Pumpkin supplies across Scotland are set to be affected this Halloween due to a reported sharp increase in demand and poor weather conditions.
With October 31 fast approaching many Scots are heading out on the hunt for the seasonal squash.
Demand for the spooky fruit is set to rise this year, now that coronavirus restrictions have eased, and people can gather in groups – as opposed to last year.
That along with the HGV driver shortage and bad weather affecting the crop during the growing season – people may need a trick up their sleeve to find their perfect pumpkin this year.
Charleton Fruit Farm in Angus has already sold thousands of pumpkins in just three weeks after losing some of its crop to wintry weather.
Owner Graeme McColl told STV News: “We did lose some our pumpkins this year due to the snow but we still managed to sell around 5500 here.
“We’ve seen a lot of people here wanting to get their pumpkins in early so they can carve them and make sure they are going to be on their doorsteps for Halloween.”
Supermarket giant Tesco said it is expecting a 15% increase in demand for pumpkins this year.
Tesco pumpkin buyer Emily Hampson said: “We are anticipating demand to be very strong following the disappointment of Halloween parties being cancelled last year due to lockdown.
“Our pumpkins went into stores at the weekend and if bought now, they will last well in your homes until Halloween so long as you don’t carve them until a couple of days before.”
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