Avellon Williams
LONDON- Several UK supermarkets are restricting customer purchases of some fruit and vegetables due to “sourcing challenges” caused by weather conditions in southern Europe and north Africa, the industry said Tuesday (Feb 21).
Currently, the country is experiencing a shortage of tomatoes, which has now spread to other fruits and vegetables. Retailers have reacted by limiting sales.
During the past few weeks, Moroccan growers and suppliers have been reporting cold temperatures, heavy rains, and flooding that have negatively affected produce sales.
Ferries have been cancelled due to the bad weather, which has also affected farmers in southern Spain.
According to a statement released by the British Retail Consortium, Andrew Opie, “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.”
Several products that are grown in the region are experiencing sourcing challenges, according to Asda, one of the UK’s biggest supermarkets.
“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,” he added.
Among the items subject to the limitations will be tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower, and raspberries.
According to a rival seller Morrisons, it will introduce limits of two items per customer starting Wednesday on tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and peppers.
