UK brassica growers are basking in the glow of some national press coverage over the past week, despite a tight supply situation.
The Brassica Growers’ Association (BGA) achieved national television coverage on BBC’s The One Show for its broccoli vs cauliflower PR campaign, as well as coverage and debate in the print and online versions of The Times and the Daily Mail.
Colder than usual winter temperatures have been hindering availability, however. BGA chairman Philip Effingham said: “We have seen temperatures warm up quite a bit in the UK over the last week, which should ease the short volume situation. It is still tight at the moment and there is quite a log jam in the system. Product may come on in a flush as temperatures continue to warm, but we are not at that point yet. We could be into March before that happens, but it really all depends on how much warmer it gets.”
Availability of spring greens has been difficult, as there has been a downturn in acreage this season. Cooler temperatures and strong demand, as well as a strong euro, mean that sourcing from Brittany, Spain or Italy is not as easy an option as in previous seasons to make up the shortfall, especially on cauliflower.
Growers are also having to contend with rot and wastage in cauliflower fields, due to the weather.
Alistair Ewan of East of Scotland Growers, and vice-president of the BGA, believes that 2009 will be characterised by increased demand for frozen brassicas, which will benefit UK growers this year. He said: “In these difficult times, I think a lot of people perceive frozen to be good value for money as there is less waste.
“Demand is growing significantly and I believe demand for home grown will be strong this year. In the past, it has not been viable for UK growers to supply for freezing because Poland and Spain could do it more cheaply. But this year, Polish and Spanish product is 30 per cent dearer because of the exchange rate. This could be good for UK producers, as it will give us other outlets,” Ewan added.
No comments yet