This is only the second year that growers for AFI Direct Sales have had sufficient commercial volumes of raspberries to extend the export season for the pre-Christmas period. 'The effect of increased plantings last year in Spain has been particularly beneficial at this time of the season.' said Nick Smith of the specialist berry importer. 'Spain can supply raspberries 12 months of the year by chilling canes and bringing them out when they are required. There won't ever be huge quantities because the weather is unreliable, so it is an opportunist market. But when the weather is good, the fruit can fill a shortfall. Maybe in the future it will replace southern hemisphere imports.' The first variety to come on stream in early-mid October is Glen Lyon from the Huelva area which is grown under tunnels at the this time of year. Supplies from manipulated production continue through the range of varieties finishing with Tulameen in April before the season-proper in Spain gets underway in May.

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