UK Heatwaves Set to Fuel Food Price Inflation

Food and drink producers in the UK and Europe are warning of price increases due to heatwaves and droughts affecting crop supplies. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) says fruit, vegetable, and grain production is being hit by recent extreme weather conditions.

The FDF's chief economist, Dr Liliana Danila, notes that competition for limited resources will drive up prices for manufacturers. With many UK-grown fruits and vegetables already under pressure, such as broccoli and cherries, price rises are 'inevitable', according to FDF Scotland's David Thomson.

Poor grain harvests are also driving the cost of animal feed higher, potentially leading to more expensive meat as farmers reduce herd sizes. The Met Office warns of a fresh heatwave in the UK, with temperatures expected to soar to mid-30s on Thursday.