Spring has definitely Sprung as we see a transition in many fruit and vegetables with several UK crops starting to get into their stride.

May/June are always big changeover months for fruit and vegetables across the board and here we give you a taste of where the market is courtesy of our produce buyer in Glasgow, Neil Young.

Supply of Tenderstem Broccoli from Continental Europe has proved problematic recently. This has meant there isn’t enough to go round and has inevitably impacted prices negatively. We would therefore point customers towards whole head Spanish broccoli which is coming through in good volume and great quality.

However, even the season for this is coming to an end so chefs are advised to think of other vegetable choices throughout the early part of the summer to combat these shortages.

Soft Fruit & Onions

Scottish strawberries have started in the 400g size but, predictably, volumes are low so we will be alternating between Dutch and Scotch for now until Scottish comes properly on. Our UK raspberry supplier we have worked with over the last two years is about 3-4 weeks away (mid June) supply wise and 5/6 weeks away (end June) for blueberries.

There are still good volumes of Spanish/Portuguese rasps and blueberries for the meantime. Spanish onions will give way in the next week or so to Chilean. After that it will be back to new season Spanish that have flaky skins but this is entirely normal for this time of year.

Leeks, Apples & Salad

Satisfyingly, small pockets of UK leeks are still coming through. Customers will find at this time of year that they have a solid stalk through their middle but this is normal and harmless. New season French leeks are now coming on for the third week in May. Like many other produce lines they are later as this is no normal year with planting having fallen behind due to weather challenges.

French apples are still offering good quality but this will give way to Southern Hemisphere product. Elsewhere, UK carrots and parsnips are still doing fine but we should be moving over to European soon. Thankfully, cauliflower are still UK winter/spring crops.

Most salads – so, tomatoes, peppers etc are coming through our Dutch supplier. UK Iceberg has just started with low volumes and slightly lighter than the Spanish. Lollo Rosso and Oakleaf is now UK and coming direct through our lovely supplier Jeff Forshaw who also supplies us with Flat Lettuce.

Please note: Some of the items mentioned in this produce report may be ‘special order’ so speak to your sales representative on 0345 450 8888 as early as possible to discuss availability and your exact requirements.

Alternatively, click www.williamsonfoodservice.co.uk for more information.