Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, shares his thoughts on the impact of the Middle East conflict as the peak UK berry season approaches
With the conflict in the Middle East now entering its third week, the ripple effects are being felt far closer to home than many might expect, right down to the British berries on supermarket shelves.
From soaring diesel and fertiliser costs driven by Strait of Hormuz disruption, to a substantial above-inflation National Living Wage increase landing in April 2026, British berry growers are navigating one of the most challenging cost environments in recent memory. And the consequences for consumers and retailers could be significant.
The conflict is certainly having a knock-on effect on the costs faced by British berry growers. External transport costs are rising as hauliers link their rates to the price of diesel, which has spiked.
Fertiliser is another concern. The Strait of Hormuz is not only vital for global oil transport; it is a key shipping route for global fertiliser trade. As this is facing significant disruption amid the conflict, the knock-on effect on our members’ input costs is severe.
Add to this the rising price of red diesel used on farms for tractors, and the increase in price of using gas to heat glasshouses or permanent polytunnels, and the challenges that many growers are facing are stacking up.
Yet even against this difficult backdrop, the single largest contributor to cost of production inflation for our members remains hourly paid labour, which accounts for 50 percent or more of total production costs. The 4.3 percent National Living Wage increase for over-21s in April 2026 is a substantial above-inflation commitment that compounds an already very challenging picture.
British berry growers are experiencing significant cost pressures from all directions. While the current situation remains uncertain, there is a clear opportunity for retailers and growers to work in partnership to ensure these additional costs are fairly recognised across the supply chain. This collaboration will be essential to sustain investment in British production and maintain reliable supply for consumers.
