The harvesting season for peppers in Almeria, Spain is currently running 2 weeks late and is starting off with very low yield being produced, due to the high temperatures during the fruit-setting process this summer. We won’t see any significant production until mid-October, as the temperatures hit levels of 50 degrees in the greenhouses, forcing some farmers to delay planting.
Netherlands crop season usually ends in October and passes the baton over to the Spanish to start theirs, however, their crop season has finished earlier, and a reduced amount of crop has been produced.
In China, the IQF pepper season is in full production and will last for another 2 weeks with strong demand reported. Lead times to the UK/Europe are currently at 2 months.
Peppers are in production in Egypt and will be arriving shortly in the UK.
What does this mean for Pepper prices?
Availability is going to be an issue, because of the reduced availability from the Netherlands and delayed harvest in Spain. Â This has hiked prices for both the Lamuyo and California varieties.
According to sources from Fresh Plaza, the Lamuyo bell pepper is extremely popular within the Spanish market and with processing plants, as its shape is longer than other varieties, making it easier for production processing and yields. The price of this variety has reached €4 per kilo in September.
The price of the California variety, which is more popular with the UK market is currently oscillating above €2 per kilo.
There is always a premium added to the product at the start of the season, but because of the supply challenges in the market, we are unable to foresee when these prices will be reduced.
Talk to the team.
As a Group, we understand that unprecedented weather has played a huge factor in the availability of many ingredients over the past couple of years, causing issues within the supply chain. We are always looking at alternative origins to try and maintain that supply, so our customers have options.
Talk to the team today on 01386 761 555 or info@brusco.co.uk to discuss your upcoming needs, so we can find a solution for your pepper requirements.
