Shoppers are set to benefit from cheaper pumpkins in the run-up to Halloween, despite many growers having battled significant wet weather over the course of the year.
Pumpkin prices have dropped by as much as 45% in the mults over the past 12 months, according to analysis of Assosia data by The Grocer.
Out of the 23 pumpkin lines available both this week and the same time last year, 10 were cheaper at the the traditional big four, Aldi, Lidl and Waitrose, while a further eight lines saw no change in price.
Tesco Munchkin Pumpkins saw the biggest cut in price, down 45.5% to an average of 60p compared with this time last year, while both Aldi’s Halloween Aaahmazing Munchkin Pumpkin and Tesco’s standard pumpkin have dropped by over 20% to 68p and 69p respectively.
All lines at Aldi have either declined in price or remained flat, according to the Assosia data.
It comes despite anecdotal feedback from the NFU that suggested a production decline of 5%-10% across UK pumpkin growers after the wettest 18 months on record.
“This growing season has been challenging, not just for pumpkin growers, but all horticulture growers alike,” said NFU Horticulture & Potato board vice chair Stephen Shields. “The relentless wet weather and mild conditions has left us with sodden fields and our crops more exposed to disease and pests.
“Confidence is at an all-time low, growing conditions and a lack of access to plant protection products aren’t helping,” he added. “What we need to see is investment from government in infrastructure and machinery to adapt to changing weather conditions and a crop protection toolbox that enables the sector to continue producing food and plants for the nation.”
Tesco stressed shelf-edge prices were not directly linked to what suppliers are paid, and that it had a close relationship with its pumpkin farm. The retailer has been supplied by one farm for almost 30 years and it has grown millions of the vegetables this year.
“We continue to invest to ensure that Aldi has the lowest prices for key seasonal products, and are giving our customers the most affordable Halloween possible,” said an Aldi spokesperson.
Bad weather has impacted on other vegetable lines though with potatoes and carrots up compared to this time last year rising by 21% and 37% on average respectively.
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