UK retailers are being forced to rethink strict cosmetic standards for fresh produce as extreme heat and drought put pressure on domestic harvests, stated a recent report.
After repeated heatwaves following an unusually warm spring, farmers are reporting smaller, misshapen and discoloured crops, with some warning of significant waste unless retailers and shoppers become more accepting of imperfect produce, BBC reported.
The impact is already being seen across key fresh categories, from cauliflower and cucumbers to potatoes and pak choi. Cauliflower is particularly vulnerable to hot, dry conditions because of its high water requirement.
Normally, the leaves protect the white curd from direct sunlight. But with plants under heat stress, more sunlight is reaching the heads, turning them yellow or brown.
Potatoes are also being affected, with hot weather capable of stunting growth and producing irregularly shaped tubers. Instead of continuing to grow as a single tuber, potatoes can develop additional sections or “knobbles”, making them unsuitable for some supermarket and foodservice specifications.
Emilie Vanpoperinghe, co-founder of surplus produce specialist Oddbox, said the discolouration was “purely a cosmetic defect” and did not affect taste.
Oddbox acquired 6,000 cauliflower heads last week that were considered too dark for conventional supermarket supply.
Vanpoperinghe said growers were reporting depleted water reserves, which could slow the growth of cauliflower, broccoli and other brassicas and put further pressure on availability.
She expects retailers to become more willing to accept what she described as “sun-tanned” cauliflower as supplies tighten.
“Their biggest nightmare is empty shelves,” she said. “They want to make sure that they've got availability of produce all the time.”
According to Vanpoperinghe, greenhouse temperatures can become excessive during periods of extreme outdoor heat, putting plants under stress even where irrigation is available.
The pests thrive in hot, dry weather, while restrictions on pesticide use mean growers increasingly have to rely on physical protection such as netting.
Supermarkets have been expanding imperfect-produce ranges in recent years, but the current conditions could make flexibility increasingly important rather than simply a niche proposition.
Waitrose produce technical manager Calum Kelly said the retailer relaxes size and shape specifications for key vegetables during demanding weather conditions to reduce waste and support growers.
“Baking potatoes might be a little smaller than usual this harvest if the drought continues,” BBC quoted Kelly as saying. “All these veg still taste great, but like many of us in a heatwave, they might just look a little less than perfect.”
However, relaxing cosmetic standards will not solve every supply problem.
British Retail Consortium director of food and sustainability Andrew Opie said supermarkets were also increasing imports as domestic supplies came under pressure.
“Retailers face the dilemma of supporting British farmers, but also making sure that we, as customers, have what we expect to buy when we go in the shop,” BBC quoted Opie as saying. “It's going to be a challenging period right through into the autumn. We're hearing potentially it could affect things like cherries as well.”