Supermarkets put limits on veg purchases amid 'commonplace' shortages

Supermarkets are placing limits on the amount of tomatoes and peppers consumers can buy because “food shortages are becoming increasingly commonplace”.

Supplies of tomatoes and peppers have been hit by storms in key growing regions in Spain and Africa, resulting in rationing, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the BRC, said: “Difficult weather conditions in the south of Europe and northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes and peppers.”

Opie said disruption is expected to last a few weeks, but noted 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”.

Gary Barraco, assistant vice president of product marketing at supply chain software company e2open, warned food shortages could become “the norm”, with the UK being hit by vegetable, egg and meat shortages due to adverse weather conditions and labour shortages. 

Barraco said: “Weather disruptors, such as the storms impacting Spain and north Africa, and the resulting food shortages are becoming increasingly commonplace. Sellers, makers and movers find themselves forced to change the way they do business, or empty shelves will become the norm.

“When shoppers are greeted with empty shelves, businesses risk losing not only customer’s that day but also their long-term brand loyalty. The availability and delivery of goods is an essential part of the customer experience. Shortages or long wait times can negatively impact a brand’s reputation.”

The British Tomato Growers Associated told SM the UK tomato growing season runs from March until November, which will ease the pressure on supplies. 

A spokesperson said: “Many have commented on the current lack of fresh tomatoes in some supermarket stores. While this is predominantly a consequence of the lack of imported product at this time of year, the British tomato season will soon begin and we expect significant volumes of British tomatoes on shelves by the end of March and into April 2023.” 

At the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Conference, Minette Batters, NFU president, warned “volatility, uncertainty and instability are the greatest risks to farm businesses in England and Wales today”.

“Labour shortages and soaring energy prices are hitting the poultry industry, already reeling from avian influenza, as well as horticultural businesses and pig farms. Meanwhile, other sectors are facing an uncertain future as direct payments are phased out against a backdrop of huge cost inflation, with agricultural inputs having risen almost 50% since 2019,” Batters said. 

“More often than not, it has been incredibly hard getting government to back up its rhetoric with concrete actions. The time is nearly up for government to demonstrate its commitment to food and farming in our great country, not just by saying they support us, but by showing us they do. I won’t let the opposition off the hook either, I believe the rural vote will be crucial in the next election.”

Supply chain disruptions in the food industry have resulted in firms including McDonald’s and Nestlé raising prices, and a row between Tesco and suppliers after the supermarket’s chairman John Allan accused suppliers of unnecessarily raising prices.