Crop Update
Southern Spain: No temperature changes, remaining at 17-19°C during the day and 9-12°C at night. Next week’s forecast is the same. Light rain is expected at the start of the week, improving to mainly sunny with occasional clouds.
Morocco: Temperatures are rising slightly to 20-21°C in the day and 12-14°C at night, with a sunny forecast for next week.
UK & Continental Europe: Temperatures remain around 7-9°C during the day and 1-3°C at night. Next week is expected to be dry with clear skies and sunny/cloudy spells, with possible rain towards the end of the week.
Download our March Chef’s Seasonal Scoop leaflet here
Produce Availability
Aubergines: Stable volume from Spain with good quality. Dutch production has started, and supply will gradually increase. Prices may hold or ease slightly depending on Dutch availability next week.
Courgettes: Steady supply from Spain, though production has dipped slightly, leading to rising prices. No expected changes next week. Quality remains good.
Cucumbers: Winter crops are ending, with only a few new crops beginning. Supply is steady but not abundant. UK and Dutch production is increasing, with retailers switching supply. Prices have risen and are expected to remain stable. Quality from Spain and Morocco is holding up.
Peppers: Spanish volumes are decreasing, and quality is mixed, with a higher percentage of Class 2. Class 1 availability is limited and priced at a premium. The Thrips virus is affecting production in El Ejido, with some growers pulling plants early. Dutch production of green peppers is just starting but will not be significant until mid-April.
Sweet Pointed / Ramiro Peppers: No significant changes. Volumes remain stable, and prices are holding. Some arrivals show a slight green tinge but colour fully within 48 hours.
Padron, Habanero, Jalapeño & Chillies:
- Padron: Production is improving, with stable prices.
- Jalapeño & Habanero: Supply remains steady with no price changes.
- Chillies: Prices remain high, especially for red varieties, which are more limited. Quality is good.
Tomatoes:
- Loose Round: Supply remains low, with inconsistent quality. Prices vary widely, with premium fruit scarce and expensive. No major changes expected, and prices may rise further.
- Intense Plum: Availability is limited. Mid-season crops are producing smaller sizes (47-57mm). Quality is stable, and sizes may improve with better weather.
- Beef: Volumes continue to drop, and quality is declining. Larger sizes (82mm+) are harder to source, requiring 72mm concessions. Prices will rise. Early Belgian and Dutch crops have started but remain limited and expensive.
- Plum: Production is still low, with smaller sizes dominating supply. Prices are expected to increase next week.
- Vine: Availability from Spain and Morocco remains steady, with good quality and sizing. Prices are expected to hold as Belgian and Dutch supply slowly starts.
- Cherry on the Vine & Cocktail: Conventional cherry vine volume remains stable, but premium varieties are limited and priced higher.
- Heritage / Inca: End-of-season varieties are becoming scarce, pushing prices higher.
- Cherry & Baby Plum: Cherry tomato supply is gradually improving, with stable prices. Baby plum remains limited and expensive. Cocktail tomatoes are also becoming more challenging in both volume and quality.
Broccoli: Supply has improved due to better weather in Spain. Quality is good, and prices are stable.
Tenderstem: Steady supply from Egypt, Spain, and Kenya. Quality remains high, and prices are unchanged.
Celery: Production has been affected by bad weather in Spain, limiting grower access. Supply should improve, but prices remain high.
Cauliflower: Mainland Spain’s supply has been disrupted by rain but is now improving. UK production is increasing due to better temperatures.
Sweet Potatoes: Good availability with stable prices. Some end-of-season quality issues, but generally acceptable.
Potatoes: Steady supply and stable prices, though preferred varieties are priced higher. Quality is improving as more volume becomes available.
Leeks: UK and European supply is entering a more challenging period. Cold weather has affected quality, so extra care is needed. Prices are rising steadily.
Lettuce:
- Iceberg, Little Gem & Cos: Improvements expected in two weeks, but next week will still be difficult in terms of volume. Quality is mostly good but may show minor damage or soiling. Prices will hold.
- Lollo Rosso, Red Oak Leaf, Batavia & Frisée: Open-field crops have suffered from rain, affecting quality and availability. Prices have risen sharply and will stay high for another week.
Cabbages:
- Savoy: Steady supply from Spain and Portugal with good quality and stable prices.
- Sweetheart / Pointed: Spain has seen good production, but recent heavy rain has reduced volume. Prices may rise next week.
Oranges: Stable demand for Spanish Lane Late oranges. Sallustians, Ortaniques, and Blood Oranges are available at lower prices. Moroccan Nadorcotts prices remain competitive.
Lemons: Spanish Primafiori volume is declining. Some growers will continue until May, while others are finishing sooner. Quality is still acceptable but becoming more challenging. Prices for top-quality and preferred sizes remain firm.
Butternut Squash: Good supply and quality from Spain, with stable prices across all sizes.
Pomegranates: Spanish Mollar and Meyco varieties are finishing, leaving mostly Acco. Turkish supply is declining, and quality is becoming mixed. Overall, the market remains stable.
