Supermarkets expect short-term disruption to fresh produce supply after Queensland floods

Items like bread and fresh produce are again in short supply due to flooding. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Lamb)

Bare supermarket shelves are expected to start being restocked by the end of the week following a week of devastating flooding in the south-east.

Purchase limits have been reintroduced by Coles and Woolworths in a bid to prevent panic buying, with fresh produce most affected.

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci said while warehouses have been able to continue to keep operating, it had been far from capacity.

"Some of the roads were closed to get to them and at certain points our team couldn't get into them, but they're all up and running," he said.

"Flowers, tomatoes, and those kinds of very fresh items like leafy vegetables are a big issue.

Meat stocks at some supermarkets are running low amid disruptions caused by major flooding.  (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Lamb )

Cornetts IGA chief executive Graham Booysen said the company's 35 stores throughout Queensland would be re-stocked as soon as possible. 

"With groceries our stores normally carry at least between two and three weeks worth of stock," he said.

"Bananas are going to be an issue for the foreseeable future. The ripening rooms have been flooded so you might be able to get some stock but it’s not going to be ripe or ready to be eaten."

Gary Mahon from the Queensland Trucking Association said he understood the Rockleigh Markets will be operating today.

"So that'll make quite a difference because that's the exchange point where product is redistributed and packaged and sent off to places it needs to go," he said.

The Rockea Markets, a major produce distribution hub, was significantly affected by flooding. (Facebook)

Deliveries recommence

With the Bruce Highway now open between Gympie and Brisbane, freight can now start moving into regional areas.

Mr Mahon said there are a number of other challenges to overcome.

"There's quite a bit of freight come off rail and onto the road because there are still significant delays on lines where derailments have occurred," he said.

Mr Mahon said prior to the flood there was a shortage of 1,500 drivers just in Queensland.

He said up to 15 fleets in Brisbane Rocklea distribution area have suffered water damage.

A spokesperson for Coles said it was working to reroute deliveries impacted by road and rail closures to maintain regular deliveries over the coming days. 

"Our Coles Online operations have also been impacted and we will reach out to any customers whose orders are affected," a spokesperson said.