The supply of fresh fruit and vegetables increased by 10 per cent to 13.1 million tons in the second quarter of this year but its value dropped by one per cent to €5.6 million when compared to the same period last year.

The supply of vegetables rose by 8.9 per cent, with increases registered in the yield of cauliflowers, sugar melons, lettuce and potatoes. The supply of tomatoes and watermelons dropped by 18.4 and 10.7 per cent.

Fresh fruit supply grew by 25.7 per cent, mainly on account of an increase in the availability of peaches and strawberries.

Maltese farmers supplied 12.1 million kilos of produce for a total wholesale value of €5 million. Overall, farmers in Malta contributed 92.4 per cent of the total amount of fruit and vegetables on the market.

Gozitan farmers supplied the remaining 7.6 per cent, one million kilos of fresh fruit and vegetables. The wholesale value went up by 7.1 per cent over the comparative quarter last year.