Stories

Fri, 10 Apr 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 Shoppers feel crunch as price of produce climbs

The conflict in the Middle East is impacting the price of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the UK.

* Wholesale prices for fruits and vegetables have risen sharply due to increased energy costs, caused by disruptions to oil and gas supplies in the Middle East.
* The cost of heating glasshouses has increased by 90% on average, while fertiliser prices have also surged.
* Industry figures report significant price increases for certain items in recent weeks, with some staple salad ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers becoming more expensive.
* Analysts attribute the price hikes to rising energy costs, which make it harder to transport and refrigerate perishable foods.
* The Lea Valley Growers' Association warns that financial support is needed to maintain a sustainable domestic crop industry, with some businesses already struggling to cope with increased costs.
* The Food and Drink Federation predicts UK food inflation will reach at least 9% by the end of the year, leading to higher prices and reduced availability of some salad items in supermarkets.