Fresh Produce:

The most significant pressure continues to sit across imported salad and vegetable lines.

Prolonged cold and wet conditions across southern Europe have had a severe impact on crop development. In many cases, the product has been unsuitable for export, while plant disease has led to sections of crops being lost entirely. As a result, availability across key lines has reduced dramatically.

Tomatoes are the most heavily affected category. Supply has tightened week by week, with much of the available product either failing quality standards or arriving in poor condition due to being harvested too early or packed under difficult conditions. Alternative supply from northern Europe has been limited, with product often lacking colour and consistency.

A similar picture is being seen across peppers, aubergines, lettuce and courgettes, where a combination of weather damage and disease has reduced volumes and impacted quality.

Broccoli is now also beginning to tighten, with Spanish supply affected by the same conditions. Relief is expected, but not until UK season begins in mid-May.

Logistical challenges are adding further strain. Delays through key ports and disruption to transport routes have created additional uncertainty around lead times and availability, particularly for product moving from Morocco and southern Spain.

At the same time, wider industry pressures are building. Rising energy costs are placing significant strain on UK glasshouse growers, particularly within the tomato sector, where increased electricity standing charges are expected to have a major impact on production viability in the months ahead.

Despite these challenges, the transition into the British season is beginning to offer some positives.

Jersey Royal potatoes are now starting to come into season. Grown in the unique coastal soils of Jersey and harvested by hand, their delicate skins and distinctive flavour make them one of the most anticipated products of the year.

English asparagus is beginning to appear in small volumes. Early season supply is limited, and pricing remains high, but this will ease as the month progresses and volumes build.

Looking ahead, British strawberries will begin to appear towards the end of the month, marking the first real signs of summer produce.

Seasonal highlights continue across the remaining winter lines. Wild garlic is now in full swing, bringing vibrant flavour and versatility to spring menus. Outdoor rhubarb continues into April and is looking incredible, while rainbow chard and late-season root vegetables still offer value and consistency.