Berry farmers in the Australian state of Tasmania are worried their product might not get to the market in time for Christmas, after wet weather has pushed the season back.
Fruit that was ripe has been softened by rain, reported the ABC, and most crops are not predicted to be ready until the new year.
The shortage will mean a price rise and uncertain supplies for what Central Highlands grower Richard Clark says is a popular range of fruits during Christmas.
“If we don’t have raspberries before the Christmas market all my wholesalers, all my retailers they get quite upset,” he said. “The cost of production is slightly higher than normal, so that probably will be passed on.”
Retailers are concerned they will not be able to meet demand. Hobart retailer Paul Stone told the ABC he is most concerned about supply.
“We’re hopeful we can fill the orders that have been put to us but we’re a bit concerned that we might run out,” he said. “We’re not really concerned about price, we’re more concerned about supply at the moment.”
