According to estimates from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), the prices of fresh products—such as fruits, vegetables, and fish—rose by 5.8% compared to the same period last year in August 2026. This increase is attributed to significant agricultural losses caused by severe droughts and heatwaves during the summer. Insee notes that this is the highest rate of increase since the beginning of 2024, highlighting the impact of extreme weather on food production and availability. Large retailers have not reported shortages but have noted "tensions" in the supply of certain foods. For example, the Mousquetaires Group, which operates stores like Intermarché and Netto, mentioned challenges in supplying salads, tomatoes, and water-intensive vegetables like eggplants and radishes. Looking ahead, the group is focusing on the autumn and winter harvests, including apples, potatoes, and cabbage. Organic farming has also been affected, with Biocoop, a network of organic stores, reporting smaller or lower-quality produce, reduced wheat harvests, and issues with livestock. Hugues Beyler, director of agriculture and sectors at the Federation of Trade and Distribution (FCD), explains that climate-related supply disruptions can temporarily affect the balance between supply and demand, leading to price changes. This is a well-known economic principle: when supply decreases, prices tend to rise to reduce demand and restore market balance. Insee's Sébastien Faivre added that rising water temperatures have also complicated the growth of certain seafood, like mussels. While overall food inflation remained stable at 1.1% year-on-year in August, the increase in fresh products, particularly vegetables, was significant, with prices rising by 13.8% compared to the same period in 2025. However, the price of fruits and potatoes remained unchanged. Retailers are also adjusting their strategies, relying more on imports when possible, but emphasizing the importance of French produce. Consumers may notice variations in the size or appearance of certain fruits and vegetables, but these changes do not affect quality. Retailers are also considering reducing their profit margins on the most affected products to help manage price increases.