Spanish stonefruit hits UK market

Spanish stonefruit is coming on stream in the UK with peaches, nectarines, apricots and cherries all on the markets this week.

Andalusian grower group Asociafruit reports that heavy rainfall in the second half of April caused a dip in output of some 10-15 per cent on expected volumes but high temperatures in March have contributed to good sugar levels.

More than 90 per cent of the nectarine crop is dedicated to export, half of the plum crop and just 30 per cent of the peach crop.

Prices on UK wholesale markets for peaches and nectarines ran at 700p for 35s while apricots were pricier at 770p for 5kg.

Some samples of Spanish cherries were disappointing in quality and these made only 440p for 2kg.