THE Co-op is suffering a shortage of some fruit and vegetables but has no plans to follow UK retailers and introduce rationing.
Extreme weather in southern Europe and north Africa has severely affected harvests of produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
It is widely expected that the disruption will last for several weeks until the British growing season begins and the reliance on produce from Europe decreases.
Asda and Aldi are among retailers who are currently placing restrictions of three per person on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries.
But Mark Cox, Co-op chief executive, said that although supplies have been affected they have no plans to restrict sales.
‘Like other supermarkets we are currently experiencing a shortage of some salad and vegetable produce lines,’ he said.
‘These shortages are due to a combination of issues including difficult weather conditions in southern Europe which have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetable lines, including tomatoes.
‘We are actively working with our suppliers to find alternative sources where possible. It is likely that there will be some shortages of product for several weeks until supply from growers locally is available.
‘We have no intention of rationing products as seen in the UK.’
Mr Cox added: ‘We apologise for any inconvenience these shortages may cause.
‘We would like to take this moment to thank our members and customers for their patience and understanding during this time.’
Waitrose said it was ‘monitoring the situation, but have no current plans to introduce restrictions/rationing’.
Growers and suppliers in Morocco have had to contend with exceptionally cold temperatures, heavy rain, flooding and cancelled ferries over the past three to four weeks, all of which have affected the volume of fruit reaching the British Isles.
Supplies from Britain’s other major winter source, Spain, have also been badly affected by weather.
Production problems in Morocco began in January with unusually cold night-time temperatures that affected tomato ripening. These were compounded by ferry cancellations due to bad weather, hitting lorry deliveries.
Producers have also reported having to cut back on their use of greenhouses due to higher electricity prices.
