Spain has enjoyed good growing conditions for strawberries so far

Spain has enjoyed good growing conditions for strawberries so far

The Spanish strawberry season could be starting slightly earlier than usual next month thanks to good growing conditions. "Rainfall in September and October was good for the plants that had only just recently gone in the ground," said Tony Dominguez of specialist Spanish soft-fruit supplier Alconera. "Weather conditions have been pretty steady, although temperatures have fallen a little this week. The plants are looking good at this stage and we are in line for a good season."

The situation for raspberries is not as straight forward and Alconera reports a lot of lost canes due to the summer drought causing low availability. But demand has also been slow so far this month. "With three shopping days next week before Christmas, it should pick up though," said Dominguez.