Specialist berry importer AFI Direct Sales reports that first volumes of strawberries from both Israel and Egypt this season will be available from mid-late November with commercial quantities coming on stream in late-November to early December.

'Our Egyptian grower is increasing his acreage this year and in Israel techniques are improving to get a better spread of production throughout the season,' said AFI's Ian Waller.

He reported that in both countries producers are working hard to even out peaks and troughs in production and extend the season to start earlier. The aim is to avoid clashing with fruit from Spain and Morocco which is coming on stream earlier each year at the end of the Israeli and Egyptian season. Because the latter countries both rely on air freight, competition with sources able to reach their destination markets by road drags prices down.

Meanwhile, blueberries from Australia are enjoying a vintage year for quality. Demand is strong on the domestic market and in Japan making it hard for the UK to compete as a destination. 'We have even seen an increase in prices since the start of the season, which is not usual,' said Waller.

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