Smaller Pumpkins For Halloween As Morrisons Launches Budget-Friendly Range
UK pumpkin growers are warning that this year’s crop could be significantly reduced with smaller-than-usual sizing after prolonged heat and drought stunted growth during the key production stage.
The pumpkins are expected to be almost half their normal size in some areas, while growers also report thicker skins that could make the fruit more difficult to carve.
High temperatures have been a particular challenge considering pumpkin growth slows when temperatures reach 30°C, according to growers.
This summer the UK experienced five consecutive heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 30°C for more than 40 days between May and September.
This coincided with the peak period for pumpkin development, affecting their growth.
Water availability has compounded the problem.
The drought conditions that have been declared across much of England and Wales have left crops unable to achieve their full potential size.
“In the heat, the pumpkins just gave up and stopped growing early, even when there was moisture available,” David Coulter, a farmer from Suffolk-based Home Farm Pumpkins, told the Telegraph.
“With the lack of water and heat, it was a double whammy.”
The early ripening this year is unheard of, according to another grower in Shropshire.
“They're now ready sitting in the field and have got to wait a month before we can sell any,” Richard Jones from Llynclys Hall Farm near Oswestry, told BBC News. “This is unprecedented – I don't know if they’ll rot.”
Opportunity For Consumer Education
With smaller fruit and tougher skins expected, growers have suggested that consumers consider decorating pumpkins with paint or drawings rather than carving the fruit this Halloween.
“With the really small pumpkins, don’t carve them, just draw on them,” Ketan Dave of leading UK pumpkin grower Barfoots told the Telegraph.
The impact also provides an opportunity to highlight the wider implications of increasingly challenging growing conditions for British growers.
Pumpkins are among a number of UK crops to have been affected by the combination of hot and dry conditions this year, including apples, brassicas, and potatoes.
“This is an opportune moment for parents to talk to their children about the effects of the weather on growing crops and the potential difficulty of growing vegetables in the future,” noted Gavin Lane, president of the Country Land and Business Group.
Scottish pumpkin growers have been affected by the dry weather too, with one producer describing the harvest this year as the “worst ever”.
Despite irrigating by hand, Westerton Farm near Laurencekirk has experienced a significant decline in the number of pumpkins per plant, although quality is good in general.
“Last year was our best ever pumpkin crop and this year is looking likely to be our worst ever one,” owner Fiona Smith explained to The Scottish Farmer.
“There’s definitely less of them. They look great and we’ve got some that are really good sizes, but in terms of the amount that we’re getting per plant, it’s down massively,” Smith added.
Morrisons Rolls Out British-Grown Range
Morrisons, meanwhile, has launched a budget-friendly, British-grown pumpkins range, with sizes spanning from pocket-sized to large.
The retailer said in a press release that its miniature pumpkins are ideal for customers looking to build mini jack-o'-lanterns or decorate their homes.
Customers can also look forward to a wider selection of pumpkins coming soon, according to Morrisons.
Prices start at 39p for its mini Munchkin variety and 59p for a classic pumpkin. Morrisons is also offering large pumpkins for just £1.75.
Morrisons said its pricing strategy makes it the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket for pumpkins this year.
The range is designed to help families to cut their Halloween spend.
“We know Halloween is a much-loved occasion for families, so we want to make it as easy and affordable as possible while continuing to support our British growers with fair prices for their produce,” commented James Judd, Trading Director for Produce and Horticulture at Morrisons.
“From our 39p Munchkin Pumpkins to our larger varieties, there’s something for every budget. Our customers can enjoy a proper Halloween knowing they’re getting great Morrisons value,” Judd added.
The pumpkin range is available in Morrisons stores from 14 September until 1 November or while stocks last.
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