Crop report – week 46 (11 November)
The recent DANA storm in Spain has significantly impacted agricultural infrastructure and fields. While growers are working hard to minimise crop loss, open fields and some covered structures have suffered considerable damage. As a result, reduced yields in certain crops may become evident as the season progresses.
This summary provides an overview of key produce supply and quality trends as of this week.
Aubergines
Supplies remain limited, with volumes still declining. Prices continue to rise and are expected to climb further next week. Quality is generally good, though still showing improvement.
Courgettes
Volumes are beginning to pick up, although supply remains limited. Prices have slightly eased, and this trend is expected to hold. Quality is overall good.
Cucumbers
Spain now supplies most cucumber programmes, meeting demand steadily. Moroccan cucumbers have also arrived with good quality, but full production from both countries is still a few weeks away. Prices are stable, and quality remains high.
Peppers
With Dutch and Belgian crops nearly finished, Spain is slowly increasing production despite setbacks from the DANA storm. Morocco continues to supply good-quality peppers, providing a reliable alternative. Prices for premium-grade produce remain high.
Tomatoes:
Round Tomatoes:
Dutch and Belgian supplies are nearly exhausted, showing quality decline. Moroccan supply is slightly improving, while Spain and the Canary Islands are just starting with limited availability. Next week, volumes are expected to remain tight, impacting prices.
Intense Plum Tomatoes:
Dutch and Belgian supplies are nearing the end with smaller sizes dominating. Early Moroccan arrivals show good quality. Prices remain high and are likely to stay at these levels.
Beef Tomatoes:
Dutch and Belgian supplies are dwindling, driving up prices, especially for larger sizes. Moroccan and Spanish supplies are expected later in the month. Prices are likely to stay elevated until then.
Plum Tomatoes:
With Dutch and Belgian crops nearly finished, Moroccan volumes are increasing, but prices have risen as demand shifts. Spanish supply remains limited, with no significant improvement expected for a couple of weeks.
Vine Tomatoes:
Demand remains high, keeping prices steady. Spain and Morocco are increasing volume weekly, and quality is good. Belgian and Dutch supplies continue to show reasonable quality for the season.
Cherry Vine and Cocktail Tomatoes:
Both remain costly as yields in Belgium and Holland decrease. Spain and Morocco are just beginning with small volumes; improvement isn’t anticipated for a few weeks, meaning prices are expected to remain high.
Heritage / Inca Tomatoes:
Certain varieties within the mix are in shorter supply, and quality from summer crops is declining. Spain’s supply is ramping up, with steady availability expected during the transition period.
Cherry & Baby Plum Tomatoes:
Supplies from Spain and Morocco’s summer crops are tapering, though new crops are improving availability. Prices are stable, and quality is holding up.
Sweet Pointed / Ramiro Peppers:
Dutch volume is declining, while Spain has already started with a steady supply of good quality. Availability should continue to improve.
Padron, Habanero, Jalapeño & Chillies:
Padron supply from Spain and Morocco remains stable with new crops starting. Habaneros and jalapeños are also picking up. Red and green chillies, however, remain in short supply with high prices expected to continue.
Broccoli:
Spanish volumes are increasing, with improved quality from inland regions. New crops from Murcia and surrounding areas are just beginning, expected to reach full production in the coming weeks.
Tenderstem Broccoli:
Availability is decreasing in the UK, driving up prices as demand rises. Limited supplies from Egypt and Spain are available.
Celery
UK production is nearing the end, with stable quality but rapidly diminishing supply. Prices are increasing as Spain begins its limited harvest.
Lettuces (Iceberg, Little Gem, Cos):
Local UK production is winding down, and recent storms in Spain have affected supply, pushing prices up sharply. Quality is acceptable and expected to improve with better weather.
Other Leafy Greens (Lollo Rosso, Red Oak Leaf, Batavia, Frisée):
With UK supplies dwindling, prices are rising. Spain is expected to increase supply in a few weeks, though recent storms may delay recovery.
Savoy & Pointed Cabbage:
No issues with good UK availability and stable prices.
Cauliflower:
UK supplies are expected to last into next week with good quality and competitive pricing. Spanish crops are just beginning with smaller volumes but good quality.
Sweet Potatoes:
Egypt continues to provide steady supply at competitive prices.
Potatoes:
A generally stable supply with price variation among preferred varieties. Quality has improved as more volume becomes available.
Leeks:
Supply is stable between the UK, Holland, and Belgium, with excellent quality. Prices remain steady.
Butternut Squash:
Good, steady supply from Spain with stable prices and excellent quality.
Oranges:
RSA supplies remain stable, particularly in popular sizes and grades, while lower-quality offerings are priced accordingly. Valencia’s citrus supply may be affected by storm damage, with reliance on other regions unlikely to fully compensate.
Lemons:
Spain’s Primafiori volume is increasing, with quality remaining good. Prices are steady, particularly on popular sizes. RSA supplies also remain available.
Pomegranates:
The Spanish season is underway with high-quality produce, and prices are steady. Additional volumes from Turkey are available at slightly lower prices.
Kaki (Persimmon):
Spanish availability and quality are excellent, with both Kaki and Persimmon varieties on offer. Prices are stable, particularly for favourable sizes.
