The average price of Spanish pumpkin rose by 21.3% in the three weeks up to 13th October 2021, and up 14% year on year (y-o-y) to EUR 0.57/kg amid high seasonal demand. Spain is the top producer of pumpkins in the EU and the leading supplier of pumpkins to the UK. In 2020, Spain was the second largest global exporter of pumpkins. Prices in the UK are expected to follow a similar trend, based on the high reliance on imported pumpkins from Spain and the domestic supply chain disruptions.
As Halloween approaches, seasonal demand for pumpkins rises globally, leading to a price increase in October 2021. In 2020, COVID-19 related restrictions prevented large groups from gathering for Halloween celebrations, limiting the need for consumers to purchase pumpkins throughout the festive period. As restrictions have now been removed, demand for pumpkins this season has been soaring, with one UK retailer expecting an increase in demand of 15% y-o-y.
Moreover, in the UK, Brexit complications caused an HGV (heavy goods vehicle) driver shortage which disrupted the pumpkin supply this year. This resulted in delays in deliveries throughout August, thus triggering a supply shortage in the UK. In addition, the supply shortage was further exacerbated by unfavourable cold weather conditions in August, which affected the development of the crop during the growing season, resulting in lower pumpkin yields compared to the previous year. Overall, pumpkin prices in the UK are expected to remain firm this Halloween, mainly driven by higher prices in Spain combined with supply issues and comparatively higher y-o-y demand in the UK.
