20/01/2026
eather Challenges Impacting European Crops
Recent extreme weather across Europe has created significant challenges for growers, particularly in Spain, where we and our suppliers' source much of our winter produce. The main growing regions of Murcia and Valencia have been hit hard by catastrophic flooding in December 2025 and Jan 2026, with rainfall levels exceeding what they would normally expect in an entire year.
Unfortunately, conditions are set to worsen. Forecasts for southern Spain predict daytime temperatures dropping to 6-8°C and night time lows reaching 0°C to -6°C. These fluctuations, combined with high humidity, are disrupting crop growth and reducing availability across many products.
Severe flooding, frozen ground, and limited field access in southern and western Spain continue to reduce crop yields. Example, Iceberg lettuce can be salvaged by trimming damaged outer leaves, but heads are noticeably smaller than usual.
What This Means for Key Produce
o Aubergines: Supply remains extremely limited, and prices are at record highs. Growers are harvesting early to meet demand. Crops showing disease, remove from current menus at present.
o Broccoli: Volumes from Spain are down significantly, especially from Lorca in Murcia, where cold temperatures persist. Prices are expected to remain strong.
o Peppers: All Spanish peppers are now in short supply, driving up costs sharply. Yellow peppers are extremely short in supply and showing disease. Move to Green and Red peppers for the next few weeks
o Citrus: Lemons and other citrus fruits have been affected, though prices have eased slightly.
o Leafy Greens: Severe frosts in Italy have damaged crops and halted harvesting. Spinach supply is down by 80%, and fennel by 50%. Cold conditions have also delayed planting new crops, pushing prices higher.
o All Lettuces and Cucumbers: Supply remains stable; however, prices remain high
o Courgettes: Supply remains extremely limited, and prices are at record highs. Quality not great also showing disease. Remove from menus at present
