The wholesale value of fresh fruit and vegetables in the second quarter of this year dropped by 13.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, due to an increase in supply of potatoes, tomatoes and watermelons, among others.

However, the National Statistics Office said the overall supply went down to 11.9 million kilograms, a reduction of 2.4 per cent. The wholesale value stood at €5.6 million.

Potatoes, tomatoes and watermelons were more abundant by 4.3, 19.1 and 11.9 per cent respectively. However, in contrast the sugar melon supply went down by 28.1 per cent, as did lettuce, by 20.7 per cent, and cauliflowers, by 17.2 per cent.

Over 11.1 million kilograms of vegetables were supplied to consumers during this year’s second quarter, 2.9 per cent less than last year. Some 4.8 per cent more fruit was supplied in comparison, at nearly 850,000 kilograms.

By region, Maltese farmers far outstripped Gozitan ones, supplying 11 million kilograms, or 92.4 per cent, of fresh fruit and vegetables to the local market compared to 0.9 million kilograms from Gozo, or 7.6 per cent of the supply.

Compared to last year, the fresh fruit price index dropped by 28.17 points, or 15.4 per cent, to stand at 155.03 points in the quarter. Similarly, the fresh vegetable price index declined by 20.72 points, or 16.6 per cent, to stand at 104.47 points.