Supplies of strawberries and raspberries into the UK are going through a lean spell as the switchover from northern to southern sources takes effect.

Strawberry prices have been high this week in many stores: up to 219-249p for 227g compared to last week's 199p.

According to results of market research carried out by specialist berry importer AFI, customers perceive strawberries as an indulgent fruit so relatively high price points are feasible. 'Orders are still coming through, so as long as we can still put good produce on the shelf we can keep customers and consumers happy,' said the company's Jill Ayre.

Glasshouse fruit from the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands is coming to the end of its season as early Israeli and Egyptian fruit is just starting.

'Our main volumes next week will be of English and Low Countries glasshouse Elsanta but this is decreasing continuously,' said Ayre. 'By the end of the month there will be hardly any glasshouse fruit left, but volumes from Israel and then Egypt will start to build.' The situation is very similar for raspberries. Cold weather in Spain and Portugal is slowing fruit development. 'Some of the Spanish production is not coming forward very quickly and it has been relatively cold in Chile so they are having a slow start,' said Ayre. 'Next week supplies will be quite tight, but we expect this to change in the week commencing November 25 and the situation should rebalance.'

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