Overview
- Industry expert Chris Bonnett says poor growing conditions will limit premium-grade trees this season.
- Late frosts in May followed by heat in Denmark, Poland and Scotland damaged juvenile growth, cutting the share that meets commercial standards.
- Growers report rising transport and labour costs and post-Brexit import hurdles, with higher retail prices expected.
- Supermarkets are expected to stock trees overall, yet shoppers may find fewer low-cost options and more variation in quality.
- Consumers are urged to shop early or pre-order, with tips such as checking colour and needle retention to gauge freshness.