Crop Update

Produce Availability

Aubergines:

Supply has stabilised this week, with a slight increase in volume compared to previous weeks, although it remains limited. Prices are holding steady, with only a minor decrease from last week. Quality is generally good.

Courgettes:

Yield is gradually improving, but only at a steady pace. Prices are expected to remain unchanged next week, as no significant increase in supply is anticipated. Quality is good, with no major issues.

Cucumbers:

As noted last week, while there has been a slight improvement in volume compared to previous weeks, overall production remains limited. Plants have already yielded heavily over the past month, and significant increases in supply are unlikely until spring crops begin next month.

Meanwhile, production in the Netherlands is increasing slightly each week but is not expected to be fully underway until next month. The quality of Spanish and Moroccan cucumbers remains good. Prices are expected to rise further from last week.

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Peppers:

No significant changes to report. The season is becoming increasingly challenging due to both limited supply and quality issues. With the season now at its halfway point, many crops in the main growing region of El Ejido are suffering from diseases, particularly Thrips, which is reducing yields and impacting quality.

Class 1 produce is now in short supply and commanding a premium price, while Class 2 availability is increasing, primarily due to defects such as micro-cracking. Growers are making every effort to manage these issues, but challenges remain. Prices are expected to stay high and may even strengthen for the best-quality produce.

Yellow peppers are proving particularly problematic, as they are more susceptible to weather conditions and viruses.

Sweet Pointed / Ramiro Peppers:

No significant changes, with supply remaining steady and prices holding firm. Overall quality is good, though some peppers may arrive with a slight green tinge, which typically develops into full colour within 48 hours.

Padron, Habanero, Jalapeño & Chilli Peppers:

Padron pepper supply has improved slightly but remains limited, and prices continue to be high, with no change expected next week. Jalapeño availability remains stable at current price levels. Chilli prices remain high, especially for red varieties. Overall quality is good.

Standard Loose Round Tomatoes:

While there has been a slight improvement in volume, supply remains limited. In mainland Spain, some fruit is still being harvested with lighter colouring as growers are picking early to meet demand. Overall, quality is mixed due to poor condition and shorter shelf life caused by high humidity during the recent cold spell.

Prices have eased slightly—not due to increased volume or reduced demand, but rather due to the inferior quality of available stock. The best-quality tomatoes are expected to maintain current price levels throughout next week.

Intense Plum Tomatoes:

There has been a slight improvement in availability, but supply remains limited. Quality is also improving, and production is sufficient to meet demand, although fruit sizes are getting smaller as the season progresses.

Beef Tomatoes:

No major changes. Availability is gradually increasing, though still far from abundant—particularly for the preferred 82/102mm size. To meet demand, growers continue to supply some 72/82mm sizes, as larger fruit remains scarce.

Overall quality and condition are improving. Prices are expected to hold steady throughout next week.

Plum Tomatoes:

No improvement in supply or quality yet. These varieties have lower resistance to viruses, and as a result, many crops—particularly in Morocco—have been significantly affected, with yields in some areas dropping by more than 50%.

Prices for the best quality remain high and are expected to stay at this level.

Vine Tomatoes:

Supply remains limited, as although the weather is improving, it will take time for fruit to ripen and mature evenly on the plants. A steady increase in volume is expected from the following week.

Prices remain firm, particularly for larger sizes, which are in short supply. Quality is generally good and should continue improving in the coming weeks.

Cherry on the Vine & Cocktail Tomatoes:

Supply is gradually increasing, but more importantly, quality is improving due to rising temperatures and lower humidity compared to previous weeks.

Prices remain high for premium varieties such as Korino, with slightly lower prices for conventional varieties, which tend to be slightly larger.

Heritage / Inca Tomatoes:

Supply is steady and just about meeting demand. Some varieties within the mix have been more affected than others, leading to shorter shelf life. However, overall quality and condition remain good, with prices unchanged.

Cherry & Baby Plum Tomatoes:

Volumes for both products have been rapidly decreasing over the past few weeks. Consequently, prices have started rising sharply—particularly for baby plum tomatoes.

Production remains low, and prices are expected to either hold steady or increase further next week. Quality is generally good, although some consignments are arriving with lighter colouring than usual to meet demand.

Broccoli:

No major changes this week. Supply remains steady, with similar volumes and stable prices expected to continue. Quality is good, with no reported issues.

Tenderstem Broccoli:

No changes in supply from Egypt and Spain, which remains steady but not excessive. Prices are expected to remain stable. Availability from Kenya is still limited due to logistical challenges.

Celery:

Supply remains sufficient to meet demand, although volumes have declined in recent weeks, leading to rising prices. Quality is good.

Cauliflower:

No significant changes from last week. A combination of imports from mainland Spain and improving UK local production is ensuring a steady supply. Prices have eased slightly in recent weeks and are expected to remain stable next week.

Sweet Potatoes:

No changes in availability, with good volumes still available. Prices remain steady for the best-quality produce, although some end-of-season stock is showing signs of deterioration. Overall quality remains good.

Potatoes:

Supply remains stable, with prices generally steady, except for premium varieties, which continue to command higher prices. Quality is improving as more volume becomes available, allowing growers to be more selective.

Leeks:

Supply and volume continue to improve, and quality is getting better each week, although not yet perfect. Growers remain vigilant against issues such as flag dehydration. Prices have returned to normal levels and are expected to remain stable until challenges arise again in spring.

Lettuce (Iceberg, Little Gem, and Cos):

After some improvement in recent weeks, production has dipped slightly again, leading to rising prices next week—particularly for the best quality. Iceberg lettuce remains stable, but Little Gem and Cos varieties are proving more challenging.

Lollo Rosso, Red Oak Leaf, Batavia & Frisée:

No major changes, with supply remaining limited but just enough to meet demand. Quality is good, and prices are expected to remain unchanged next week.

Savoy Cabbage:

Spanish and Portuguese production continues to improve, ensuring sufficient supply. Prices have eased, and quality is very good.

Sweetheart / Pointed Cabbage:

Supply is rapidly increasing, with yields expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Spanish quality is excellent, with no anticipated issues.

Oranges & Lemons:

No major changes. Steady supply from Spain continues, with premium varieties holding strong prices. Moroccan Nadorcotts are gaining popularity, and lemon prices are slightly lower but stable.

Butternut Squash & Pomegranates:

Supply and quality remain steady, with no major price changes. Turkish pomegranates continue to offer good quality at competitive prices.

Kaki:

Availability is decreasing weekly as the season nears its end. Best-quality fruit is maintaining strong prices, while lower-quality stock is selling at reduced rates.