Crop Report

Global shipping continues to pose a significant risk to fresh produce supply. Although delays are less severe than earlier in the year, disruption remains frequent and delivery pressure is high.  Short notice delays therefore remain a possibility, but as these arise, we will continue to work closely with suppliers to minimise any impact on customers.

The much-loved chef’s ingredient is back! Taking over from the early season ‘forced’ rhubarb, our British-grown rhubarb brings a strong heritage and a sharper, more robust flavour to a wide range of dishes, making it ideal for desserts, compotes and seasonal menu specials. It’s definitely time to get creative in the kitchen with this traditional favourite.

We have now completed the transition to South African supply, around a month earlier than usual due to the challenges experienced during the Spanish season. While we are not expecting availability issues, supply is naturally tighter at this early stage, which has been exacerbated by some container delays. Small sizes are particularly limited, though this is expected to ease as the season progresses.

Growers across Spain continue to face aphid pressure, with recent weather conditions creating near ideal breeding environments and driving elevated insect activity across crops.

Restrictions on pesticide use are limiting intervention options, and even where treatments are permitted, heavy rain has reduced their effectiveness.

A weather related gap in planting is also impacting lettuce availability, particularly for Cos, although Iceberg supply is beginning to improve. Little Gem is also beginning to improve, albeit slowly.

Concessions remain in place to help support supply. We expect to start to move to the UK season in early May 

It has been a very challenging season, and conditions remain difficult as we approach its end. 

Baby plum tomatoes are particularly problematic, requiring some substitutions to ensure availability. 

Round tomatoes are also under significant pressure as the season winds down and Moroccan volumes decline. Colder weather in the Canary Islands is further constraining supply, although we expect conditions to improve over the coming weeks.

Beef tomatoes are smaller as we reach the end of the season, which is to be expected and where possible we will accelerate the transition to Dutch produce to alleviate this.

The seasonal changeover will take place in around a fortnight’s time, which should help resolve the problems.

Volumes from Spain remain significantly reduced due to earlier adverse weather, which created a planting gap that has not yet recovered. We expect market shortages this week, with florets also facing similar pressures and likely to see some shortfalls.

These challenges are expected to persist for the next three to four weeks, although we anticipate a gradual improvement from next week. 

We are working closely with all suppliers to manage availability and activate contingency measures where possible.

Strawberry availability continues to improve as the Spanish season progresses, with quality and supply now stable. We do not anticipate any further challenges.

Raspberries and blueberries remain under pressure, with market availability still tight due to limited volumes from Morocco. There have been some quality issues, which we are monitoring closely.

We are working closely with our suppliers to maximise supply wherever possible and to minimise any impact on customers.

High temperatures in Egypt have severely impacted supply, causing significant crop losses and creating a high risk end to the season. Sugar snap has already finished, and mangetout is expected to end in around two weeks, leaving very limited market availability. We have contingency plans in place, including alternative sourcing options, but volumes will remain constrained.

Kenya has also experienced severe flooding, delaying the start of its season by approximately two weeks. This overlap in regional disruption presents a sustained supply risk. We are working closely with suppliers to accelerate recovery where possible, explore supplementary routes, and activate additional mitigation measures to protect availability.

Product availability remains stable, but logistics continue to present significant challenges due to prolonged sea freight delays from Senegal. Extended transit times are also contributing to some quality issues.

With air freight currently unavailable, suppliers have been forced to rely on road transport, further lengthening lead times. We are working closely with partners to manage the situation and, to date, have avoided any major impact on customers.

Concessions remain in place for savoy cabbages and cabbages on weight, following the earlier poor growing conditions. Cabbages are also being affected by oedema, for which a separate concession has been agreed.

High temperatures in Mexico are creating difficult growing conditions for asparagus. While overall availability is not currently affected, the heat is placing plants under significant stress, slowing growth and reducing spear size. Large and extra large grades are particularly impacted.

Melon supply remains constrained due to ongoing vessel delays and further slippage in arrival dates. While we have managed the situation effectively to date, conditions remain challenging. We expect availability to improve next week as the delayed vessels begin to land.

Cavolo Nero supply remains under pressure due to a planting gap, and availability is expected to stay tight in the short term. While some improvement is anticipated as we move through the week, the category remains at heightened risk, and we continue to monitor supply closely and deploy mitigation where required.

Tenderstem® supply has been significantly impacted across all major growing regions due to adverse weather and ongoing logistical disruption. Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Kenya are all facing crop or freight challenges, resulting in reduced availability across the wider market.

We expect the next six weeks to remain challenging. However, we are working closely with our suppliers and, despite continued tightness in the broader market, do not anticipate major issues with our own supply.

Container delays continue to create market wide supply challenges for passion fruit. We have worked closely with suppliers to secure additional stocks, but the market will remain extremely tight. We expect further supplies shortly, which should resolve the situation.