How the UK heatwave is impacting cucumbers as warning issued over other vegetables

• UK shoppers are facing increased prices and curvier cucumbers due to heatwaves and droughts impacting growers across Europe.
• Extreme weather in Spain led to plant failure, while the Netherlands experienced quality issues, resulting in cucumbers becoming curved as plants struggled to transport water.
• The wholesale price of home-grown cucumbers more than doubled between May and July, with approximately 80 per cent of UK cucumbers imported from Europe.
• Experts warn that ongoing climate extremes could affect the supply and prices of other salad vegetables, such as tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers, raising concerns about nutritional security.
• The government maintains that the UK's food system is resilient and is working to increase domestic production and keep food prices down, despite concerns about the impact on lower-income households.

IN FULL

Heatwaves causing cucumbers to become curvy and more expensive, experts warn