The supply of Spanish iceberg lettuce is falling and is expected to plummet in the coming weeks due to the adverse effects of the higher temperatures this winter and the alarming impact of drought.
"It has been too hot and dry in January and February, and this has significantly affected the quality of the lettuce and caused a high rate of crop loss at origin," says Javier Soto, manager of the Murcian company Agrar Systems, a member of the German Behr group.
"This is why the supply of Spanish iceberg lettuce is falling and is expected to continue to do so in the coming weeks, as forecasts point to more hot days coming. We are harvesting a lot less lettuce and in smaller pieces," he says.
"The lettuce season is expected to end abruptly," says Javier Soro. This could result in a significant production gap prior to the start of the harvests in Central and Northern Europe.
Given the decline in the volumes, the prices of iceberg lettuce are on the rise, although according to the producer and exporter, "they are still not reflecting the reality of the shortage," says Javier Soto.
For more information:
Javier Soto
Agrar Systems S.A.
Address, Paraje de la Almazara, S/N,
Balsapintada, 30332 Fuente Álamo
Murcia, Spain
Tel.: +34 968151900
infoas@gemuese-garten.com
www.jardindehortalizas.com