Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire! 

Soaring costs of production, which include chicken feed, energy, diesel and packaging, along with bird-flu, have crippled many UK egg producers. However, another big issue, which doesn’t seem to be getting the headlines, is that supermarkets whilst keen to increase prices aren’t sharing the increased revenue with farmers. As a result, farmers are unable to meet the spiralling costs and we’re witnessing farmers and growers having to make difficult choices and close their businesses.

UK Fruit and Vegetable Growers across the country are ‘fearing for their future’ as escalating costs and ongoing workforce shortages continue to impact the horticulture sector. Soaring energy costs combined with a lack of people to pick crops are posing a ‘serious threat’ to the future of the UK’s fruit and vegetable sector, the NFU said. The main drivers are energy prices, which are up 165%, fertiliser which have increased by 40% and workforce costs, up 13%.

As we head into the busy festive season, please remember to place your orders as early as possible – especially any prep orders – to avoid any supply issues and meet your delivery windows. As a reminder, we ask that any dairy and dry goods orders are placed by 6pm for delivery the following day.

Our offices will be closed for Christmas from 8am on Saturday 24^th December to Tuesday 27^th December. We will re-open from Wednesday 28^th to Saturday 31^st December and close again on Sunday 1^st and Monday 2^nd January for the New Year. Normal services will resume from Tuesday 3^rd January 2023.