MARKET REPORT

 WEEK COMMENCING 21.11.2008

 

The effects of the well documented demise of the pound on world currency markets is now starting to impact quite heavily on imported produce prices. Foreign growers are obviously having to charge more to compensate for the shortfall created by the lower exchange rates.  Broccoli, Cauliflower, Courgettes and Aubergines are all more expensive. Best Buys at this time are Leeks, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Onions, Swedes, Green Cabbage, Savoy Cabbage, Parsnips and Turnips.  Flat Beans, Spring Greens, Corn on the Cob, Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Curly Kale are available, but can be expensive.  Broad Beans and Peas have now finished.

UK salad season has finished. Spanish Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Iceberg now available, but prices are higher. Most other salad produce remains good quality and generally still quite reasonable. Prices of Lollo Rosso, Lollo Biondo, Oakleaf and Curly Endive have all risen quite sharply this week.

Mainly French, New Zealand, Chilean and English Apples available. These include Braeburns, Pink Lady, Granny Smiths, Red Chief, Golden Delicious, Coxes and Russets. New season Dutch Comice and Belgian Conference Pears are the best quality and value.

Melons available include Honeydew, Water, Galia, Charentais and Cantaloupe.  Quality is very good, but some varieties can be expensive.

Brazilian Black and White Seedless Grapes are excellent quality, but they are expensive. Still no Peaches, Nectarines or Apricots available, but there should soon be some new season South African arriving. Plums, Paw Paws, Mangoes and Kiwi all very good at this time. Orange, Lemon and Satsuma prices have eased a little.

Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries and Redcurrants are all very good quality, but can be expensive.

Mainly Peruvian Asparagus at this time. Mange Tout and Sugar Snap Peas prices remain high.

 

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