UK supermarkets forced to ration products as 'difficult' conditions sparks shortages

UK supermarkets are suffering a shortage of tomatoes and other popular vegetables - with Asda becoming the first to announce its stores will ration supplies.

Cold weather in Europe and Africa spells bad news for stores, as the UK relies on countries such as Morocco and Spain for tomatoes during winter.

British supermarket chain Asda is the first to take action on the issue, introducing a customer limit of three on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries.

Ferry cancellations have also affected lorry transport, further hampering supply.

Bad weather has also impacted Spanish crops in the past three or four weeks.

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."

Growers in Morocco have been forced to contend with heavy rain and floods, meaning the supply has reduced.

Bad weather has also impacted Spanish crops in the past three or four weeks.

Asda is the first to announce rationing measures for the latest supply threat facing the UK
Chris Radburn

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, which represents UK supermarkets, told Sky News: "Difficult weather conditions in the south of Europe and northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes.

"However, 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."

It is not the first time in recent months global events have resulted in supply chain disruptions, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompting issues.

It comes as National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters called on the Government to do more in their support for British farming.

She said rationing will remain a threat until the chancellor does more to help UK growers with energy costs.

Other UK supermarkets could be set to follow suit
Julien Behal

At the union’s annual conference, she will say: “As the global population continues to rise, and parts of the planet become less suited to producing the food we eat, we have an opportunity, and a duty, to get the best out of our maritime climate.

“Secondly, in the face of climate change, we should be unwavering in our commitment to achieving net zero and contributing to our energy security through on-farm renewables generation.

"And thirdly, we should never take our food security for granted.

"But the fact remains, volatility, uncertainty and instability are the greatest risks to farm businesses in England and Wales today.

"Critically, those consequences will be felt far beyond farming, they will be felt across the natural environment, and in struggling households across the country."