The wholesale price of pomegranates in the UK is falling seasonally and is considerably lower than last year.
New data from analyst Mintec has revealed that the exotic fruit is garnering sales at 40 per cent below the price at this time last year.
Pomegranate supply in the UK is currently good due to fine weather and increased planting after the higher prices previously seen.
Smaller Spanish fruits is coming to the end of its season with 60s making 850p while Egyptian supplies of “excellent quality” are being airfreighted in costing 800p for 6s.
Jay Thakrar of Shipley Food Services in Western International Market said supplies of all exotic fruit is strong and quality and taste is very promising.
Pomegranates are widely cultivated but tend to grow best in the drier parts of Southern Europe, tropical Africa and South East Asia. The main suppliers of fresh pomegranates to the UK are typically Turkey, Spain, Iran, Morocco, Syria and Afghanistan with Mediterranean the fruit in season from September to February.
Thakrar sounded a note of concern about overall trade at the market. He said: “[Western International] is very quiet at the moment and has been for six to seven months. You can get parking straight away and produce gets to you really quickly.”
