Fruit and veg prices rise as produce "left to rot" in heatwave

Fruit costs in June were 5.2% higher than in May, according to the CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index, 

Intense heat caused crops to ripen quickly at a time when pickers were in short supply, meaning many fruits were “left to rot” in fields, the report says.

Hot weather has also affected growers across much of Europe, with fires threatening fruit farms and damaging yields.

Shaun Allen, chief executive at Prestige Purchasing, warned there could be a “longer term impact” on meat production due to feed shortages.

Ongoing issue​

The issue is not limited to fruit, as purchasing company Beacon today (31 July) warned that hot temperatures could cause some vegetable prices to rise by up to 75%.

Beacon supplier Ribble Farm says that a lack a rainfall has meant many hospitality operators are unable to source good quality vegetables, with crops shrinking in size and in short supply. 

Produce such as carrots, parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower and iceberg lettuce is affected.

“While people across the country are making the most of the glorious sunshine, operators are struggling to get hold of high quality vegetables including carrots and parsnips," says Paul Connelly, Beacon MD.

"Although this may have a limited impact in the short term, we’ll naturally see increased seasonal demand for these items as we move into autumn and winter, which will have an effect.

"We’re working closely with our suppliers to offer cost-effective solutions to help mitigate these price rises and stock shortages, particularly ahead of the busy Christmas season, which is already front of mind for many in the hospitality industry.”

The CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index is jointly produced by Prestige Purchasing and CGA, using data drawn from over 50% of the foodservice market and around 7.8m transactions per month.