More shortages set to arise amid record inflation

According to data from the Revenue Authority, Britain in January 2023 imported 266,273 tons of vegetables, the lowest volume imported in the month of January since 2010. This drop in imported volume was the result of reduced harvests in the countries suppliers, particularly in Morocco and Spain.

 

In winter, production in the United Kingdom is still reduced and soaring costs (labour, energy, transport, etc.) should have a strong impact on future production. According to a growers' association, as of March more than a quarter of the UK cucumber and pepper harvest had not yet been planted.

 

In addition to a lower production of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, salads, local producers warn of other shortages of fresh vegetables, in particular cauliflowers and carrots.

 

Food product inflation reached +18.2% in February, a level not seen in 45 years according to ONS (Effice for National Statistics). Consumers reduce their purchases, which also leads to a reduction in purchases by food retailers from producers. The situation is becoming alarming according to Jack Ward, CEO of the British Growers Association, who believes that the future is problematic for British producers of fresh produce.