Fresh produce supplies from Asia into the UK are unlikely to be interrupted by the devastating effects of the tsunami and its aftermath across southern and south-east Asia.

While the mango crop in Sri Lanka has reportedly been wiped out by a huge tidal wave, the UK does not source from the island. Sendings of crops such as ginger from Indonesia are also sporadic and the huge country is not a regular source for the UK. Coastal regions in south India hit by the disaster are not a regular source for fresh produce for export either.

However, several UK firms have important operations in Thailand. “None of our suppliers have been directly affected as they are all away from the coast,” said Avnish Malde of Re:fresh importer of the year Wealmoor. “We are not expecting any problems with supply.”

However, several Wealmoor employees have had relatives affected by the tsunami and have returned to the region. The company has also been busy contributing to the relief effort, having donated a lorry and driver for a day to help UK aid agencies. “We are planning more fund-raising and relief work,” he added

Exotic Farm Produce also has a long-established relationship with producers in Thailand. “None of our production of lines such as asparagus, lemongrass and babycorn has been affected by the disaster,” said EFP technical director Peter Jones.

“We organized collections and are donating through the aid agencies so that the funds go where they are most needed.”

As the Journal went to press, Fyffes announced it is donating €500,000 to the tsunami disaster appeal.

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