"Only 3 per person"…Europe Faces 'Vegetable Shortage' Due to Climate Change

UK Company "To Limit Vegetable Sales"
Climate Change and Rising Energy Prices Are Factors

Tomatoes and cucumbers are suddenly becoming scarce in British supermarkets. It appears that vegetable production has decreased due to ongoing abnormal weather conditions.

Local media reported on the 21st (local time) that Asda, the third-largest retailer in the UK, is temporarily limiting purchases of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and salad vegetables to a maximum of three bundles per person. In fact, scenes of tomatoes disappearing from major UK supermarkets are rapidly spreading on social media.

The tomato display at a London supermarket is completely empty.
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Asda stated, "Like other supermarkets, we are experiencing difficulties securing items grown in southern Spain and northern Africa." Another retailer, Morrisons, also decided to limit vegetable sales starting from the 22nd. At Morrisons, customers can only buy two bundles per person when purchasing tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and bell peppers.

The reason for this vegetable shortage is a decrease in vegetable imports caused by abnormal weather. The UK imports winter tomatoes and lettuce from warm southern Europe and northern Africa. However, this year, hailstorms and other weather issues in Spain and northern Africa have led to poor harvests. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), the UK supermarket association, explained that the supply crisis is occurring across the entire distribution industry.

In Morocco, one of the major vegetable exporting countries, exports of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes to Europe and other regions have been restricted since early this month in response to soaring domestic prices. The Spanish Fruit and Vegetable Association stated, "The situation is worsening," adding, "Some suppliers have begun to struggle to meet customer demand."

[Image source=Pixabay]