A bumper crop of the high-quality product should be reflected in much reduced retail prices

Amid the doom and gloom of skyrocketing fruit and vegetable prices, shoppers should finally have some good news. Fresh ginger has been fairly expensive for the last 18-24 months due to very dry growing conditions in the major production areas in southeast Queensland and Bundaberg in 2019-20. Retail prices have been seen as high as $75 per kilo, which certainly puts this mighty ‘superfood’ out of the reach of most everyday Australians.

The early onset of cold weather in Queensland coupled with great rains in the last 12 months means a bumper crop of newly matured ginger is being harvested right now.

Ginger is a real nutrient powerhouse, with many scientific studies from around the world proving it is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. As well as being widely recognized for its ability to help soothe upset stomachs and reduce nausea, it contains many phytochemical compounds which have been shown to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-neuroinflammation benefits.

The wholesale market sale price in Sydney recently dropped to below $10 per kilo for fabulous fresh large-sized mature ginger, yet the product is still sold at $45 or more per kilo by the major retail chains.

“We’re being told that the demand isn’t there to absorb the large increases in fresh supply that have come into the market. But of course, if the price that an ordinary Aussie has to pay hasn’t come down, why would people – who are already struggling to balance the household budget – want to start buying fresh ginger again?”

“What the ginger industry needs right now is for the big retailers to get behind the farmers and drop their retail prices in line with what they are paying wholesale. It’s a great opportunity to give back to their shoppers - who we all know are finding it tough - while still making a healthy profit margin for themselves,” says Jane.

And with the cold weather, flu, and COVID-19 spreading throughout the community, it’s a great time to add fresh ginger to your diet to help keep you fighting fit throughout the winter.

A bumper crop of the high-quality product should be reflected in much reduced retail prices PDF