"Just like humans, when cows are struggling to be comfortable, their productivity reduces," Cannon said.
Scott Walker, chief executive of industry body GB Potatoes, indicated that autumn harvest expectations remain low across the UK and continental Europe.
"We are not expecting as much as we have had in recent years," Walker said.
He noted that retail presentation of produce will likely shift as a result of the weather.
"Given Europe is having the same heatwave, that will also have an impact on the amount of crop there," he said, adding that consumers should prepare for irregularities in crop sizing at retail outlets.
Industry stakeholder groups issued a joint statement reassuring consumers about domestic availability despite high production costs.
"While there are major challenges ahead, the public can be assured that there will continue to be British potatoes available in the supermarkets and they will continue to offer incredible value, both in terms of cost and nutritional value," the statement said.
Molly Monks, an insolvency expert at Parker Walsh, warned that staple items like pasta, bread, and cereals face inflationary pressure from heat-stressed grain crops.
"For now, it looks like produce such as carrots and onions will be hit the hardest as a result of dry soil shrinking crop sizes," Monks said.
She added that salad crops face immediate replacement by imports due to high irrigation needs.
"Salad crops may also be impacted and are likely to be the first replaced by pricier imports, if necessary, due to the amount of irrigation required to grow them," she said.
