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Britain facing tomatoes shortage after overseas harvests disrupted
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LONDON (Reuters) – Britons are facing a shortage of tomatoes after supermarket supplies, including at market leader Tesco and No. 2 Sainsbury’s, were impacted by disrupted harvests in southern Europe and North Africa.
LONDON (Reuters) – Britons are facing a shortage of tomatoes after supermarket supplies, including at market leader Tesco and No. 2 Sainsbury’s, were impacted by disrupted harvests in southern Europe and North Africa.
Warmer weather in these regions that affected crop yields was followed by recent cooler weather leading to longer growth times.
“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.
“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,” he said.
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.
Britain is particularly reliant during the winter on Morocco and Spain.
(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Alex Richardson)
A food supply chain refers to the entire process of producing, processing, distributing, and selling food products from farms to consumers. It includes all steps involved in getting food from the producer to the consumer.
Sustainability in retail involves practices that meet consumer needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs. This includes sourcing products responsibly and minimizing environmental impact.
Consumer perception is how customers view and interpret a brand or product based on their experiences, beliefs, and feelings. It influences their purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.
The UK economy refers to the economic system of the United Kingdom, characterized by a mixed economy that includes various sectors such as services, manufacturing, and agriculture, influencing trade and employment.
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