France’s heatwaves could trigger supermarket shortages and price rises for fresh produce

Certain fruits and vegetables are in short supply due to the ongoing heatwaves in France and across Europe this summer. 

As a result, some French supermarkets are experiencing supply issues, particularly for microgreens, lettuces, carrots, leeks, shallots, garlic, onions and radishes. Production of fruits such as strawberries and blueberries has also been negatively impacted. 

The vegetable growers federation Légumes de France described this summer’s high temperatures as “a catastrophe,” stating that early July’s heatwave resulted in thousands of tonnes of losses per vegetable variety, as well as tens of millions of euros in losses for producers. 

“Losses for certain sectors could reach 50% of annual production in France,” said the federation in a press release. 

“Shortages are to be expected in shops in the short term, as imports are unable to make up for the shortfalls,” it added.

Damage caused by the heatwaves further complicates an already challenging season following extensive flooding at the start of the year and the rise in prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Audrey Lambert and Thomas Gruel, organic vegetable producers based in Lessac (Charente) and owners of Lessac'crés Légumes, describe how their crops have been impacted.

“Many vegetables have seen their growth slowed or even halted: tomatoes are ripening very slowly, and the flowers won’t lead to anything because they have been scorched by the sun; the beans are producing nothing but leaves; the lettuces are bolting; the peppers have been burnt… In short, things could be better,” they said.

“We can carry on planting this winter’s cabbages, hoping they won’t suffer another heatwave,” they added.

However, further high temperatures, periods of drought, wildfires, and violent storms could also damage the growth of autumn and winter crops across France. 

Could fruits and vegetables become more expensive?

“We need an emergency plan to save maraîchers [market gardeners] and arboriculteurs [fruit growers]… We are already overwhelmingly dependent on imported fruit and vegetables. What will happen if we no longer produce them ourselves?,” said Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the political party Les Écologistes in a social media post (July 29).

Increased imports and higher transportation costs mean retailers may increase the price of produce for the consumer. This could particularly impact summer fruits such as peaches, apricots and plums, and from September, consumers in some parts of France may be paying up to 40% more for apples than in 2025, according to Économie Matin.

Légumes de France is asking stakeholders to “relax quality specifications” that dictate whether a product can be sold based on appearance alone, even if this does not affect an item’s taste or nutritional value. 

The federation also highlighted the negative impact on employment, with some farms choosing not to hire seasonal workers, while others are closing down completely. 

“Due to a lack of access to water, reseeding and replanting will not be possible unless there is a major change in the weather… which is not forecast,” it said. 

There are even concerns that the impact of the heatwaves will not be confined to the current growing season with Légumes de France co-president Cyril Pogu telling Franceinfo that the lack of available water was making it harder to plant new crops for winter.

"We're currently planting winter crops, and if we don't have water, this will drag on," said Mr Pogu.

Have you experienced supply issues in your local shops and markets in France? Tell us more by emailing feedback@connexionfrance.com