Frozen and canned vegetable processors in in major producing countries in Europe report shortages for peas and beans -- two key crops for the sector -- according to the European Associationof Fruit and Vegetable Processors (PROFEL).
While the pea crop for important producing areas in Belgium, Netherlands and France was down five to 10 percent on forecasts, the UK, Europe's largest pea producing area, was particularly badly hit with a 35% shortfall.
Beans were also severely affected with Belgium and the UK down 20 to 25%, France and the Netherlands down 10 to 15% on forecasts due to problems with drilling earlier this season, and generally lower yields.
UK brassica (cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts) crops are in short supply as the fresh market takes up the volumes, and root crops are smaller than average years. Germany and Poland report normal harvests.
In addition to industry concerns over quantities, the sector's prospects for next year are subdued as exceptionally high cereal prices are felt on contracts, and competition for agricultural land with other crops increases.
