season throughout summer.
Keitt mangoes from Mutchilba in Far North Queensland are also available for the next five to six weeks. “They’re the green variety, which makes them ideal for salads,” Huynh says.
Cherries are a standout as the season reaches its peak. Traders report excellent eating quality, with fruit largely coming from Victorian mountain regions and Tasmania.
“Cherries are eating beautifully at the moment,” says growers agent Newton Harvey. “They’re firm and great quality. Before Christmas they were not quite at their peak, but now they have ripened up beautifully.” Cherries are expected to run through to Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year, with plentiful supply forecast.
Leafy greens remain in good supply, although recent extreme weather conditions have left their mark. Vince Doria from Freni and Doria says heat and wind have caused some superficial damage to spinach, lettuce and coriander.
“You may see some burn marks on the tips or outer leaves, but don’t let that stop you from buying. These are still great eating and in good supply,” he says.
There is positive news for pineapple lovers, with strong volumes expected over the coming weeks. David Ericson from Flavorite says pineapples will be plentiful and well priced. “They’re eating sensationally,” he says.
Capsicum availability varies by colour, according to Ricky Mazaris from MazCorp 5. Green capsicums are currently short and expensive, while red and yellow capsicums are plentiful and better value. He also highlights watermelon at the moment, with excellent eating quality and sharp pricing.
Stonefruit continues to shine. Rocco Manariti from Premier Fresh says nectarines, apricots and peaches are all performing well. “Make the most of it,” he says. “Swap the apple for a juicy sweet peach or nectarine while they’re available, and put the apple back in the lunch box in autumn when they’re in peak season.”
Berry supply is more challenging, with extreme heat impacting Victorian strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Lou Pettinella from Fresh Berry says blueberries are currently better value, with fruit coming from Coffs Harbour, although supply may tighten in the weeks ahead.
With tropical fruit building, cherries and stonefruit at their peak, and local vegetables flowing through the market, February is shaping up as a vibrant and abundant summer period at Melbourne Market, both for wholesale buyers and the public discovering the market through Super Saturdays.
SEASONAL SNAPSHOT
FIRST OF: Queensland dragon fruit, rambutans (late February), custard apples (North Queensland), winged beans (North Queensland)
LAST OF: Queensland mangoes
LOTS OF: Cherries (VIC and TAS), stonefruit, pineapples, red and yellow capsicum, watermelon, eggplant, Victorian tomatoes, leafy greens
EATING WELL: Cherries, stonefruit, watermelon, pineapples, Keitt mangoes
NOT MUCH OF: Green capsicum, Victorian berries
To find a local greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au
04 FEBRUARY 2026
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