Explained: The Shortage of Tomatoes and Other Fruit and Vegetables in the UK

Limits on customer sales have been put in place to prevent retailers from buying stock. The UK imports around 95% of its tomatoes and 90% of its lettuces during the winter months, mainly from Spain and north Africa, but adverse weather conditions and crop yield issues have disrupted supply. The UK also relies on domestic growers and the Netherlands for produce, but higher electricity prices have led to reduced greenhouse usage. The National Farmers’ Union has called for greater support for UK growers, noting their exclusion from the government’s support scheme for energy-intensive industries.

The shortage is expected to last for a few weeks until the UK growing season begins and alternative sources of supply are found. However, the Lea Valley Growers Association has said shortages could continue until May due to some producers delaying planting crops due to high energy costs over the winter.

Brexit is unlikely to be a factor, according to wholesalers, importers, and retailers, although businesses within Europe benefit from being closer to where products are grown, and from simpler, better-coordinated supply chains.