The usual gap between the first and second Spanish soft-fruit harvests has led to a “lull” in supply and spiked in prices on UK wholesale markets.
Last week the price of Spanish raspberries was up 30 per cent on the week before, although it has now fallen slightly, according to FPJ Market Prices. Spanish strawberries have seen the biggest rise this week, with a price jump of 23 per cent.
Ela Daher, from Spanish grower-exporter Cuna de Platero, said: “The reason for the shortage is that growers are just coming to the end of their first harvest and there’s always a lull before the second harvest gets underway. Hence the high prices.” She added that growers expect to be up to full production in around a month’s time.
Adrian Olins, of importer BerryWorld, said the situation is 'fairly fluid' at the moment, particularly on the markets. 'Demand has improved as promotions kick in and production had reduced last week due to cooler nights. Prices have gone up a bit,' he added.
In addition to Spanish increases, a high US dollar means it is currently less economical for Mexico to airfreight raspberries to Europe.
Elsewhere, wholesale trade is reportedly slow this week as shoppers tighten purse strings before the first post-Christmas pay day. Eddie Bowers, of Burbank Produce, said quiet trade means any shortages will have minimal impact. “I expect things to pick up towards this weekend and into next week,” he said.
