October is a great month for fresh produce with the overlap of the summer and autumn seasons. Despite the poor growing conditions after an unprecedentedly hot summer, availability is good for most produce, albeit size and quality are poorer in comparison to previous years.
UK grown Leafy Salads and Baby Leaves are still available and will be until the end of October, and the same is the case with most Soft Fruits.
Root Vegetable crops are coming into their main season. Carrots, Swede, Turnips, and Leeks are widely available, but size is variable due to poor growing conditions in some regions. Maincrop Onions, Red Onions, Shallots and Potatoes are all becoming available, as the maincrop harvests get underway. Again, these will be smaller than normal with Baking and Chipping Potatoes at a premium.
Other seasonal crops are becoming available, but have been hit very hard by the harsh growing conditions, particularly Broccoli, but also Cabbage and Cauliflower. Both quality and availability will be challenging for these products in the short term.
The Topfruit season is now in full swing, with UK grown Apples and Pears in abundant supply and foraged produce is beginning to come on line too.
Salad availability and quality continues to be a problem, with a poor and delayed harvest in the UK as well as Europe. Higher energy costs worldwide are creating significant inflationary pressure, with a number of producers reducing their planting for next season. Weather conditions have also affected ripening of crops in many EU countries. Mushrooms are a particular problem at present, and in short supply.