Grocery prices continue to rise as prolonged global heat waves affect agricultural production. Higher temperatures are hindering crop growth, with consequences for both fruit and vegetable supply and livestock production.

In South Korea, watermelon prices are reported to be 17.6% higher than last year and 33.7% above levels one month earlier, according to Chosun Biz. Tomato prices increased by 42.6%, while a single cabbage now costs 11.2% more than in 2024. Experts attribute the increase to reduced yields caused by ongoing heat stress and higher demand.

In the United States, June 2025 was recorded as the seventh-warmest June on record, with extreme heat affecting 177 million people, including those in traditionally cooler regions such as New England. Heat waves impact crops by raising evaporation rates, increasing pest and disease pressure, and reducing pollination. Studies suggest that 3% to 5% of produce and nut crops are lost annually due to insufficient pollination.

The rising costs of fresh produce are concerning for consumers and growers alike. The U.S. Department of Agriculture projected in February that supermarket costs will rise by 3.3% this year. Research from Savings.com found that one in three people is worried about grocery prices, while 78% have reduced their purchases due to affordability issues. Globally, about 8.2% of the population experienced hunger in 2024, equivalent to nearly 673 million people. Prolonged heat waves and droughts could further intensify demand while reducing production. In India, projections suggest that wheat and rice output could decline by 6% to 10% in the coming decades under such conditions, a scenario that could be mirrored in other major agricultural regions.

Producers are turning to new technologies and practices to manage crop stress. Drones are increasingly being used to monitor fields for pest pressure, disease, and water stress, enabling earlier intervention. According to research, drones can improve irrigation efficiency by 28% in wheat production. Soil management is also being used as a mitigation strategy. The Soil Health Institute notes that soil with improved structure can hold up to 10 times its weight in water, buffering plants against extreme weather. Practices such as compost application and no-till farming are being applied to enhance resilience and maintain productivity.

These adaptations are viewed as essential to balancing supply with demand in the face of ongoing weather-related challenges for global fruit and vegetable production.

Source: The Cool Down