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UK SEASON SET TO FINISH WITH A LATE FLOURISH
Southern hemisphere crops in sight
While it has been a difficult summer for strawberry growers there is every indication that the season will eventually finish on a high note as far as quality is concerned.
Labour could still be somewhat of a challenge as students return to university across the Community.
The good news is that there are some wonderful super tasting varieties available which should still be in substantial volume based on the combination of both tunnel and glasshouse grown fruit.
These should continue to be the basis of our programmes through until October, when Dutch glasshouse crops will supplement availability into November and possibly even later.
By this time the first Egyptian and Israeli crops will be picked ensuring unbroken continuity of supply.
Raspberries
Slowing down
English production will continue to slow down in the month ahead, although we will be able to ensure availability as the Dutch glasshouse crop comes on stream. This fruit will be available until November, while next month will also herald the opening of the Spanish season promising unbroken arrivals through until May.
 Blackberries
Last of the summer wine
The quality of the English crop continues to impress even at this late stage of the year and has done much to ensure that blackberries are now making a major contribution to the retail berry offer. Dutch glasshouse fruit will begin to become available from next week until the arrival of the first Mexican Tupi in November.
 Blueberries
Stop start season
Heavy frosts in Argentina have meant that early picking has been interrupted and we have had to rely on stored Polish fruit which is still looking good.This initial reduction in the new season is only expected to be temporary however, and latest reports indicate that harvesting will be back on course by the first week of October.
In the meantime there has been some really excellent fruit arriving from Australia.
 Red Currants
Even keel
The limited UK crop is now coming to a close with the result that our programmes will now once again be based on Dutch fruit from controlled atmosphere.
The combination of top quality product and storage expertise ensures that we can meet any surges in demand from our specialist patisserie customers.
 Rhubarb
Dutch treat
Interest in the outdoor crop is expected to increase as the first shades of autumn appear next month. There is excellent quality coming forward from our specialist producers which has made its own contribution to the renaissance that this traditional English crop has enjoyed. |
