From the archive: Legume and doom - 22 October, 2007

THE price of peas and other vegetables have soared by as much as 65 per cent because of this summer’s floods, according to the latest industry figures.

The sharp price rises in legumes, including peas and beans, as well as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts, have been sparked by disastrous UK harvests.

Scores of farmers lost hundreds of acres worth of crops, leading to shortages. Now leading trade magazine the Grocer claims retailers are desperately trying to slow the 40 per cent harvest shortfall by introducing dramatic price hikes.

Its researchers found the sharpest increase was on the price of peas, with Tesco’s own-label frozen peas, which previously retailed at £1.08, now selling for £1.79 for a 1.2kg pack.

Consumer groups have raised concerns that the price rises will badly affect families with a tight food budget.