Supermarket giants ASDA and Morrisons have both implemented strict rules for anyone buying fruit and vegetables after shelves were left bare due to a shortage. Both supermarkets have been forced to take drastic action in light of recent events.
The UK is currently facing a national shortage of tomatoes due to supply issues, and this is set to expand out to other products. It is understood that retailers believe the problems stem from poor yields on the continent and north Africa, and that supplies will improve in the coming days or weeks.
Retailers have warned that the shortages could last for weeks, and are now working to resolve the issue. Products including peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries could also face a shortage, retailers say. Both ASDA and Morrisons have introduced a strict rationing policy which affects all shoppers and all supermarkets.
Asda now has set a limit of three per person on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries, says PA. Morrisons has a maximum of two on tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers.
Other supermarkets are understood to be considering similar temporary measures. These are yet to be confirmed.
An Asda spokesman said: “Like other supermarkets, we are experiencing sourcing challenges on some products that are grown in southern Spain and north Africa. We have introduced a temporary limit of three of each product on a very small number of fruit and vegetable lines, so customers can pick up the products they are looking for.”
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, which represents UK supermarkets, said: “Difficult weather conditions in the south of Europe and northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes and peppers. While disruption is expected to last a few weeks, supermarkets are adept at managing supply chain issues and are working with farmers to ensure that customers are able to access a wide range of fresh produce.”
Growers and suppliers in Morocco have had to contend with cold temperatures, heavy rain, flooding and cancelled ferries over the past three to four weeks – all of which have affected the volume of fruit reaching Britain. Supplies from Britain’s other major winter source, Spain, have also been badly affected by weather.
Production problems in Morocco began in January with unusually cold night-time temperatures that affected tomato ripening. These were compounded by ferry cancellations due to bad weather, hitting lorry deliveries.
Producers have also reported having to cut back on their use of greenhouses due to higher electricity prices. However, UK producers are beginning to move into their growing season, which is expected to ease the longer term situation as retailers also look to alternatives to produce from Spain and northern Africa.
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