Mild winter will raise price of fruit

The mild winter could lead to smaller fruit crops in the autumn, potentially pushing up prices, the Royal Horticultural Society has warned.

The RHS said most hardy fruit plants need a period of cold weather during winter to encourage flowering. Evidence from previous years suggests that without a "chilling period" crops are reduced.

Blackcurrants, cherries and some types of apple have a particular need for a cold period.

A mild winter could lead to rising prices of fruit next summer as the horticulture industry sees lower yields, the RHS said.