Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with supermarket retailers about the pricing of wrapped and unwrapped fruits and vegetables.

The Government regularly engages with stakeholders and organisations in the retail sector directly, through Trade Associations and the Food and Drink Sector Council. This includes discussing current issues, gaining the industry viewpoint and providing policy updates.

The Government is also working with retailers and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to encourage their efforts to reduce waste and to explore the introduction of plastic-free supermarket initiatives in which fresh food is sold loose, giving consumers increased choice.

The Government does not have any role in setting food prices nor does it comment on the pricing policies of the food industry. We work closely with industry to promote transparency for consumers and internationally to promote open global markets. This all helps to create a competitive domestic market for UK consumers.

Food prices, including fruits and vegetables, depend on a range of factors, including commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices.