With December in full swing, the holiday season is on everyone's mind, and that means festive feasts filled with delicious fruits and vegetables.
However, this year, the UK is facing some unexpected challenges due to unseasonal weather. Let's take a closer look at the trends impacting our favourite December produce.
1. Root Vegetables
The persistent wet weather has made harvesting root vegetables a real challenge. The soft ground makes it difficult for heavy machinery to cultivate these crops. Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, swedes, and turnips are among the vegetables feeling the effects.
Typically, all potato harvesting should have been completed by this time of year, but late planting in spring and ongoing weather disruptions have caused delays.
2. Broccoli and Cauliflower
Tender stem broccoli lovers might face some disappointment this year. The UK season ended prematurely, leading to increased demand for imported broccoli, which, in turn, affected its availability. Cauliflower is also in short supply due to the wet weather, further complicating holiday meal planning.
3. Soft Fruits
The quality of soft fruits this season is described as inconsistent at best. If possible, it might be best to avoid these fruits this December. However, it's not all bad news. Seasonal top fruits such as apples, pears, and plums are showing good yield and quality, providing a silver lining for fruit enthusiasts.
Find Out More with Our Latest Trends Report
To stay ahead of the curve and get a more comprehensive overview of the current food and beverage trends we invite you to download our latest trends report. Stay informed about the changing market dynamics that may affect you purchasing decisions this month.
Don't miss out on this valuable resource — fill out the form below to access our Trends Report and ensure your commercial kitchen has everything that it needs to run efficiently this festive season.
December 12, 2023