MARKET FORECAST March 2008 CITRUS Oranges are in top condition now and Grapefruits should be juicy and pleasing. The Worldwide shortage of Lemons means they will remain expensive, and, by the end of the month, their shelf-life will begin to shorten quickly. March will see the end of the season for many of the Mandarin varieties, and we will be left with types which will disappoint for both taste and value. Our tip is to bring Oranges into your menu choices whilst they are such a special eating option. FRUITS March will see a wider range of fruits on the market, but much of it will be expensive and will disappoint when eaten. European Apples are coming to an end, and the South African imports will be a better buy soon. Pears are not such a wise buy in March, but there are likely to be plenty of seedless Grapes on the market. Their condition should be good, and their price quite low, although the taste may still be a bit watery. Strawberries look certain to be cheaper in March, as Spanish production reaches its peak, but Raspberry prices are a little harder to predict. Honeydew melons will rise as the South American crop begins to wane. SALADS March is a changeover month for salads, and this year we will be pleased to see the end of a poor quality Spanish season. Canary Tomatoes will be replaced by Dutch and English crops, before the month ends. The prices of all Salads are usually affected by Easter, and this year we can expect them to rise before the holiday and fall away quickly after it.By the end of March, we will be able to use local salads again, and have already been taking delivery of local exotic varieties. VEG. The prices of Carrots and Parsnips always rise in March, as stocks drawn from storage diminish. Onions will follow suit as South American imports replace the remaining Spanish and English stocks. On the other hand the price of Potatoes has eased during a period of low demand. This trend may continue, with the larger baking varieties being a possible exception. If the weather is mild, we could see heavy quantities of local Cauliflowers on the market, and the low prices which would follow. The quality of Spanish Broccoli has been falling, and this may give us a problem since English is not expected until early June. EXOTICS In general, prices are likely to be depressed in March, and a wide range of interesting options should be obtainable at sensible prices. We look forward to Asparagus prices dropping towards the end of the month, and Limes are often cheap at this time of year. Avocadoes may arrive to us in a very hard condition, as the new Spanish season begins. We would appreciate early notice if ripe fruits are required for functions.