Organics

Strawberry
Organic Spanish strawberries finished in mid June there was then a very short Dutch season.The crop was damaged and subsequently the season lasted for only two weeks. There was then a short break whilst the license for importing Organic US fruit was renewed. Both the Spanush and Dutch fruit arrived already punneted, the US from is repacked from bulk 1.5 - 2 tonnes of USA strawberry is being supplied to ASDA and Budgens from PGF via AMS Exotics. There is hope that the season will last until mid to end of September whereupon there will then be a break before supply switches to the Middle East.

Grapes
Grapes at present are from Italy supplied via Organic Farm Foods, a white seedless variety wh ich look and taste nice.The grapes are bought in bulk and repacked into punnets on the line. This has caused quite a few issues as the quality of some arrivals has been quite poor, but the packhouse have become very patient and have gained experience in handling the produce resulting in a good finished product. The Italian season / supply will last until Christmas, variety dependent, but will also be available in this time will be Ameican/Brazilian. Sales on Organic grapes have been quite steady at about two tonnes a week.

Plums
Due to extreme weather conditions across Europe US plums are currently being programmed from AMS Exotics via Organic Farm Foods. The early Italian crop was wiped out by a torrential hailstorm, which was said to be splitting melons into two. And at the same time the Greek supply was flooded out. Options were limited, but the USA have offered a very good sample at a competitive price allowing the line to continue. USA plums continued through September, Argentinean plums then see us through the new year.

Kiwi
The Kiwi is packing into a 4 pack punnet, and is currently supplied loose from Chile via Organic Farm Foods. The Chilean supply will last until early November when the availability will then be sourced from Europe.

Autumn 2002