// Tesco issues warning to consumers not to panic buy after a mass shopping spree on Monday
// Shoppers panicked following France’s decision to close borders
// Rival Sainsbury’s warned that food may begin to disappear from shelves just days after France’s ban
Tesco has issued a warning after shoppers were seen panic-buying following France’s decision to close borders.
The Big 4 grocer ensured households it has plenty of food for Christmas and has also encouraged customers to “shop as normal”.
Tesco is currently looking at using ferries direct from Spain and increasing stock from the UK to deal with the disruption.
READ MORE:
- Tesco appoints Karen Whitworth as non-executive director
- Sainsbury’s warns of food shortages following France ban
- Tesco and Morrisons ignore calls to shut stores on Boxing Day
However, it warned that “there may be reduced supply on a few fresh items, such as lettuce, cauliflower and citrus fruit later this week, but we don’t expect any problems with availability on these lines today or tomorrow”.
“We’ve been building our stockholding of key products ahead of the Christmas peak and are working closely with our hauliers and suppliers to continue the supply of goods into our stores,” Tesco said.
“We’re doing everything we can to limit the impact for our customers.”
The supermarket rush on Monday was prompted by news that the French had imposed a 48 hour ban on travel from the UK in a measure that includes freight.
Moreover, those in the new tier system added to the shopping spree as they also hit stores early to buy Christmas supplies after the ban came into practice on Sunday.
On Monday, fellow Big 4 grocer Sainsbury’s warned that food may begin to disappear from its shelves within days after France’s ban on freight from the UK.
The grocer said there would be shortages on products including lettuce, salad leaves and cauliflowers if transport ties with France are not restored immediately.
Despite the warning, Sainsbury’s ensured it had “plenty” of products needed for “the Great British Christmas lunch”.
“If nothing changes we will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce, salad leaves, cauliflowers, broccoli, citrus fruit – all of which are imported from EU at this time of year,” Sainsbury’s said.
“We hope UK and French governments can come to a solution that prioritises immediate passage of produce and food.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter
