Supermarkets are suffering from sporadic shortages of some fruits and vegetables due to bad weather in Spain and Morocco.
You may remember we warned you of this possibility in our money blog last week – and now strawberries, raspberries, avocados and peppers are among the affected produce, according to analysis of Assosia data by The Grocer.
Parts of Spain and Morocco that grow and supply the UK with fresh produce have suffered weeks of rain this year.
Spanish meteorological agency AEMET registered the highest rainfall since 2001 in January, sparking concerns that the viability of several farms had been compromised.
The Guadalete River swells after Storm Marta hit parts of Spain this month. Pic: Reuters
“Several key producers in the region have been dealing heavy rains and even flooding in some areas. Storm conditions in December created logistical disruptions for Morocco, and in Spain torrential rain has left crops submerged, according to reports,” said Craig Elliot, market reporter at price reporting agency Expana.
“Although the extent of the damage is yet to be determined, farmers in Spain have reported crop damage worth millions of euros across the country.”
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Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Difficult weather conditions in Southern Europe and Northern Africa have impacted the harvest for some crops.
“However, food retailers are adept at managing disruption and will take all necessary measures, including sourcing from alternative sources, to minimise any impact on customers.”
Money has contacted major supermarket chains to ask for comment.
