Rain in Spain hikes the cost of carrots

THE cost of carrots has soared after heavy rainfall in southern Europe, particularly Spain, wiped out crops.

Traders are cashing in on the shortage and a huge export demand for UK-grown carrots.

The wholesale price for the vegetables has rocketed to £423 a ton, up 20% in the last month and 50% in a year.

Journal The Grocer reported: “Demand has risen in Spain after heavy rainfall damaged the country’s carrot crop during harvest, which is having a knock-on effect on UK prices.” Rising fuel costs could also be having an impact, pushing up the cost of transport and of running machines in processing plants.

Spain’s weather problems have also led to the cost of iceberg lettuce jumping by a third in a month.