Airfreight sendings of fresh vegetables from Kenya have been taking longer than expected to get back on track, following the suspension of flights due to last month’s volcanic ash cloud.
Consequently, UK prices have been running high, reflected in mangetout and sugarsnap peas from Egypt, Zimbabwe and Guatemala, as well as Kenya, attaining prices of 200p for 2kg on wholesale markets this week.
Dr Stephen Mbithi of the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Association of Kenya told freshinfo: “Last week we were struggling to get flights... This week is looking better, and we are basically 80 per cent back to normal.
“Freight costs went from $1.60 (£1.38) a kilo to $2.40 from Kenya to any part of Europe, and it was a struggle to get the supermarkets adjusting prices... They eventually did a marginal price adjustment and this could be why prices have gone up.”
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