Produce Supply Update July 2026
UK: Good availability now, but weather is causing concern
As noted in our previous update the UK harvest started earlier than normal following a hot, dry spring and moving into summer. Whilst this has brought some crops forward, many growers are reporting increasing pressure from prolonged dry conditions. The National Farmers’ Union says the weather is again highlighting the need for greater resilience, particularly around irrigation and water storage.
Current concerns include:
- Potatoes under stress in non-irrigated areas.
- Peas and field vegetables showing signs of drought stress.
- Irrigation reservoirs in parts of southern England sitting at only around 50-60% capacity.
- Continued monitoring of crops that could tighten later in the season if meaningful rainfall doesn’t arrive.
The positive news is that, for now, most British seasonal produce remains available.
Download our July Chef’s Seasonal Scoop leaflet here
Europe: Increasing regional differences
Across Europe the picture is becoming more uneven.
Areas under pressure
- France
- Spain
- Hungary
These regions continue to battle heatwaves and water shortages, reducing yields of both field vegetables and cereals.
France: Heatwave causing significant crop losses
France has been one of the hardest-hit countries.
Recent reports indicate:
- Young carrot crops have suffered losses of up to 50% in some northern regions.
- Peas have literally burnt on the plants during extreme heat.
- Fruit orchards are seeing damage, with around 20% potentially affected.
- Blackcurrant harvests in some growing regions are reported to be down by around 70%.
- Livestock farmers are also struggling as grass growth has virtually stopped.
Another major concern is maize (corn), where analysts now expect one of France’s smallest harvests in decades following repeated heatwaves and drought.
Better outlook
Romania has benefited from much better rainfall this season, and maize production is actually expected to increase despite reduced planting areas.
The European Commission’s latest market outlook suggests winter crops remain generally positive.
What buyers are watching
Produce buyers are paying particular attention to:
- Water availability for irrigation.
- Fruit size and quality following prolonged heat.
- Earlier harvest windows.
- Whether continued hot weather will reduce volumes later in July and August.
- Rising production costs for growers coping with increasingly unpredictable seasons.
What this means for chefs
At the moment, there is still an excellent range of British produce available. However, buyers should expect:
- Some crops to finish earlier than usual.
- Greater week-to-week fluctuations in availability.
- Possible price movement on crops heavily affected by drought.
- Continued emphasis on buying seasonally and remaining flexible with menus.