Weather Patterns Are Beginning To Have An Effect On Wholefood Prices In The Shops.
The strange weather patterns we’ve been seeing over the past few years are starting to have noticeable effects on the wholefood industry, causing large rises in some wholefood prices.
The latest of the crops to be hit is the 2014 Turkish apricot crop.
Because of the mild winter, the trees started to bloom at the beginning of March – that’s almost 3 weeks early – and by the end of March 95% of the trees were in bloom or had already set.
Unfortunately, on the nights of March 30th & 31st, the temperatures fell to between -5C and -10C for most of the night, resulting in the destruction of practically the whole crop. The only exceptions being 3 areas with their own micro climates.
The result ofa ll this is that the anticipated crop for 2014 is only going to be about 20% of what would be expected normally. And, whilst there is a small surplus from 2013 (this is only small or blemished fruit), it still means a minimum shortfall of 50%!
What does this mean for you?
Well, this week my wholesalers have had to double the price of apricots! I haven’t bought any at that price, but I’m shopping around to see if I can find any that haven’t gone up yet. But I’m afraid that this is something that’s going to have an affect on more & more produce – resulting in even more wholefood prices going through the roof.
Here’s a few comments regarding other crops….
Aduki beans “…the longer we wait, the higher the price goes…”
Butter beans “China continues to have strong domestic demand, pushing up prices for the rest of the world.”
Cannellini beans “…prices will remain at crazy high levels…”
Red kidney beans “…supply is really tight…no offers from anywhere…”
Soya beans “…low availability…”
Haricot beans “…sellers mostly sold out…”
Blueberries “…crop down by about 20%.”
Prunes “…very difficult. No small sizes available.”
Pineapple “…yield down by 30%.”
Raisins “…we are now starting to see the market move upwards…”
Sultanas “…once more prices have been forced back upwards…”
All I can suggest is that it’s probably time to concentrate on your veg plot – or get your name down for an allotment! That way, you’ll keep the effect of increasing wholefood prices to a minimum.