LONDON, July 31 (UPI) -- Dry weather in Britain could increase the price of meat and dairy by as much as 10 percent in the next few months, a commodities publication said.
The hot dry weather has resulted in lower production of grain products used in livestock production, driving the price up, The Grocer, a trade publication, reports.
Animal food costs have increased up to 20 percent in the last year, and financial observers said because inflated food costs are closely linked to inflation, it could result in a "double-dip" recession The Daily Telegraph said.
Additionally, Britain's National Farmer's Union said dry weather has cut production of silage produced for animal consumption by as much as one half.
The cost of food items such as meat and dairy might increase as much as 10 percent before Christmas because of the dry weather, The Grocer said.
"We expect to see an acceleration of food prices and a return to double-digit increases by early next year if the situation doesn't change" Tom Vosa, chief economist for the Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, told The Grocer.
