// Asda limits purchase of some fruits and vegetables following supply shortages
// The grocer is rationing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries
Asda and Morrisons will ration some fruits and vegetables amid widespread shortages that have led to empty supermarket shelves.
Morrisons is putting limits of two packs per customer on products including tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and peppers from today, following on from Asda’s move to limit tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries to three items yesterday.
The BRC said it expected shortages in supermarkets to “last a few weeks”, according to the FT.
Asda said it is experiencing “sourcing challenges” on some products that are grown in southern Spain and north Africa.
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Meanwhile, supplies from British farms have also been cut as many farmers have cut back on planting due to the rocketing costs of heating greenhouses.
The National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters said yesterday that domestic production of salad had fallen to its lowest levels since records began in 1985.
British Retail Consortium director of food and sustainability Andrew Opie said: “Difficult weather conditions in the south of Europe and northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes.
“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.
