Britain is experiencing a tomato shortage as a result of disrupted harvests in southern Europe and North Africa. This includes market leader Tesco (TSCO.L) and No. 2 Sainsbury’s (SBRY.L).
After a period of warmer weather that had an impact on crop yields in these areas, a recent period of cooler weather with longer growth times followed.
“Difficult weather conditions in the South of Europe and Northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes,” Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, which represents the major supermarket groups, said on Monday.
Last year Britain’s grocers suffered supply chain disruptions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but availability was much improved in the run-up to Christmas, with an exception being eggs.
In winter, Britain has typically imported around 90% of crops like cucumbers and tomatoes, but has been nearly self-sufficient in the summer.
(Reuters)
