Beer and key foods might be in short supply this Christmas, experts warn

Hot weather this spring and summer has hammered harvest yields for key cereals and grains needed for production of our favourite brewsSome Christmas foods may be scarce this winter [stock]

Lager lovers face a shortage of Christmas beer this year, experts have warned. Hot weather this spring and summer has hammered harvest yields for key cereals and grains needed for production of our favourite brews.

While record temperatures and dry spells also threaten Christmas dinner favourites, including roast potatoes, parsnips and sprouts. And a report warned scarcer supplies of beer and veg would see supermarket checkout bills soar.

It said: “Some Christmas foods may be in short supply, such as potatoes, parsnips and sprouts. Beer could also be in short supply due to a rush harvest of grains and cereals. Prices will likely rise for consumers.”

Beer may be in short supply this Christmas [stock]

The study by BusinessWaste, which used Met Office data, added: “The summer of 2025 was officially the hottest since records began in 1884, following an unusually dry spring with rainfall 40% below the long-term average – the driest spring in over 50 years.

“This year’s weather conditions may have a significant impact on agriculture and food production.

“Analysts have warned that harvests are likely to suffer dramatically, with particular blame placed on spring’s dry weather, which effected farmers’ ability to establish and manage their crops.

“Several foods, such as grains like wheat, barley and oats, are expected to see yields far below normal.

“Field vegetable farmers have also reported poor conditions, with broccoli and cauliflower producers claiming lower rates of production, while livestock farmers also struggled to grow enough grass for their cattle and sheep.”

Mark Hall, food waste expert at the firm, said the scourge of grub wastage added to the problem.

He said: “Many people don’t realise is how much food is lost before it even reaches our table.

“While the majority is wasted by households at 60%, farms see a 15% food waste rate, manufacturing sits at 13%, hospitality and food waste is a 10% share, while retail sees 2% food wastage.”