Release Date: July 22, 2026
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) and European grain‑trade association COCERAL shows that the record‑breaking June heatwave inflicted heavy damage on European cereal crops.
Within four weeks after the extreme‑temperature event, the grain production forecast for EU nations and the United Kingdom was revised‑down by nearly 9 million tonnes. The market value of lost wheat, maize and barley output hits over 2.1 billion euros, roughly 5% of the projected 2025 grain‑harvest worth.
Western‑Europe logged its hottest June on record, with regional temperatures 3℃ above the multi‑year average. Temperatures surpassed 43°C across France and exceeded 40°C in Hungary. The high‑temperature spell coincided with the grain‑filling stage of wheat and the pollination window of maize, the critical growing period that decides final yields.
France and Hungary endure the heaviest losses, followed by Germany and Spain. Around half of the reduced‑output volume comes from feed‑use maize. Shortage in domestic grain supply will force Europe to boost overseas grain imports and push up international cereal prices, stimulating global demands for wheat‑processing and corn‑milling equipment.