The start of the Spanish pepper crop is over a month late, yet farmers still expect the overall volume to approach that of last year. In Peru, the crop is predicted to be normal and it seems more packers are entering the market this year. In Turkey, the crop was affected by rain; much of the raw material will go to pepper paste production. Costs in local currency are expected to run 10% higher this year, but the devaluation of the Turkish Lira may negate the increase in dollar terms.