Likely shortage of local produce in UK

The lockdown decreed in the United Kingdom have resulted in an increase in the sales of winter vegetables (onions, cabbage, leeks). As weather conditions affected yields, a shortage in the coming months is likely, which will increase imports.

 

 

 

In the United Kingdom, during the various lockdowns, sales of onions and cabbages skyrocketed according to the British Onions Producers Association and the UK Brassica Growers Association. Increase for onion sales was + 25% year-on-year and + 70% for the 1st lockdown compared to the same period in previous years.

 

 

 

This increased demand for onions, coupled with an average harvest means that local onion stocks are lower than expected. "This could still lead to a tightening of British stocks and an increased import window next spring and early summer," stressed Tim Elcome, president of the British Onions Producers Association.

 

 

 

The situation is similar for cabbage producers with higher than normal sales across the entire product range. The cold snap over the Christmas period affected yields. Due to this increased demand, cabbage supplies will be tight for the remainder of the winter period, with some varieties ending earlier than normal and sales exceeding supply.

 

 

 

Similar situation also for leeks which recorded an increase in their sales. The increased demand for British leeks portends there will likely be a deficit by April, according to Stewart Aspinall, president of the Leek Growers Association.

 

 

 

On carrots, British Carrot Growers Association Chairman Rodger Hobson said the carrot industry was delighted with the increased demand from UK consumers. According to Mr Hobson there could be imported carrots to ensure the continuity of supply, until the new British harvest arrives.

 

 

 

"It's great to see this surge in demand. Even though part of this success is attributable to lockdowns, there is a real interest in healthy food and seasonal products. The increase in consumption has provided a counterweight, welcomed in the face of the problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic "commented Jack Ward, of British Growers.