Crop Update: March/April

Stuart Lawson, produce technical manager at fresh produce supplier Reynolds, reviews availability for the weeks ahead

Temperatures have been unusually cold in many regions of Spain, Morocco, Italy and the Canary Islands recently, which have slowed crop development, especially in the salad category.

Cucumber supply is becoming a little tight, with some discolouration seen on peppers and tomatoes. Meanwhile, spinach availability is seriously affected.

In the UK, supply of all root vegetables is currently fine. However, the mild winter has led to early harvesting of the majority of brassica crops, so cauliflower, Savoy cabbage and kale supplies are being supplemented with European produce.

Elsewhere, the Mexican asparagus season is coming to an early finish, leaving Peru as the only option until the UK season is in full swing towards the end of April.

Avocado availability is expected to become very tight throughout March and April, especially the Haas variety, due to Spanish crops finishing early and bad weather in Israel.

Meanwhile, large pineapples from Costa Rica are also in short supply because of heavy rain.

Visitwww.reynolds-cs.comor phone 0845 310 6200