Crop Update
The colder weather is not only impacting crop volumes, as some products are more affected than others, but also influencing quality, which varies depending on the specific produce.
In the UK and much of mainland Europe it will continue to experience cold weather. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 5–8°C, with overnight lows of 0–3°C. While the days should be mostly sunny, there may be intermittent cloudy spells.
Temperatures are forecast to drop further next week across southern Spain, with daytime highs of around 14–16°C and nighttime lows falling to 3–4°C. Clear skies are expected, with plenty of sunshine during the day.
In Morocco, similar conditions are anticipated, with daytime temperatures ranging from 17–19°C and nights cooler at 8–10°C. The outlook remains mostly sunny, with occasional cloudy intervals.
Aubergines:
Availability remains tight due to reduced yields over the past fortnight, exacerbated by colder conditions that followed an already limited production earlier in the season. Quality is good, but prices are expected to remain high until supply improves.
Courgettes:
Although supply has been stable until now, volumes are rapidly declining due to the colder weather in Spain. Prices are climbing sharply and are likely to rise further next week. Crops are producing significantly less as temperatures drop.
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Cucumbers:
Supplies have tightened further, driving prices higher. Production has slowed dramatically, with plants yielding very little. While some early Dutch cucumbers are appearing, quantities remain minimal. The cooler weather has improved quality overall.
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Peppers:
Production is down significantly, with crops yielding less and quality issues becoming more apparent. Class 1 peppers are increasingly scarce, and prices for premium quality are expected to rise further over the coming weeks.
Sweet Pointed/Ramiro Peppers:
Volumes have dropped further, driving prices higher. Quality remains good, although some red peppers may have a slight green tinge due to earlier harvesting.
Padron, Habanero, Jalapeño & Chilli Peppers:
Padron peppers are in extremely limited supply, with prices reaching exceptionally high levels. Production is nearly at a standstill. Habanero and jalapeño peppers are maintaining steady volumes and prices, while chillies continue to be stable in both supply and quality.
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Tomatoes
Loose Round Tomatoes:
Volumes have dropped across major winter-growing regions, including Morocco, Spain, and the Canary Islands. Growers, who previously harvested multiple times a week, are now down to once weekly, with smaller yields. Prices are climbing steadily, and lighter-coloured fruit may be more common in the coming weeks due to slower ripening.
Intense Plum Tomatoes:
Volumes continue to decline, particularly from Morocco, the main source of production. Prices have risen following increased post-holiday demand. Quality remains good, though some shipments may have lighter-coloured fruit as growers pick earlier to meet demand.
Beef Tomatoes:
Yields have dropped by over 50% in recent weeks, pushing prices higher, particularly for larger sizes (82–102mm). While quality is generally good, some crops are experiencing shorter shelf lives due to temperature fluctuations.
Plum Tomatoes:
Production has fallen sharply after weeks of high yields. Moroccan crops, the primary source, are now producing far less. Prices are rising quickly, and while quality has been mixed, firmer fruit is expected as cooler weather stabilises.
Vine Tomatoes:
Limited availability continues, with ripening on the plants slowing significantly. Yields are expected to decline further, causing prices to rise. Quality is generally good, with improvements anticipated.
Cherry on the Vine & Cocktail Tomatoes:
Supplies remain very limited, and prices are escalating rapidly. Quality is good, though fruit at the end of trusses may be lighter in colour due to uneven ripening.
Heritage/Inca Tomatoes:
Certain varieties within the mix are in short supply, but current volumes are just sufficient to meet demand. Prices are rising due to increased interest, though overall quality remains strong.
Cherry & Baby Plum Tomatoes:
Production is declining, albeit later than other tomato types. Volumes are expected to fall further in the coming weeks. Quality remains good, though lighter-coloured fruit may be seen as availability tightens. Prices are gradually increasing.
Broccoli:
Availability remains limited and is expected to worsen in the coming weeks. Cooler nighttime temperatures have helped maintain quality, but volumes are tight.
Tenderstem Broccoli:
Egypt is providing a steady supply, though Spanish production has slowed. Kenyan shipments remain inconsistent. Prices are rising, though quality is generally good.
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Celery:
Spanish supply has been stable but is now beginning to decline as temperatures drop, leading to a gradual rise in prices. Quality remains excellent.
Cauliflower:
Volumes are declining rapidly, particularly from UK growers, where freezing temperatures have hampered production. Spanish imports are also lower. Prices are rising sharply, though quality remains good.
Sweet Potatoes:
Egyptian supply remains strong, with stable prices and good quality. No changes are expected next week.
Potatoes:
Supply is steady, with prices stable for most varieties. Quality has improved as more volume becomes available, allowing growers to be more selective.
Leeks:
Freezing temperatures and frost have halted production, causing significant supply issues and sharp price increases. Availability is likely to remain challenging until weather conditions improve. Shelf life may also be affected.
Lettuce
Lettuce (Iceberg, Little Gem, Cos):
Supplies remain limited across all types, keeping prices high. However, quality has shown improvement.
Speciality Lettuce (Lollo Rosso, Red Oak Leaf, Batavia, Frisée):
Volumes are limited but sufficient to meet demand. Prices are rising steadily, and quality remains good.
Cabbage (Savoy, Sweetheart/Pointed):
Savoy cabbage volumes have eased but remain sufficient, with good quality. Sweetheart cabbage supply is also adequate, though prices are beginning to climb due to increased demand and reduced availability.
Oranges:
Spanish production remains steady, with good quality for premium mandarins and navel oranges. Moroccan Nadorcotts have started arriving and are well-received.
Lemons:
Spanish lemons are in steady supply, though increased demand is driving prices up, particularly for popular sizes. Quality is improving weekly.
Pomegranates:
Good supply and quality continue from Spain and Turkey. The Spanish Mollar variety commands higher prices than the Meyco, but both maintain stable levels.
Kaki (Persimmons):
Spanish availability has decreased, particularly for the Rojo Brillante variety. Prices for top-quality fruit are strengthening, particularly for preferred sizes.
Butternut Squash:
Limited UK supplies and Spanish remain consistent, with good quality and stable prices.
