Heat-driven lettuce and cucumber shortages tighten European market

A prolonged period of summer heat and localized storms has reduced harvests of lettuce hearts in Germany and cucumbers in Switzerland. The diminished yields have limited the available supply on wholesale markets.

Because of the scarcity, prices have risen across all retail levels and promotional activity for the vegetables has been cut back. Traders report that the market situation remains tight and price development reflects the ongoing shortfall.