Warning issued to anyone buying strawberries from the supermarket

Anyone who usually buys strawberries during the weekly shop has been alerted that they might not be able to get them this week. Shortages of certain fruits and vegetables have hit supermarkets due to weather issues in the areas where they’re grown. 

People have been warned not to start panic buying though, as this will only make the problem worse. The constant rainy weather across the UK and Europe is making it difficult for certain fruit and vegetable crops. Analysis by The Grocer shows that strawberries are particularly badly affected, with gaps in Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury’s and Asda’s shelves.

Weeks of rainy weather across Spain and Morocco is what’s causing the supply issues. A ‘significant proportion’ of the UK’s fresh produce comes from these areas at this time of year. 

Strawberry producing company Freshuelva said it expected exports could be down 50% year on year, with the storms “affecting both crops and production and handling infrastructure”.

The Fresh Produce Consortium recently noted that supermarkets were facing supply issues, saying: “Shoppers may see price increases as the market adjusts to limited supply. We urge consumers to be aware, but panic buying will only make matters worse.”

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Similarly, The Grocer also found issues with raspberry shortages, with peppers and avocados also being restricted in some supermarkets. 

According to a YouGov poll, strawberries are the most popular fruit in the whole of the UK – so these potential shortages could affect many people’s weekly shops. 

The produce experts at FreshDirect say they will be working hard to make sure shoppers are still able to buy their favourite fruits. 

They said: “We are likely to see particular problems over the next week or so on blackberries and raspberries, due to the lack of other viable origins. We will be working with our suppliers to try to minimise the impact on customers.”