New season rises hit markets

Prices have moved quite significantly this week. The Christmas lull has now lifted and there have been considerable changes, particularly with meat.

Lamb has seen a big jump in price and this looks set to continue in the short term. Our Birmingham supplier notes a big rise on particular cuts, such as leg cuts at ú1.78 last week up to ú2.22 this week and shoulder cuts which have risen by 10-20p.

Poultry has also risen as predicted. Chicken breasts and chicken supreme have soared in price, and other cuts have risen too.

Our Birmingham wholesaler's quote on chicken breasts sees a 27p increase on last week's price.

As reported last week, pork isgoing down in price and looks to continue to fall.

Fish has also seen changes this week. Our Cardiff fish supplier notes movement in brill, cod and haddock prices. While brill is down from ú2.75 to ú2.50, cod has risen substantially from 65p to 95p. Hake fillets have risen, as has mackerel (up 25% from 60p to 75p).

Prawns have risen, after a slow-down in the New Year. Live lobster sees a noticeable slump in price in Cardiff, down by up to 75p.

Israeli and South African galia melons remain very expensive. Spanish yellow peppers have increased in price, as have red ones. Green peppers, however, remain unchanged.

Look out for Laetitia and yellow Songold plums which will soon be available. Prices will range from 80p to ú1.50 per lb. British Columbia Red delicious apples are now widely available, as are Carmel avocados.

Spanish, Dutch, French and British carrots are in good supply at the moment and range from between15p to 25p per lb. British beetroot can be bought at between 15p and 25p per lb.

These prices were correct at the time of going to press (Tuesday 10 January).