Early-winter UK storms are wrecking the supply of home-grown carrots, potatoes and other veg like sprouts - which could means your Christmas dinner may cost you more this year.

Sainsbury's says it's concerned about its vegetable supply chain, possibly relying on more imported (and more pricier) products on the shelves instead.

Money-saving guide

Supermarket Sweep - Tips & Advice

Need to know: Savings


Uglier, pricier

Sprouts and potatoes in particularly look set to get pricier (potato wholesale costs are up 25%). Wheat harvests have also been poor while fruit growers have also seen many crops rotting into the soil.

The issue is so worrying that supermarkets - Sainsbury's has been the most public on the issue so far - have relaxed rules on the aesthetic look of much of the produce they sell.

Money-saving guide

Supermarket Sweep - Tips & Advice

Need to know: Savings



About time, some will argue. It's estimated up to 40% of UK fruit and veg - depending on the season - is rejected by supermarkets because the produce is ugly, unusually shaped or the wrong colour.

Critical time

The Christmas period is particularly critical for supermarkets because consumers tend to spend a lot more. If you can't find what you want in one supermarket, you go elsewhere (also spending a lot more).

Yesterday Sainsbury's posted a 1.9% like-for-like sales for the second quarter of the year to 29 September with total half year sales climbed 1.7%, up 4.1% on a like-for-like basis. So good momentum there currently, and better than Tesco.

"We want to make the most of the British produce," said a Sainsbury's spokesperson, "we have by telling customers that regardless of looks, their fruit and veg from Sainsbury's is still of the same quality and value they expect from us. Beauty is only skin deep."

What a waste

Overall UK food inflation however stayed steady in September at 3.1% for the third consecutive month, claims The British Retail Consortium. "These shop price figures show retailers are holding back much of the impact as they battle it out for every bit of spending available from hard-up customers," said Stephen Robertson, BRC Director General.

There is some evidence that the recession is changing attitudes to food waste; around 2.9 million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away by UK consumers before being cooked or served, anti-waste campaign group WRAP claims. Recently the UN claimed almost 50% of all fruit and veg grown in Europe went to rot.


Save money on shopping

  • 1) Know the price of everything you buy
    <p> </p> <p> This takes time, but once you know the cost of a phone call, putting the dryer on, or a bag of potatoes, it enables you to judge far better how much you can afford to consume.</p>
    1) Know the price of everything you buy
  • 2) Shop around
    <p> </p> <p> Once you know the base price, you are in a position to keep your eyes open for a better offer. If you see a discount you can judge for yourself whether it actually constitutes a bargain. For bigger things like utilities it enables you to do a proper price comparison and see if you can cut your bills.</p>
    2) Shop around
  • 3) Trade down
    <p> </p> <p> Don't just assume that the premium range is better, try the every-day brand, or even the basic version and see if you spot the difference. Likewise, consider trading down your supermarket from one of the big players to local markets or discounters like Aldi.</p>
    3) Trade down
  • 4) Plan
    <p> </p> <p> If you plan what you buy to match what you actually cook and eat then not only will you be able to budget far more effectively, but you'll also waste much less and find your money goes further without you having to try.</p>
    4) Plan
  • 5) Think creatively
    <p> If you can't think of a way to get your meat for less, consider a vegetarian day once a week. If you can't find petrol any cheaper, then work on making your driving as efficient as possible. The more you can think of clever alternatives the less you will have to make painful cuts to make ends meet.</p>
    5) Think creatively


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