Potatoes, carrots and parsnips are part of the fresh produce that will be more expensive on the plates of consumers during this Christmas according to the Mintec Benchmark Prices in the United Kingdom.
Their benchmark price shows packing potato's increased by 24% year on year in November 2022. The increase is driven by high input costs and an estimated drop in production amid a prolonged summer drought across the UK.
UK carrot prices rose by 16.4% y-o-y to GBP 0.53/kg, attributed to high input costs, and the ongoing impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the industry, both of which are causing labour shortages.
The price of UK parsnips rose by 16.7% y-o-y to GBP 1.26/kg in November 2022, in line with drivers in the carrot market. The UK continues to face a labour shortage as Brexit controls restrict EU workers from working in the UK. A lack of farm workers from the EU means that many producers are unable to harvest peak volumes, causing supply chain disruption. Additionally, growers are facing rising costs, which are being reflected in prices.