Crop Report

Ports - While we are still seeing some delays with shipping both with congestion in ports and delays affecting cargo, the situation is improving. This is expected to continue, provided there are no weather-related disruptions, and we expect the situation to return to normal by the end of the month.

Road & Rail - Weather-related problems and increased border checks are causing some delays to produce coming from Europe and Morocco. To date, we have managed to avoid major impact on supply, with some categories affected more than others.

Berry availability has improved thanks to better growing conditions and fewer transport delays. We are still seeing some quality variation in raspberries due to longer journey times, which is causing softer fruit. We continue to work closely with our growers to maintain the best possible quality.

Courgettes are currently between growing cycles, meaning fewer are available on the market. Aubergines are also experiencing some pressure, although supply is more stable. We expect availability to improve as the next cycle begins, but for the time being market availability is challenging.

Weather and travel delays across key growing areas are causing market wide shortages of salad vegetables. Thanks to our broad network of growers across multiple regions, we’ve managed to minimise the impact on customers, although challenges may continue over the next week or two.

Recent heavy rainfall in Spain and Morocco has made harvesting more difficult. Combined with wider transport challenges, this has reduced availability of easy peelers. We are monitoring the situation closely to maintain supply, but there will be availability challenges over the next week or so.

Recent weather has had some impact on brassica crops, and we are keeping a close watch on produce like cauliflower, where there have been some reports of problems. Savoy cabbage has been particularly affected by frost, which has required the removal of more outer leaves impacting the overall weight. As a result, a concession has been granted reducing the overall weight down to 600 grams.