Some supply issues, but no fruit and veg rationing for now
MANY local supermarkets said that they were experiencing some reduction in supply of fruit and vegetables, but there is no risk of rationing locally yet.
Bad weather in southern Europe and north Africa over the last month is reported to have disrupted harvests and then gone on to impact ferries transporting the produce.
Four supermarket chains – Morrisons, Aldi, Asda and Tesco – have brought in restrictions on the amount of certain types of produce shoppers can buy.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, cauliflower and raspberries are among the items affected.
While Guernsey has seen some shortages, all of the local retailers contacted said they were not thinking of rationing at the moment.
‘We are actively working with our suppliers to find alternative sources where possible. It is likely there will be some shortages of product for several weeks until supply from growers locally are available,’ said CI Co-op CEO Mark Cox.
‘We have no intention of rationing products as has been seen in the UK. We apologise for any inconvenience these shortages may cause. We would like to take this moment to thank our members and customers for their patience and understanding during this time.’
A Waitrose spokeswoman said the situation was similar for them.
‘We’re monitoring the situation, but have no current plans to introduce restrictions/rationing,’ she said.
A spokesman for Sandpiper, which runs the local franchises for Morrisons, Iceland and Checkers Xpress, said the shortage was expected to last for the next two to three weeks.
‘We are getting less than we would normally expect but we’re not rationing anybody,’ he said.
‘It’s basically southern supply routes that are causing the problem but we get all our supplies down from the UK. It’s likely to be a short-term problem.’
Marks & Spencer general manager James Bolton said the company has its own supply chain which means it was not as badly hit by the shortages and has no plans to bring in any restrictions.
‘We’re less affected, but we’re not completely immune,’ he said.
‘We knew from the farmer who works for us that he was not going to be able to source as much as usual.’
Alliance declined to comment.
