bumper

Yet there’s reason to believe consumers may feel more upbeat early next year, as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act should generate a “bumper crop of income-tax refunds,” according to Kelly.

His wide-ranging interview with us follows a series of difficult moments for the industry as soaring energy prices pushed household bills up and saw bumper dividends to shareholders and pay packets to bosses - including him.

Although rising temperatures have led to more frequent bumper crops of acorns, the nuts still produce good and bad harvests every two to five years as part of their normal crop cycle.

A glut of corn and soybeans after several years of bumper crops has depressed prices.

He warned, however, that "patience will be needed for those hoping for a return to bumper payouts to shareholders".