Supermarkets across Britain have been hit by a vegetable shortage recently. You may have noticed less iceberg lettuces, courgettes and broccoli while doing your weekly food shop and this is a result of poor weather in Spain.
Heavy rainfall in the country and across the Mediterranean has damaged a number of crops meaning that certain vegetables are now in short supply and it’s the supermarkets that are suffering.
Many shops have begun to ration out their goods, with some only allowing a maximum of three iceberg lettuces per customer in an attempt to stop people from bulk buying salad and vegetables.
Experts however are encouraging the public to buy more British farmed crops until vegetable numbers return to normal in the spring.
According to Alan Clarke, head of European Fixed Income Strategy at Scotiabank, the poor harvests are expected to have a knock on effect on restaurants and processed foods with prices soaring. “Prices of veggie burgers (or other processed food products) could rise after a lag given that the ingredients that go into there have risen,” he explains.
“More generally, restaurant prices face upside risks, especially because spring/summer menus are due for imminent update.”
Unfortunately, the vegetable crisis seems set to continue as further news suggests that a cold snap is expected to affect British crops including carrots and parsnips.
Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) is causing Arctic temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius to arrive in Britain so our favourite root vegetables may be at risk.
Speaking to members of the public earlier today, we asked whether they’ve noticed the vegetable rationing during their weekly shops and just how a lack of carrots might affect them.