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Strawberries

Egyptian and Israeli prospects looking good

While there will be limited volumes of English glasshouse fruit coming forward for the next fortnight or so, the emphasis in volume terms has now switched to the Mediterranean. Good weather conditions in both Israel and Egypt have brought the crop on to provide some excellent potential for the months ahead.

In Egypt in particular, the Summerfruit Company has made significant headway and this season has released three numbered varieties to the industry which will join established winners Red Merlin, Red Princess and in particular Susanna which has rapidly become first choice for both growers and consumers during the winter months.

As quantities build prior to Christmas, they will also be joined by the first arrivals from Morocco this week where the outlook is also favourable.

Raspberries

Spanish success

Cooler weather in Spain has not greatly affected programmes so that we would expect a steady build up of fruit which - if temperatures continue to hold at their present level or higher - will mean there will be an unbroken continuity extending through to the spring.

Fruit quality is excellent while at present Brilliance is performing extremely well, before it is supported by the traditional Glen varieties and Tulameen.

Blackberries

Quality product

The reputation of Mexican Tupi as one of the outstanding international varieties bodes well for a season which will last through until April. Top quality is also expected to bring additional rewards by maintaining the sales momentum of the crop within the retail soft fruit sector.

Blueberries

South America rules

With the Argentinean season now in full swing with some excellent quality fruit coming forward as part of our programmes until January, and linked to the Chilean crop which has just got underway, there are already good opportunities for promotion.

Coupled with the fact that blueberries are now recognised by the public as a very healthy supafruit we would expect this combination to maintain the surge in sales which has been a high point over several past seasons.

Red Currants

Christmas promise

Dutch redcurrants stored under controlled atmosphere are able to be programmed according to the requirements of our specialist customers, who experience a surge in demand as the festive season approaches.

The high level of technology which has made this industry a leader in terms of quality and presentation ensures that we can provide a top class item at this important time of the year

Rhubarb

Plugging the gap

Speciality varieties of forced rhubarb from Holland are able to meet requirements as demand strengthens as temperatures drop. Availability will continue until the English forced crop is pulled.