Prices for asparagus on the wholesale markets were sky-high this week at up to 280p a bunch for supplies from Peru on Manchester market and 220p a bunch on Western International and Glasgow markets.

The tail-end of the UK season and a return to reliance on imports coincided with air-freight problems from the South American source.

“We had problems with air-freight out of Peru, particularly last week,” said Ross Baker of importer and packer Bomfords. “Therefore the retailers have been short and prices have been high on the wholesale markets.”

He explained that it was a question of space. “For some reason there was not the space available, but this week the situation is better so the market should improve,” said Baker. “There have also been difficulties with flying via very high temperature airports such as Miami. If shipments sit for long on the tarmac then they are rejected on arrival which has had an impact.”

Baker expects the supply situation to return to normal next week.

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