Extreme weather could force food prices up 5% in UK, report says

British consumers are facing a hike in food prices of at least 5% as a result of extreme weather this year, economists warn.

Extended spells of frigid and baking weather seen during the winter and summer will likely increase household food bills by an estimated £7.15 a month, the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) says.

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The Cebr said domestic food production has been hit by weather extremes that have put “particular stress on farming costs and yields”.

Between March and July, the wholesale “farm gate” prices of some staples rocketed by up to 80%.

The price of wheat for bread rose by a fifth, strawberries by 28%, carrots by 41% and lettuce by 61%.

The farm gate price of carrots rose by 80%, according to European Commission figures used by the economists.

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The group says that wheat is a particular concern due to the nation’s appetite for derived products.

Much of the UK’s grain is imported from Europe, where record-breaking weather has also hit production, with the harvest expected to be 5% down in 2018.

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