As strawberries run short, the company is finding itself stretched to fulfil programmes. 'Egypt has been suffering the effect of sandstorms and the cold,' said a spokesperson. 'And wet weather has continued at the other end of the Mediterranean. As a result, Spanish crops are still light, although there have been some signs of improved availability in Morocco.' Weather forecasts this week were hopeful of better weather but supplies are still tight. It has been harder to assess the impact on raspberry crops, according to AFI, but quality of fruit coming through is good and the inclement weather does not appear to have had such an impact.

Blackberries from Chile are facing an early finish with a gap in the season now extremely likely before European supplies are ready. The position is similar for blueberries with AFI reporting heavy frosts which are expected to have an impact on arrivals for weeks to come. Supplies are so short that prices being paid in the US for the fruit. have reached record highs for the time of year.

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