Asda and Morrisons have introduced temporary limits on the amount of certain fruits and vegetables customers can buy.
Asda is limiting the sale of tomatoes; peppers; cucumbers; lettuce; salad bags; broccoli; cauliflower; and raspberries to a maximum of three of each item.
The limit applies to the items as units, meaning customers can buy three bags of tomatoes, and three cucumbers etc. at the one time.
“We have introduced a temporary limit of three of each product on a very small number of fruit and vegetable lines, so customers can pick up the products they are looking for,” a spokesperson for the supermarket said.
Morrisons will be introducing a cap of two items per person for tomatoes; cucumbers, lettuce, and peppers from tomorrow (Wednesday, February 22).
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said it is aware of some stores introducing temporary product-purchase limits, as a “difficult weather conditions in the South of Europe and Northern Africa have disrupted harvest”.
“Like other supermarkets, we are experiencing sourcing challenges on some products that are grown in southern Spain and north Africa,” the Asda spokesperson echoed.
This supermarket disruption is expected to be resolved in the comings days and/or weeks, as the UK growing season nears, minimising the need for the importation of certain produce.
“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,” Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, added.
