Wheat
Crops have reached only around half their usual height due to lack of moisture. Harvests are being brought forward to protect quality and nutritional value, but there will be implications for availability and pricing.

Brassicas (Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage)
High temperatures have slowed growth and reduced crop sizes. Cabbage shortages have already been reported in parts of the market with availability and consistency under pressure.

Potatoes
Dry conditions are affecting yields, size and skin quality. Availability may become challenging.

Salad Crops / Lettuce
Quality issues such as browning are leading to reduced marketable yields and increased wastage.

Tomatoes
High temperatures are reducing pollination rates, leading to reduced yields reported by some growers.

What does this mean for the market?
Tighter availability across fresh produce categories will lead to increased pricing volatility. We can expect ongoing supply chain disruption and uncertainty across these categories. This is enhanced by warmer conditions encouraging pests, leading to a risk in crop quality and yields.

MOST IMPACTED PRODUCTS

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
We’re continuously monitoring market conditions and supply risks; by diversifying sourcing across multiple suppliers and regions, we can reduce dependence on any single source and identify contingency options.

Working Closely with Supplier Partners
Consistent collaboration allows us to understand availability challenges, quality impacts and forecasts, to develop mitigation strategies before shortages occur.

Helping Navigate Change
Our culinary and category teams are working to identify suitable substitute products, and we are providing proactive updates on pricing trends, availability risks and longer-term market developments.

ACTIONS WE’RE TAKING TO SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS

The UK's recurring heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions are placing increasing pressure on agriculture, affecting the availability, quality and cost of several key categories. From reduced crop yields and quality issues in fresh vegetables, to increased pest pressures and ongoing pricing volatility, the impacts are being felt across the food supply chain. While weather-related pressures are likely to create continued volatility we’re actively working with suppliers to help minimise disruption.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Maintain Menu Flexibility
Be prepared to adapt menus and switch ingredients if availability changes - consider alternative formats, such as frozen fruit and vegetables, where appropriate to help maintain consistency.

Plan for On-Going Market Volatility
Expect periods of fluctuating availability, quality and pricing pressure across some fresh produce categories and factor potential cost inflation into forward-planning and budgeting.