Raspberry supplies from Spain are coming on stream in greater volume following a hiccup at the start of the season, although fruit is having to contend with cool night-time temperatures which are slowing down maturity.
Some producers had planted canes early in the hope that they would have fruit available sooner in the season than usual. But canes were badly effected by the extremely high summer temperatures in the main growing area of Huelva in the Spanish south-west. "A lot of canes were lost completely," explained Ian Waller of specialist importer Redbridge AFI. "This affected one or two of the larger growers, but will not have a big impact on the season overall as there have been increased plantings in general."
Chile is the other main source on the marketplace but its season risks being eclipsed in the UK by Spain as the two run concurrently between November and May. "The situation has really changed in the last four to five years and we're becoming increasingly reliant on Spain so Chile is losing a bit of its market," said Waller. The dominant variety from Huelva at this time of year is Glen Lyon.
Raspberries from both sources are also jostling on the shelves with some late season supplies from the US and even Mexico.
