The effects of recent harsh temperatures in Spain are being felt on UK markets, according to Freshinfo.
QuiqueOliver of exporter Agriveg said: 'There has been a lot of damage to citrus and to field crops. Even citrus trees are showing signs of damagewith burnt leaves. Most areas of the Valencia region have been affectedand in citrus it means the products are difficult to harvest. We have had lows of –7oC at night which is absolutely unheard of here.'
Headded that temperatures have been increasing and daytime records this week show +12°C to +18°C which is much more seasonable but the damage has been done.
'Leafy crops such as iceberg and broccoli have been freezing in the fields and even cauliflower which is usually more resistant has been lost,' said Oliver. 'The worst spell was about two weeks ago and early stonefruit varieties that were in bloom when the frosts struck have been lost.'
The markets in the UK have been feeling the consequences. Retired trader Geoff Wells was on Liverpool Market this week and reported a sharp rise in cauliflower prices becauseof the frost shortage with heads trading at 140-180p each.
And inSheffield one trader said that the easy-peel market has been strong with supplies dominated by Turkish Minneolas and Moroccan Nour.
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