The lime market is tightening up as Brazilian volumes reduce, due to hot and dry weather, and Mexican production is not yet at full speed.

Demand for limes in the UK has been increasing steadily for the last few years and although it is still predominately a fruit most popular in the summer months, they are in demand the whole year round from food service companies and have gained in popularity due the revitalisation of the gin and tonic culture in the UK.

"In the last week prices have begun to shoot up as volumes from Brazil begin to reduce, due to hot weather and low rainfall," explains Mark Stuart from Jacana Produce. "They were at between £3.50 /£4 last week and now are reaching £7 or £8."

The supply from Brazil should be on the market until May when the Mexican supply starts. Peru will also send limes to the UK but according to Mark their customers prefer the Mexican lime as it has a darker colour.

"Year on year we are seeing more demand from customers, but there are also more people importing and so there is a lot more competition in the market.