Crop Report

We continue to closely monitor the potential implications of the conflict in the Middle East on global supply chains. 

Separately, global shipping remains a significant risk factor for fresh produce. Severe weather is causing delays and congestion at major ports, resulting in extended transit times across key international routes.

Although the number of late-running vessels continues to improve, the situation remains challenging, with some categories still experiencing short notice delays.

Strawberry availability continues to improve as the Spanish season progresses, and we do not anticipate any issues this week.

Raspberries, however, remain challenging. Recent sandstorms and adverse weather conditions in Morocco have disrupted supply, and the transition between regional growing areas is adding further pressure. This has been compounded by short-term picking and logistics constraints following the end of Ramadan. While we are not expecting significant shortages, the combination of these factors means overall market availability is likely to remain very tight.

Blueberries are now also being affected by the Moroccan storms, with market volumes forecast to be approximately 20% lower this week. This is creating additional concern around availability. We continue to work closely with our suppliers to minimise any impact on customers, but the market remains highly constrained.

Growers across Spain are experiencing a significant increase in aphid pressure. Recent weather conditions in Spain have created near ideal breeding environments for insects, leading to elevated aphid levels across crops. Restrictions on pesticide use mean that options for intervention remain limited and, even when it can be applied, heavy rain is washing it away reducing the efficacy. This is a fluid situation, and we are working closely with suppliers to minimise the impact on customers. 

Concessions are in place, and we are advising customers to take extra care when washing products before use.

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

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

There is now less than a fortnight remaining in what has been an exceptionally challenging Spanish season. As we enter the final stretch, the market is experiencing widespread shortages of smaller sizes, as well as some quality issues. The positive news is that, despite bringing forward the transition to the Southern Hemisphere by roughly a month, we do not anticipate any gaps between seasons.

Availability of smaller sizes is expected to remain constrained until the Southern Hemisphere crop is fully underway. 

We have avoided major issues with broccoli through the winter, but as growing conditions continue to deteriorate, the market is becoming increasingly challenging. Growers had hoped that crops affected by poor weather and late planting would recover with improved conditions; however, the weather has remained difficult, and this recovery has not materialised. We are working closely with all suppliers to manage supply, and we expect these challenges to persist for the next three to four weeks.

Availability has improved markedly over the past week as delayed vessels have arrived. While some supply constraints remain, the more pressing challenge has shifted to quality, with the produce spending significantly longer in transit than originally planned. Our technical team is monitoring this closely with our suppliers.

This has been an exceptionally difficult season for tomato growers, with poor weather affecting all major production regions across Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands.

Availability continues to decline as we approach the end of the season. Cooler temperatures and challenging growing conditions in Morocco, Spain and the Canary Islands persist, adding to the general slowdown of the winter period. The next three to four weeks are expected to remain difficult until the new season begins.

Product availability remains stable. However, logistics continue to pose significant challenges due to prolonged sea freight delays from Senegal.

With air freight currently unavailable, suppliers have been forced to rely on road transport, substantially increasing transit times. We are working closely with partners to manage the situation and have so far avoided any impact on customers.

Concessions remain in place for cauliflower 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 have created challenging growing conditions for asparagus. While overall availability is not currently affected, the heat is placing plants under significant stress, slowing growth and reducing stem size. This is particularly impacting large and extra large grades.

Melon supply continues to be constrained due to ongoing vessel delays. While we have managed the situation effectively so far, conditions remain challenging. We expect an improvement once the delayed vessels arrive throughout this week, though this timing may still shift.