{"id":122612,"date":"2026-07-05T13:55:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T12:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=122612"},"modified":"2026-07-05T12:53:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T11:53:17","slug":"el-nino-coffee-electricity-expensive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/el-nino-coffee-electricity-expensive\/","title":{"rendered":"El Ni\u00f1o May Soon Make Coffee, Chocolate and Even Electricity More Expensive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Experts say the effects may be felt across global supply chains rather than through direct weather impacts in Britain. According to the Mirror, climate specialists and retail experts warn that disruption to agricultural production<\/strong> and higher energy demand could place further pressure on prices later this year and into the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The warning comes as the WMO says El Ni\u00f1o<\/strong> is developing in the Pacific Ocean, where unusually warm surface waters alter atmospheric circulation and weather patterns around the world. The resulting shifts can increase the likelihood of heatwaves, drought and flooding in different regions, affecting crops, fisheries and energy systems that supply international markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Imports Face Pressure as Weather Disrupts Harvests<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several imported food products could become more expensive if weather conditions affect major producing countries. According to the Mirror, Gareth Redmond-King<\/a> of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said rice is among the commodities at risk because India and Pakistan are expected to experience much drier conditions during El Ni\u00f1o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pointed to the previous major El Ni\u00f1o in 2023, when reduced harvests contributed to global shortages and India imposed export restrictions, increasing import costs in countries including the UK. Redmond-King also noted that Britain imports around two-fifths<\/strong> of its food, making it particularly exposed to weather-related disruption overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh fruit and vegetables could also be affected. Former Tesco and Boots retail buyer Karen Green <\/strong>said Morocco may experience drought, potentially reducing supplies of tomatoes and peppers exported to the UK. Kenya, meanwhile, is more likely to face flooding, which could disrupt production of green beans and peas. Tropical fruits, including bananas and citrus fruits, are also identified as vulnerable because they rely on imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee <\/strong>production faces similar challenges. Redmond-King said Brazil, the UK’s main coffee supplier, could experience increased heat and heavier rainfall, conditions that are not favourable for coffee crops. Vietnam, another major exporter, may experience hotter and drier weather, making planting and harvesting more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chocolate prices could also remain under pressure. According to the Mirror, cocoa-producing countries<\/strong> in West Africa have already experienced failed harvests linked to drought, irregular rainfall and plant disease, with cocoa prices rising significantly over the past five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UK firms expect to raise prices 4% even as inflation falls https:\/\/t.co\/kOtIj5bhoP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LBkch5AP4V<\/a><\/p>— Zoe Schneeweiss (@ZSchneeweiss) July 3, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>