This week there are very positive signs that the Spanish soft-fruit industry is at last back on course with substantial volumes of strawberries and raspberries making a comeback after a gap which has lasted for weeks due to bad weather, writes David Shapley.

At this time of the year, buyers’ thoughts are also beginning to turn to stone fruit. But while the Europech conference may not be far off, it is interesting how Mexico appears to have become a choice source for stone fruit.

It was not that long ago that it was virtually unknown. I can confirm, based on eating quality, there have been some excellent peach and nectarine varieties coming forward, although they are not necessarily cheap.

Marks & Spencer has been selling a four-pack tray of Alta Kirsty peaches for £3.99, (pictured right). Nearer home there are also indications that Morocco will fill the gap.

Spanish brassicas and salads appear to be back in full flow, and East Africa seems to be able to provide the bulk of speciality vegetables which are appearing in what I call instant cookery packs.

Sainsbury’s has come up with an entirely new product as a composite part of its Ready to Eat range, incorporating peanut shoots in its 250g Tender Stir Fry selection, (pictured below).

Broccoli has been elevated to a high level of popularity over the years to the extent that the term calabrese has almost passed out of common usage.

Marks & Spencer even went as far as trade-marking Tenderstem. But it would appear to have a competitor as a new line from somewhere near the Rift Valley caught my eye in Tesco’s Finest range; Tesco’s Tendergreen which has just appeared on the shelves (pictured below).

The imagination that drives the various ranges of tomatoes never ceases to amaze. Last week there were reports of a new variety appearing in Waitrose called Tiger Soul. Striped varieties are not new of course. Sainsbury’s is also selling a Sicilian type called Delizia at £1.89 for a four-pack.

Several years ago I came across others in Spain, grown specifically around Alicante. The only disadvantage was they ripened so quickly that their individuality only lasted for 24 hours after picking. Doubtless since then seed breeders have improved the time scale.

I have always admitted to having a limited knowledge when it comes to flowers and plants, although the balance between profit margins and wastage compared with fruit and veg is a source of interest.

Back at Waitrose, I was fascinated to see the store selling water lilies, neatly packed and ready to float. It is a line I have always associated more with garden centres. Just another example of the march of horticultural marketing at retail.

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