Crop Report
Monday, 21st April to Monday, 5th May 2025
Get the insight you need to plan more effectively and manage your menus with our latest report from the field, brought to you by our expert produce team. Speak to your produce specialist for any further information.
Transition to Dutch and Irish Season
Over the next few weeks, we will begin to transition away from Spanish originated products to Irish and Dutch products. Our Irish growers will begin to supply various lettuce products throughout May and June. Irish strawberries are also on track to begin mid-May. More long term, we expect Irish raspberries, celery and broccoli to begin in June.
Our Spanish citrus will also be transitioning to Southern Hemisphere fruits in May while our avocados will also be moving away from Winter season origins to Summer season: we are expecting to have very consistent quality and internal pressures for our Ready to Eat avocados.
Blueberries
Weather conditions in Spain and Morocco has impacted market availability of blueberries. Cooler temperatures has impacted the ripening for berries. Rain in Spain has compounded this and exacerbated the issue. Currently we are managing these issues well with our supplier base and are hoping we will not experience any shortages. Quality and shelf life is still strong.
Baby Carrots
Irish season is expected to end imminently. Available volumes have been steadily decreasing over the last two weeks. Once finished, we will fully transition to imported products.
Heavy rainfall across the Murcia region in Spain has caused flooding to occur in fields. As a result, suppliers have struggled to get into fields to harvest product. Nearly all varieties have been affected to some extent.
Irish Carrots
Straw covered crops are now being harvested. Straw covered crops have the advantage of protecting the crops from frost and cold weather. As such, Irish carrots are now available and are expected to be available until the end of May. Sysco codes, VW702, VW723 and VW724
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Availability across the entire tomato range is improving. Better weather in growing regions means that supply is starting to bounce back after several storms in Spain decimated supply. Demand remains strong which will continue to put pressure on supply.
Avocado
Currently transitioning from winter origins to summer origins. As a result, there is a challenge with consistency of internal pressure on our RTE avocados. We are working with our supplier to limit the impact to the end customer as much as possible however there is a possibility we will see lower pressures for the next 3-4 weeks.
Chilean Onions
Chilean onions are expected into stock by the end of April. There will be further details around availability and pricing in the next few weeks. Sysco code 493429.
Reduced availability coming from Spain and Morrocco, similar to the issue with tomatoes, this is a result of heavy rain and flooding in Spain and port delays in Morrocco. Dutch season is starting and better availability is expected in two to three weeks.
Sugarsnap & Mangetout
Egyptian and Guatemalan supply is due to finish up as the season there draws to a close. Kenyan supply is finishing earlier than expected due to wet weather. Both lines are expected to be tight for the next 4 – 6 weeks. Expecting product to begin arriving from Zimbabwe soon, however, supply will start off slow and gradually increase.
Beans (Fine & Extra Fine)
Kenya is experiencing heavy rains at present and these conditions are expected to continue until the middle of May. As a result. the yield on fine beans has plummeted which has caused a tightening of supply.
Peppers
Supply of yellow, red and orange peppers is limited at the moment. Green pepper availability is stronger. We may experience further availability issues in the next 2/3 weeks while we transition to Dutch sources.
Melons
The transition from Brazilian to central American supply has been challenging. This has been caused by a delay in planting in the central American region. Volume is currently being maximised through supplier collaboration and we will continue to do so while we transition to new season in full.
Chervil
Potential for limited supply here across the next 2 weeks. Customer impact expected to be minimal.
