While this is good for business, there is a bigger problem facing strawberry growers this season. Due to the uncertainty of Brexit and a low pound the number of Eastern European workers is significantly down this year and growers in the peak picking season are struggling to source labour. About 80,000 seasonal workers a year pick and process British fruit and veg with most coming from the EU and according to Wilf the workers who are here are opting to work in restaurants, bars or fast food chains where the pay is better. Many of these workers send money back home, but now with the low pound and low wages there is not much left over.
Wilf fears the situation will only get worse as Brexit nears. This is not just a fear for the soft fruit industry but for most of the produce and processing sector.
The salad industry is also feeling the pinch on the labour side. The hot weather has been excellent for business with more BBQs and more people choosing salad over heavier meals. Supply can be a problem though as production tends to come in waves, but Wilf is positive about the start of the English salad season which he says is always good at the start.
"Melon sales are also benefiting from the hot weather, Piel de Sapo and Galia are popular and the watermelons have been superb quality, these are all sourced from Spain at this time of year," according to Wilf. "The stonefruit market is a bit of a drama at the moment, a lot is being condemned on arrival at the ports due to quality issues which is really affecting supply."
English carrots and broccoli will be starting next week, carrots in particular might be a tough sell if the temperatures stay up, they are always more popular in the run up to Christmas, but demand does tend to be steady throughout the year.
The temperatures in Spain have also had an impact and importers are keeping an eye on the situation, "Spain has seen really extreme temperatures this year, from freezing temperatures in February to above 40°C this week. This obviously affects production," said Wilf.
The high temperatures across Europe are already dropping as the week comes to an end and while this and a bit of rainfall is very welcome, thunder storms rolling across the skies could possibly mean even more woes for growers.
For more information:
Wilf Whittle
Sharrocks Fresh Produce
Tel: +44 (0)1772 724444
Fax: +44 (0)1772 725151
Email: mailto:sales@sharrocks.com