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MEDITERRANEAN STILL STRUGGLES AS SPAIN CONTINUES TO RUN LATE

Strawberries

English glasshouse crop on the horizon

Poor weather at the eastern end of the Mediterranean and the impact of changing currency patterns in relation to Sterling has led to a situation where supplies are not only far lighter than anticipated but the UK is having to compete with the rest of Europe on price as Easter approaches.

The Spanish crop continues to suffer from low temperatures with our estimates now indicating that season is as much as four weeks behind.

Growers are also having to be vigilant over quality factor despite an increasingly strong demand from all major markets.

Moroccan fruit is still available and although there have been problems, first with rain followed by heat. The crop is back in track and we expect good volumes of high quality fruit to continue.

One bright sign is that the first English Lambada grown under glass have been picked, with indications that fruit will be in commercial quantities by the end of March. The flavour and quality of the fruit is outstanding

Raspberries

Spain back on course

Spain is now able to fulfil its full potential, with the second crop having recovered from frost damage apparent in the Huelva region. Quality is very good and we would expect that good volumes will be coming forward over the next two to four weeks.

Blackberries

Still breaking records

The reputation that Mexico has achieved for its very high quality Tupi continues to build substantial customer demand. At the present time the market is well balanced with indications that consumers are continuing to purchase steadily and even increase purchases to fill other gaps which have been appearing in the berry fruit calendar.

Blueberries

Welcome arrival

With the Chilean season now coming to a close by the end of next week, the arrival of some substantial programmes of excellent quality fruit from Florida will make a welcome appearance at the end of the month.

This will be a considerable benefit to ensuring continuity at a time when there is a seasonal gap with Spain running late and only expected to build up slowly when harvesting begins.

Red Currants

Quality conscious

With Dutch fruit safely in controlled CA storage we are able to guarantee excellent quality product over a long period, and can meet any extra requirements from our specialist patisserie customers as Easter approaches.

Rhubarb

Seasonal switch

As the English forced rhubarb season comes to a close at the end of March we are already seeing the first signs of the outdoor crop provided by our specialist producers in Kent and Essex.

Growth can be expected to accelerate as spring arrives so that volumes will soon be sufficient to meet a demand which continues to indicate that this traditional crop is being rediscovered by the consumer.