Crop Report

The transition from British to Spanish supply is progressing, with Spanish Cos currently in a reasonable position. Spanish Little Gem volumes are also plentiful, supporting a positive supply outlook for this line.

Recent rainfall has affected Cos production, but we have mitigated the impact by securing additional volumes from alternative suppliers.

The recent industrial action in Italy disrupted supplies of rocket and other products leaving the country for approximately three days. The strike has now ended, and operations are largely returning to normal. However, some minor disruption may continue as delayed movements work through the supply chain.

We will continue to manage the seasonal transition closely and work with suppliers to minimise disruption and maintain customer availability.

Lime availability remains extremely challenging due to ongoing vessel delays, with shipments now pushed back by a further seven days. Market volumes remain exceptionally low, and prices are very high as a result of the continued disruption.

We currently expect existing supply to support customer requirements until this weekend, after which availability is likely to be impacted. Customers should anticipate disruption into next week as the UK await delayed shipments.

We continue to work closely with suppliers and logistics partners to secure additional volumes wherever possible. However, conditions remain extremely difficult, and intermittent shortages are likely until fresh arrivals reach the UK and supply begins to stabilise.

This year’s British potato harvest is now largely complete, with most crops lifted before recent rainfall arrived. Suppliers are currently in a reasonably stable position, and availability is expected to remain satisfactory through to Christmas. However, the outlook beyond Christmas remains highly uncertain.

Larger baker sizes, particularly 40s and 50s, will be especially challenging throughout the winter, and availability cannot be guaranteed. Smaller sizes, including 60s and 80s, are expected to be in a stronger position and remain the preferred options for securing consistent supply.

These challenges reflect a wider market issue affecting growers across Europe, rather than a problem specific to individual suppliers. We strongly recommend that customers review their requirements and switch to smaller sizes wherever possible as part of their winter planning.

We are approaching the transition to Spanish supply, with the new season expected to begin next week. Early indications suggest crop quality is looking positive, providing some reassurance as we move away from the current supply. We will continue to monitor quality and availability closely throughout the changeover.

Cavolo Nero continues to face challenges from whitefly, although the situation is improving slightly. Our main supplier is still experiencing some difficulties, so we are bringing in an additional supplier to strengthen availability and support customer requirements.

This additional supply will be particularly important as we approach Christmas, when customer demand increases. We will continue to work closely with both suppliers to manage the situation and minimise disruption.

We are approaching the end of the South African lemon season, which is finishing earlier than expected following challenges at the start of the year. While overall volumes remain satisfactory, some quality issues are emerging in the remaining stock, and supply may be more challenging this week as we work through the final stages of the transition.

Spanish lemons are already being introduced in limited volumes, with the transition to 100% Spanish supply expected to be completed next week. No significant issues are anticipated once the changeover is complete, and this should provide a more stable position moving forward.

White and red cabbage remain under significant market-wide pressure, with availability expected to stay tight throughout the winter. This is linked to reduced market supply following the withdrawal of some growers earlier in the year.

Customers planning additional menu volumes, promotions or other increases in demand should speak to their account manager, as availability on these lines will be limited.

We are preparing for the transition from Dutch supply to winter production from Spain and Morocco, with the changeover expected to begin next week.

As the market moves into the winter season, availability and quality will require close management while the new origins establish themselves. We are working closely with our suppliers to support the transition and maintain consistent supply as Dutch production declines.

British strawberry supply is expected to end this week, with Dutch supply taking over. Additional volumes from the United States are expected next week to help bridge the gap between the Dutch season ending and Moroccan supply becoming available.

The Moroccan season has not yet started, so US strawberries will play an important role in maintaining continuity during this transition. We will continue to monitor availability closely and work with suppliers to minimise disruption as the new season gets underway.

Peppers continue to face quality challenges, with thrips damage affecting crops. This is creating additional pressure on the availability of suitable product, and we are continuing to monitor the situation closely with suppliers to protect quality and maintain continuity of supply.

The concession on melons has been extended into November to help maintain continuity of supply. Customers may continue to receive larger five-count fruit in place of the usual six-count specification. This arrangement will remain in place while we manage the current availability and sizing challenges.

Scottish blueberry production has now come to an end, with supply fully transitioned to Peru for this time of year. Current availability and quality are good, and we continue to monitor the potential impact of El Niño on growing conditions and future supply as we move towards the end of the year and into 2027.