Britain's summer deluge that devastated many domestic fruit and veg crops is having a wider impact on European trading patterns. Spanish producers are reporting reduced demand for fruits such as peaches, nectarines and melons following poor weather in Britain and northern Europe. Harsh weather has also reduced the quality and quantity of some grape harvests, although Spanish 'Superior Seedless' grapes arrived in the UK last week, backed by PoS material and on-pack promotions. British growers are potentially experiencing the shortest summer on record, with apples, pears and plums falling from trees ahead of traditional harvest patterns. Waitrose is introducing British apples three weeks earlier than usual, having pledged to pay a fair price for hail-damaged apples. Hailstorm damage has hit 30% of British orchards, according to the retailer, which stocks 70% British apples in season. "Our British apples might not look perfect but we are confident the quality will be as good as ever," said Waitrose fruit buyer Tom Richardson. An early, hot spring, followed by the wettest summer in 200 years, has resulted in spoiling and seasonal distortions across fruit and veg crops. Polytunnels offered some protection to strawberry and raspberry plants, although crops were of poorer quality and mouldy across the board with many redirected to the jam market for lower returns. Water logging and blight has ruined up to 20% of potato crops and 40 to 60% of pea production in the UK. Irish fruit crops have suffered from mould and late-ripening, affecting 80% of growers. Irish food minister Trevor Sargent has recommended supply chain partnership and planning to protect growers from adverse weather conditions. Under new EC fruit and vegetable sector reforms, producer organisations undertaking crisis management measures will be eligible for aid packages.

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