Latest news
03.02.2010
Product Info: Salad Leaves
The majority of salad leaves, rocket and mixes are suffering from the cold spell and continuous rain which occured a couple of weeks ago in Italy which is the main source of baby leaf at present, this along with a shortage of baby leaf spinach also a victim of poor weather but this time in Spain is creating an overall shortage of what is the most popular method of decorative salad.
We would like to recommend the use of micro cress salads as an alternative until the crops improve, although pound for pound a little more expensive less can used per serving and still have an impressive effect on the plate.
02.02.2010
Newsletter update...
At the markets…Apples - new season Chinese Fuji are very crisp and refreshing, and English Royal Gala are still eating wellLollo, Oakleaf, Endive are all French Alroprim which cost more, but are double the size and far superior in quality to everything else on the market. Lettuce/Iceberg quality remains inconsistent at the markets Berries – new season Strawberries are now in from Spain, availability will increase and price should drop in the next few weeks. Raspberries remain short and prices high – we are stocking the best quality HaygrovePear – new season South African pear should be in this weekOranges – Spanish Navalina are now in season and taste greatSpanish Onion –large onion crops have failed down 45% on expected yields pushing up market prices significantly Wild & Exotic Mushrooms – the exotic wild mix is an excellent standard at the moment with pink oysters included adding a touch of qualityTomatoes…Have gone through a difficult period – we are now stocking Morrocan rather than Spanish – better quality and valueLocal Produce…All local veg has suffered from the recent cold weather – availability and prices are reflecting this impactCauli – not much surviving the cold snap without pepper spots and rot, we are stocking Italian and French alongside Potatoes still remain good value and on promotionRoot Veg - Carrot and Parsnip prices have eased as harvesting has increased and demand slowed down since the main snow and ice cover across the country earlier in JanuaryCornish Cabbage - Local Savoy have survived the frost and a great choice Chipping Potato – for all specialist hand cut chippers we recommend our Williams chipper – the best available on the market Salad Mixed Leaf – 100gm punnets are available allowing caterers to order smaller amounts more frequently to ensure leaves are as fresh as possible
28.01.2010
Product Info: Large Spanish Onion
With heavy demand from Belgium and Germany and exports to Brazil and Algeria, Spanish onion is in very short supply causing a price rise upon each request for fresh stock, with crops already down by 45% it is unlikely the prices will reduce before the end of the Spanish season.
27.01.2010
Product Info: Iceberg
There is still a problem with the quality of iceberg lettuce, despite trying several sources and brands the standard remains poor, this is a general problem in the market at present and is the result of the poor weather experienced earlier in the year, we are keeping stocks as tight as possible and are practically having to wait each night for fresh stock to arrive.
08.12.2009
New fridge in produce warehouse...
Work continues on a daily basis on the new additional fridge for fresh produce - it is a monster. The fridge will quadruple our refrigerated space dedicated to fresh produce, our buyers are looking forward to filling the space with exciting new lines. As always our customers are welcome to come and look around the depot, the work should be finished by the new year.
07.12.2009
Weekly Newsletter wc 7th December
At the markets…Bananas – Suffering from the cold weather and draughts, not ripening properly – going grey from green if not stored out of the cold Xmas Lines – Nuts and dates are all in stock – cranberries and chestnuts available on request Lollo, Oakleaf, Endive are all French Alloprim which cost more, but are double the size and far superior in quality to everything else on the market. Spanish Iceberg are improving in quality now Tomatoes – Spanish mainland and Canary crops are now the default, with quality starting to improve Citrus – Shoebox Clems are now in stock and are perfect for retail – tasting great!We also recommend Spanish Satsumas Wild & Exotic Mushrooms – we have new supplies with many varieties available, phone for details and to place orders Winter Season…Christmas trees have currently sold out… hoping for re-stock next week Spain…Mild temperatures throughout N. Europe have left markets awash with produce – the Spanish farmers are dumping product rather than continue to flood the market and depress prices, we expect reductions in availability and market prices to rise … Local Produce…Cornish Cabbage is still good value – we recommend Savoy on promotion Potatoes still remain cheap – growing season has been perfect giving high yields Cauliflower is likely to remain good value with a glut on the market, both standard and Romanesque on promotion this week Squash – some Rouge d’Etampes available still – will soon be finished Chipping Potato – for all specialist hand cut chippers we recommend our Williams chipper – the best available on the market Carrots – still great value – ask for the catering nets for best value
30.11.2009
Weekly Newsletter... w/c 30th Nov
At the markets… Calabrese – Spanish has started as UK stocks decline – prices will rise Berries – Egyptian Strawberries are coming through, and nice Raspberries from Portugal and Spain Cues… Situation in Spain is volatile – growers responding to low market prices by dumping 80% of stock to drive shortages and force prices up… Salads – Pricing remains low causing Spanish farmers to take matters into their own hands Lollo, Oakleaf, Endive are all French Alloprim which cost more, but are double the size and far superior in quality to everything else on the market Tomatoes – English and Dutch markets continue to clear remaining stocks meaning good prices at the market Citrus – Shoebox Clems are now in stock and are perfect for retail – tasting great! Wild & Exotic Mushrooms – we have new supplies with many varieties available, phone for details and to place orders Local Produce… Cornish Cabbage is still good value Potatoes still very cheap – growing season has been perfect giving high yields Cauliflower is likely to remain good value with a glut on the market, both standard and Romanesque on promotion this week Squash – coming to an end now with only small amounts left - mainly Crown Prince Root Veg – all remain great value and on weekly promotion Carrots – still great value – ask for the catering nets for best value
23.11.2009
Weekly Newsletter
Local Produce… Cornish Calabrese is still good value but probably only available for two more weeks Potatoes still very cheap – growing season has been perfect giving high yields Cauliflower is likely to remain good value with a glut on the market, both standard and Romanesque on promotion this week Squash – coming to an end now with only small amounts left - mainly Crown Prince Root Veg – all remain great value and on weekly promotion At the markets… Grapes – we are choosing Brazilian new season, they are more expensive but the best on the market Berries – All quite expensive as English season finishes only leaving Dutch Lettuce – Spanish Iceberg, Coss, Gem are available but Iceberg are inconsistent. Lollo, Oakleaf, Endive are all French Alloprim which cost more, but are double the size and far superior in quality to everything else on the market Tomatoes – Dutch will be good value this week as the markets clear remaining stock Figs – remain expensive but price is due to ease Spanish Producers are due to strike this week – may effect availability and export prices – watch this space
