Freak weather in Israel, with temperatures dipping below freezing in certain growing areas, has hit Agrexco's strawberry crop right in the middle of the peak season.
After a year of exceptionally good growing conditions this proved a significant setback to growers. Whilst supplies were good in week 51, there was a major shortage in Week 52 and the recovery has been slow.
Amos Orr, UK general manager for Agrexco said: "You can put in all the safeguards you think you need, but Mother Nature can still come out on top. We had several nights of frost where temperatures dropped below zero so the colour did not develop. We have continued to supply, but our programmes have been down 25-50 per cent depending on variety and region. Although this week will be badly affected things are starting to improve. We are very sorry to have let down our customers at such a key trading time".
The weather has to some extent also affected other crops, however the majority of product from Israel is as normal.
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