Crop Update

Produce Availability

Aubergines:

Supply has been steadily increasing over the past week, leading to a gradual easing of prices. Availability is strong across all sizes, and quality remains high.

Courgettes:

Volumes have continued to improve as previously reported, and a consistent supply is expected for the coming week. This has resulted in a drop in prices compared to earlier weeks. Current supply levels are expected to be maintained, with quality remaining good.

Cucumbers:

Production remains slow, with plants yielding minimal fruit. Limited availability has pushed prices higher, and this trend is expected to continue next week. While Dutch production has started, volumes remain low and are still a long way from stabilising. Quality is holding up well, though some early-season crops are finishing, leaving mid-season plantations to continue until new spring crops arrive towards the end of next month.

Peppers:

The difficult market conditions persist, with declining availability and deteriorating quality. The ongoing impact of the Thrips virus in the key El Ejido growing region has led to significant yield losses, with some growers already removing plants to make way for short-cycle spring crops like melons. Supplies of all colours are tight, with red being particularly scarce due to strong demand. Prices remain high, with premium-grade Class 1 almost exhausted and an increasing proportion of Class 2 entering the market. Dutch production is expected to begin around week 10, but substantial volumes won’t be available until at least week 12.

Sweet Pointed / Ramiro Peppers:

No significant changes this week. Supply levels remain stable but limited, which is keeping prices firm. Quality is generally good, though some peppers are showing a slight green tinge on arrival, which fades within 48 hours.

Padron, Habanero, Jalapeño & Chillies:

Padron pepper production is gradually improving, leading to a slight reduction in prices, though they remain relatively high. Jalapeño and Habanero supplies are stable, with prices holding at current levels. Chillies (both red and green) remain expensive, with no change in pricing expected. Quality is good across the board.

Standard Loose Round Tomatoes:

Demand has been relatively slow this week, but supplies from Spain and Morocco remain tight and could become even more constrained in the coming days. As a result, prices are likely to hold firm or even rise if demand picks up. Quality is improving, with better consistency, firmness, and colour development.

Intense Plum Tomatoes:

Supply remains limited, as this variety takes longer to mature and develop full colour on the plant. Prices are still strong, and while quality is generally good, there is an increasing proportion of smaller-sized fruit as the season progresses.

Beef Tomatoes:

Steady availability has been maintained over the past fortnight, but production is now beginning to decline. Lower volumes are expected, particularly from Spain and Morocco, from the week after next. Larger sizes (82-102mm) remain difficult to source, while 72-102mm sizes may need to be included in orders under concession to meet demand. Some early Dutch and Belgian glasshouse production is starting to appear, though quantities remain limited. Prices are expected to remain stable but could rise towards the end of the week. Overall quality is good.

Plum Tomatoes:

No significant changes this week, with supply still limited, particularly for larger sizes. As crops mature, they are yielding a higher proportion of smaller fruit (47-57mm and even down to 40-47mm). Quality remains strong for both Spanish and Moroccan supplies, and prices are expected to hold firm or even strengthen.

Vine Tomatoes:

Limited availability continues, as although weather conditions are improving, it takes time for fruit to ripen evenly on the plants. A gradual increase in supply is expected from the week after next. Prices are stable, especially for the larger sizes, which remain scarce. Quality is good and will continue to improve in the coming weeks.

Cherry on the Vine & Cocktail Tomatoes:

Production of these varieties has shown slight improvement in recent weeks, particularly for conventional cherry vine types. However, the smaller, more sought-after varieties remain in short supply.

Heritage / Inca Tomatoes:

Supply is just about keeping pace with demand. Some varieties within the mix are experiencing shorter shelf life, but overall quality and condition remain good. Prices remain stable.

Cherry & Baby Plum Tomatoes:

Supply remains tight for both products, and production levels are not expected to improve for at least another week. Prices are likely to remain steady. Quality is generally good, although some shipments are arriving slightly underripe or paler in colour due to growers harvesting earlier to meet demand.

Broccoli:

Production levels are strong, with a steady supply and good quality. No major changes are expected next week.

Tenderstem Broccoli:

Supplies remain steady from Egypt, Spain, and Kenya. Quality is good, and prices are expected to remain unchanged.

Celery:

Production has slowed slightly in recent weeks, but prices remain stable. Quality is consistently good, with no reported issues.

Cauliflower:

No major changes from last week. Steady supply is coming in from both Spain and the UK, where local production is improving. Prices have eased slightly in recent weeks but are expected to hold steady next week.

Sweet Potatoes:

Availability remains strong, with prices holding steady for premium-quality stock. End-of-season supplies are showing some deterioration, though overall quality remains acceptable.

Potatoes:

Supply is stable, and prices remain consistent, except for more in-demand varieties, which continue to command higher prices. With greater availability, growers have been able to be more selective, leading to an overall improvement in quality.

Leeks:

Steady supply continues from both the UK and continental Europe. Quality has improved, though recent rainfall has caused some flag damage in certain shipments. Prices are expected to remain stable.

Lettuce (Iceberg, Little Gem & Cos):

Availability has tightened again across all varieties, leading to a sharp increase in prices. However, overall quality has improved compared to previous weeks. Prices are expected to stay strong next week.

Lollo Rosso, Red Oak Leaf, Batavia & Frisée:

No significant change this week. Supply remains limited but sufficient to meet demand, and quality is good. Prices are expected to remain stable.

Savoy Cabbage:

Spanish and Portuguese production has improved, ensuring adequate supply. Prices have eased slightly, and quality is excellent.

Sweetheart / Pointed Cabbage:

Yields are increasing, and more volume is expected in the coming weeks. Spanish-grown cabbage is of very good quality, with no issues anticipated.

Butternut Squash:

No change this week, with steady volumes from Spain and good availability of high-quality produce. UK-grown butternut is also available, though in smaller quantities.

Oranges:

Spanish Lane Late oranges are in steady demand, with prices holding firm. Other varieties, such as Sallustianas, Ortaniques, and Blood Oranges, are available at lower price points, depending on size. Moroccan Nadorcotts continue to perform well, with prices expected to remain stable.

Lemons:

Steady Spanish supplies of Primafiori lemons continue, with good quality across all sizes. Prices remain firm, particularly for the most in-demand sizes.

Pomegranates:

Spanish supplies remain strong, with the popular Mollar variety fetching higher prices than the Meyco variety. Turkish pomegranates are available in good volume and holding quality well.

Kaki Fruit:

The season is drawing to a close, with limited availability and a lower proportion of top-grade fruit. Prices vary significantly depending on size and quality.