Have you noticed any shortages at your local supermarket? Have your say and poll

22 February 2023 , 11:26

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Empty shelves have started appearing in supermarkets up and down the country - have YOU noticed any shortages? (Image: PA)

Empty shelves are back again in many of our supermarkets, eerily harking back to the days of the pandemic at its peak.

Except Covid isn't to blame this time.

The supply chain has been scuppered by a myriad of factors, from bad weather to the war in Ukraine, which has led to spiralling inflation - making importing fruit and veg more expensive - as well as soaring energy prices.

Many shops are struggling with stock of fresh produce due to a cold spell in Morocco and Spain, while in the UK, farmers are said to be cutting back on heated greenhouses to save money.

Frost damage has also written-off many fields growing vegetables, while some have pointed the finger of blame at Brexit.

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So what does all this mean for us shoppers?

If you can't see the poll, click here

Asda and Morrisons have already begun rationing fruits and vegetables, with the former setting a limit of three per person on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries.

Morrisons has a maximum of two on tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers.

And now Aldi has placed limits on salad vegetables after supplies were struck down by disrupted harvests in southern Europe and north Africa.

One Tesco store displayed a notice that said: "Cold weather in Spain has impacted the amount of crop availability and resulted in poor quality. Sorry for any inconvenience caused."

According to Tim O'Malley, from Nationwide Produce, one of the biggest produce companies in the UK, a box of peppers has jumped from £8-£9 to about £22.

The cost of a box of tomatoes at this time of year has also dramatically risen, currently up from £7-£8 to £14.

What do YOU think? Have you noticed supermarket shelves looking rather bare? Why do YOU think this is happening? Take our poll above and expand on your thoughts in the comments below:

Paul Speed