Peas, carrots and spinach are among the summer vegetables that have suffered from the torrential rain in Belgium and many European countries in June. Consumers could feel consequences of the weather over the next few months as prices increase (at least for canned and frozen vegetables).
The small amount of production that survived the weather cannot be used and supermarkets are turning to foreign produce, which according to the large retailers “will not change the price”. However, Romain Cools, General Secretary of Belgacom, says that this cannot last, “Some companies have producers abroad, but the offer may not be big enough to ensure distribution in Belgium, as the bad weather has effected all of Europe.”
The frozen and canned aisles in supermarkets may be less stocked over the weeks to come, as last years products are currently being consumed, but the offer will decrease. Agricultural expert, Luc Busschaert, explains that a price increase is inevitable and that according to forecasts, only 12% of the expected potato production is available. He believes that clients will pay 10 to 20% more for frozen vegetables by September and canned vegetables by October.