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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Josie Clarke (PA) & Steven Smith & Nadia Breen

Asda limits amount of veg shoppers can buy amid shortages

Retailers have been experiencing challenges sourcing some fruit and vegetables - with a customer limit at Asda now in force.

It has been warned disruption is expected to last a few weeks.

Some supermarket shelves have been left bare of tomatoes as well as dwindling stocks of some other fresh produce, Wales Online report.

Read more: NI weather forecast for today as heavy rain expected

Asda has introduced a temporary customer limit of three on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries.

These limits apply in all of the retailer's stores including those in Northern Ireland. Other supermarkets are understood to be considering similar temporary measures.

It is understood retailers believe the problems stem from poor yields on the continent and north Africa and supplies are expected to improve in the coming days or weeks.

An Asda spokesperson 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.”

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, which represents UK supermarkets, said: "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."

Tesco do not currently have buying limits in place.

Empty tomato and pepper boxes have been spotted at some local supermarkets in NI.

Empty tomato boxes at Tesco Extra in Carrickfergus on Tuesday (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

Wales Online report growers and suppliers in Morocco have had to contend with cold temperatures, heavy rain, flooding and cancelled ferries over the past three to four weeks - all of which have affected the volume of fruit reaching Britain.

Supplies from Britain's major winter source, Spain, have also been badly affected by weather. Production problems in Morocco began in January with unusually cold night-time temperatures that affected tomato ripening.

Empty pepper boxes at Tesco Extra in Carrickfergus on Tuesday (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

These were compounded by ferry cancellations due to bad weather, hitting lorry deliveries. Producers have also reported having to cut back on their use of greenhouses due to higher electricity prices.

However, UK producers are beginning to move into their growing season, which is expected to ease the longer term situation as retailers also look to alternatives to produce from Spain and northern Africa.

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