Shops across the UK have been warned they could run out of tinned tomatoes this summer - a staple ingredient in everything from bolognese to chilli - thanks to a shortage in supply.
Suppliers are limiting how much each store gets after three years of poor harvest, according to The Grocer.
The next tomato harvest is not due to begin until August and supplies are being 'rationed' ahead of that date.
Tinned tomatoes are also a favourite for many in a full breakfast.
The move started in April and will last through the summer - potentially meaning some shops could run out of the tinned staple.
Conserve Italia, which owns brands including Cirio, is advising supermarkets to remove promotions to try to reduce demand.
Diego Pariotti, export commercial and marketing director at Conserve Italia, said: “We are basically out of stock on every single line because for the last three years we didn’t have enough to satisfy demand.”
Italy supplies more than 75% of the UK’s tomatoes. The shortages have led to a 20 per cent increase in wholesale prices.
And prices could go up by as much as 50 per cent according to Jason Bull, director at Eurostar Commodities, reports MyLondon.
