Crop Update
UK-grown winter staples such as leeks, kale, Savoy cabbage, and parsnips are at their best right now, offering fantastic quality and flavour. Forced rhubarb is also in season, bringing a vibrant splash of colour to winter menus. As we transition towards spring, we continue working closely with our growers to monitor crop developments and maintain strong relationships, ensuring we bring you the freshest produce from across the UK and beyond. Please refer to the image on the left for UK seasonal produce.
As we move into February, shifting seasons and unpredictable weather patterns continue to impact fresh produce availability from Europe and further afield. From supply gaps in Spain to challenges in Poland’s mushroom production, staying ahead of these changes is key to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality produce. Find out below what’s happening in the market right now.
Download our February Chef’s Seasonal Scoop leaflet here
European / Other Produce Availability
Citrus
Egyptian oranges are in peak season, offering excellent quality and volume. Lemons, particularly from the Cruce brand, remain strong in supply. Meanwhile, lime prices are expected to stabilise soon.
Winter Cyprus Spunta Potatoes
These potatoes are available in excellent volumes, packed in 20kg boxes, and will remain in good supply throughout February.
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Sweet Potatoes
The Egyptian season is winding down, with the transition to US-grown crops now underway.
Butternut Squash
The European season is drawing to a close, with South African and South American supply stepping in to meet demand.
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Supply across button, chestnut, and flat mushrooms is currently much lower than usual. With higher rejection and waste rates.
Button Mushrooms
A shortage of high-quality compost has significantly impacted production yields. Fewer mushrooms per batch are growing, and as a result, buttons are maturing into larger cup-sized mushrooms, disrupting the usual production cycles. Unstable weather has further exacerbated the issue, increasing susceptibility to disease. While cup mushrooms remain available, quality concerns may lead to reduced supply.
Chestnut Mushrooms
Similar compost challenges are affecting chestnut mushrooms. Growers are prioritising supermarket orders to avoid penalties, which may lead to limited availability for wholesale supply.
SHORTAGES IN SPAIN
Cold weather is causing significant production challenges across Spanish crops, leading to reduced harvest volumes. Improvements are expected later in February as temperatures rise and sunlight increases.
Cucumber
Production is down to just a third of normal volumes due to the cold. A second harvest cycle is expected to begin soon.
Aubergine
Availability has improved, though humidity is leading to quality issues, including brown spotting.
Courgettes
Growth has slowed due to high humidity and cold conditions, with stem rot becoming a concern.
Tomatoes
Lower temperatures are delaying ripening, resulting in insufficient colouration for harvest. A gradual recovery is expected as conditions improve.
Peppers
A combination of cold temperatures and plant viruses has severely impacted crops, with losses of up to 90% in some regions. Light-coloured varieties are particularly affected.
OTHER NOTABLE MARKET UPDATES
Melons
The Brazilian season is coming to an end, leading to potential shortages as supply transitions to Central America. Prices are expected to rise during this period.
Asparagus
Gaps in supply are anticipated as Peru’s season finishes and Mexico’s ramps up, likely resulting in price increases.
Cauliflower
Prices remain exceptionally high following a December flush caused by mild weather. January’s cold snap has halted growth, delaying February crops.
Baking Potatoes
Prices are creeping up, particularly for larger-sized potatoes.
Cabbage (Red/White)
Both UK and Dutch cabbage prices continue to rise due to weather challenges. A wet spring led to below-average yields, with red cabbage particularly affected. Dutch growers are already using stored stock earlier than usual, leading to critically low availability.
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Mixed Radicchio
A visually striking, flavourful addition to Valentine’s Day menus.
