Asda Alerts Customers About Green Pumpkins Following Harvest Disrupted by Rain and Slugs

Supermarkets are warning shoppers that their pumpkins may have a green tint this season, as the sector experiences its second-worst harvest on record. In response, Asda has placed signs that read, “Don’t worry if I’m slightly green, I will ripen at home and turn orange.” The supermarket chain assures customers that, despite their unusual appearance, supply levels remain stable.

An Asda spokesperson informed that the retailer is “not bracing for any shortages.” In fact, Asda has reported a year-on-year increase in stock and anticipates selling around 1.8 million pumpkins this season.

The unusual year for pumpkin harvesting has been attributed to wet spring weather and a surge in slug activity, which have adversely affected the quality of the yield. Julian Marks, chief executive of pumpkin supplier Barfoots, explained that some of this year’s initial plantings had “failed.” He noted, “When the weather improved, the fields were replanted, but some did not have enough time to turn orange. There is quite a lot of green out there.”

Despite their appearance, Marks assured that the pumpkins are still viable, stating, “In terms of ripeness, they’re perfectly good pumpkins and they’ll carve and look wonderful in the dark with a candle stuck in the middle, but they might not be 100% orange.”

The crops have also faced challenges from slugs, with the National Trust gardeners indicating that these pests have contributed to the reduced pumpkin yield. Jack Ward, chief executive of the British Growers Association, noted, “Pumpkins don’t like those conditions… slugs are a big problem too. It’s by no means universal. Some people have had a good run, but I think the general feedback is that it has been a difficult season.”

Despite these challenges, other supermarkets, such as Morrisons and Tesco, have reassured customers about the availability of pumpkins for Halloween, reporting no significant issues with their supplies.