Crop Update – week 23
UK and Continental Europe are experiencing cooler, unsettled weather with some rain. UK production is starting on several lines, though volumes remain limited. Temperatures across Spain and Morocco remain warm and stable, supporting good crop growth = availability is tapering off on some products. Dutch and Belgian crops are performing well thanks to favourable conditions. Prices are generally stable, though there are slight increases on peppers and celery. Tomatoes in all varieties are in good supply, with high quality and competitive pricing. Melons and stone fruits are steadily increasing, with good early-season quality reported.
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Produce of Note Availability
Aubergines:
Spain continues to produce limited volumes from isolated summer crops, while supply from the Netherlands remains stable. Quality is consistently good, and pricing is expected to remain unchanged.
Courgettes:
UK-grown courgettes are just beginning to come through, though volumes are still limited. Good availability continues from Spain as spring crops remain in full swing, supported by warmer weather. Quality remains strong. Prices are expected to stay stable.
Cucumbers:
UK supply is stable. No significant change. Dutch volumes remain steady as most crops are now in full production, boosted by favourable weather and good light levels. Quality is strong, and pricing remains competitive across all sizes. Spanish spring crops offer lower volumes, though quality is good.
Peppers:
Dutch volumes have gradually declined, leading to a slow rise in prices—particularly for red peppers. Green remains the most expensive, while yellow holds steady. Quality remains high. Moroccan supply is limited but holding up well for the time of year.
Sweet Pointed / Ramiro Peppers:
Spanish spring volumes have dropped back slightly from previous weeks, prompting a gradual price increase—especially on red, the most in-demand colour. Quality remains excellent. Dutch volumes are stable, with no change in pricing.
Padron, Habanero, Jalapeño & Chilli Peppers:
Padron supply from Spain and Morocco is limited and expected to tighten further next week, with prices continuing to rise. Quality remains good. Jalapeños and chillies are showing similar trends, with stable availability for now.
Standard Loose Round Tomatoes:
No major changes. Production in the UK, Netherlands and Belgium appears to be peaking, thanks to improved weather and light. Prices remain competitive across all sizes. Polish product is now also coming through in higher volume at attractive price points. Quality is good.
Intense Plum Tomatoes:
Volumes from the Netherlands and Belgium are increasing steadily. Quality is good, with no supply concerns at present.
Beef Tomatoes:
Strong availability and quality continue from the Netherlands and Belgium. Prices are favourable due to high production.
Plum Tomatoes:
Volumes continue to rise in both the Netherlands and Belgium, aided by excellent growing conditions. Supply will increase further this week, including vine-grown fruit. Prices are expected to ease slightly as the week progresses.
Vine Tomatoes:
Consistent volumes from UK, Belgium and the Netherlands with good quality and competitive pricing, expected to hold firm this week.
Cherry Vine & Cocktail Tomatoes:
Cocktail tomatoes are plentiful, with UK production seeing a notable boost this week. Later-planted Spanish and Moroccan crops are still supplying some cherry vine tomatoes, though they are nearing the end. Dutch and Belgian production remains strong, offering good quality at competitive prices.
Heritage / Inca Tomatoes:
Supply from all summer sources has increased. There is now good availability at more competitive pricing. Quality is very good.
Cherry & Baby Plum Tomatoes:
No major changes. Spain and Morocco continue to deliver steady volumes of both types, with baby plum now on par with cherry in terms of availability. Quality remains high. Prices are stable for now, though baby plum volumes are expected to increase, while cherry may ease off slightly in the coming fortnight.
Broccoli:
UK crops are just starting, though supply is limited. Full production is not expected until mid-July. Spanish volumes continue to decline, with only select growing areas still in production for another month or so. Quality remains decent, though some crops are deteriorating quickly due to higher temperatures, especially at night.
Celery:
UK celery is just starting to appear but still in small volumes and at high prices. Spanish production remains limited as new spring crops get underway, and some growers opt out of summer planting. No major pricing changes expected this week.
Cauliflower:
UK availability continues to improve under current warm weather and favourable light levels. Prices are competitive, and quality is good.
Leeks:
Supply from the UK, Netherlands and Belgium is nearing the end, just as new-season summer crops from France and Spain come online. Quality from imports is very good, and a smooth transition is anticipated. However, imported prices are rising.
Iceberg, Little Gem & Cos Lettuce:
Good UK-grown availability across all three types, particularly iceberg. Little gem and cos are holding steady. Prices are expected to remain stable this week, supported by continued demand under warmer weather.
Lemons:
Spanish Verna lemons remain available at competitive prices. Argentina and South Africa’s Eureka varieties have now started, with volumes set to increase. Pricing is currently holding steady across all sizes. Overall quality is very good.
Stone Fruit:
Spanish peaches—both white and yellow flesh—are coming through in good quality. Yellow nectarines are widely available in all sizes. Paraguayos (white flesh flat peaches) have started, though supply is still limited. Prices remain steady for both loose and pre-packed formats. Red plums have arrived, with good initial quality. Sana Rose (yellow flesh) plums are also expected to begin shortly.
Melons:
Volumes are increasing across the board. Spanish watermelon supply is rising steadily, with Moroccan volumes holding similar to previous weeks. Larger sizes dominate; medium and small are less available. Honeydew supply is gradually building but remains tight, keeping prices firm. Galia melons are increasing with more competitive pricing. Cantaloupe volumes are improving slightly but remain relatively costly. Late-season South American fruit is still arriving, though quality is mixed with reduced shelf life and lower prices.
