Strong prices for Canary Islands tomatoes since the beginning of the season in November mean that although volumes traded are lower, financial turnover has already reached the levels for the whole of last season for some importers.
The number of plantings in the islands is down on last year which has had an effect on volumes. Also unseasonably cool temperatures in the Canary Islands have slowed production and further affected volumes.
A surge in demand as a result of much more serious mainland Spanish weather problems has not materialised. Fruit from the Spanish south-east has still been coming through although in reduced quantities but prices for the lower availability have been higher. This week on wholesale markets prices were at 600-650p a tray, for example. But this price point, together with a cold snap in the UK is keeping demand low, traders report.
No comments yet