Food Shortages Could Add To UK's Price Pressure, Shows Data

Plenty of shortages of foods could add to the price pressures faced in the United Kingdom.

Britons have faced a shortage of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in recent weeks after disrupted harvests reduced supply.

Industry data from market researcher Kantar on Tuesday showed UK grocery price inflation hit a record 17.5% in the four weeks to March 19, underscoring the problem for policymakers.

Tax office data showed Britain imported 266,273 tons of vegetables in January 2023 – the smallest amount for any January since 2010 – when the population was around 7% smaller than it is now.

The UK production of salad ingredients is also expected to hit a record low this year as costly energy deters British producers from planting crops in greenhouses.

The tight conditions have helped to push British food price inflation to levels not seen for almost 50 years.

Jack Ward, CEO of the British Growers Association, said there was now a question mark over the future of Britain's fresh food producers.

He said; "There's a limit to how long growers can carry on producing stuff at a loss."

Growers, farming unions and shop owners also warn of more shortages ahead, possibly soon spreading to other home-grown crops, including leeks, cauliflower and carrots because of summer droughts.