UK consumers could face shortages of fruit and vegetables in the coming months as retailers warn of mounting pressures on supply chains.
Industry sources say rising costs, transport delays, and poor weather in key producing regions abroad are combining to put fresh produce at risk.
Supermarkets have reported disruptions in deliveries from Europe and beyond, with some items already becoming sporadically unavailable in stores.
Fresh produce such as tomatoes, peppers, and citrus fruits are among the most vulnerable, according to sector analysts.
“The situation is being closely monitored, but shoppers may notice gaps on shelves if these pressures persist,” said one senior supermarket sourcing manager. “We’re working with suppliers to mitigate the impact, but external factors like extreme weather or shipping delays are largely out of our control.”
The fresh produce sector has faced a perfect storm of challenges in recent years. Brexit-related customs changes, driver shortages, and rising fuel costs have already increased the strain on logistics. Now, extreme weather events in southern Europe and other exporting countries are further affecting harvests and exports.
Trade bodies have cautioned that the situation could push up prices for consumers, particularly for imported fruit and vegetables. “Shoppers may see price increases as the market adjusts to limited supply,” said a spokesperson for the Fresh Produce Consortium. “We urge consumers to be aware, but panic buying will only make matters worse.”
Some retailers are already advising customers to plan ahead and consider alternative items if their favourite products are unavailable. Meanwhile, suppliers are exploring options to source from different regions and domestic farms to maintain stock levels.
Analysts say the disruption is unlikely to cause a nationwide shortage of essential foods, but certain popular or out-of-season items may be temporarily scarce. The industry is calling for continued investment in resilient supply chains to ensure consistent availability for shoppers.
As the UK enters the spring months, experts warn that prices and availability could fluctuate depending on weather patterns and international shipping conditions, making it a potentially challenging season for fresh fruit and vegetables in supermarkets across the country.
