The Food and Drink Federation has warned that grocery prices will continue rising into 2027, with the possibility of shortages, as one of the UK’s hottest and driest summers on record cuts supplies of fruit, vegetables and grain.
The trade body, which represents food and drink manufacturers, said the lack of rainfall and arid conditions were likely to lead to higher prices and lower supplies of fruit and vegetables, putting upward pressure on food inflation into next year.
The supply of a number of UK-grown crops, including broccoli and cherries, has already come under pressure, while poor grain harvests are driving up the cost of animal feed, which could lead to more expensive meat.
The warning comes as Britain braces for the fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 38C on Thursday. More than two thirds of England has been declared to be in drought this week.
Dr Liliana Danila, chief economist at the FDF, said: “Not only is the UK experiencing one of its hottest and driest summers on record, but across most of Europe heatwaves and severe droughts are impacting fruit, vegetable and grain supply.
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