Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Asda shoppers issued warning after 'shelves left empty'

Brits have been warned not to panic-buy amid fruit shortages that have left some supermarket shelves empty. Crops across Europe and the UK have suffered during a period of wet weather, leading to shortages of certain fruits, according to industry experts The Grocer.

Strawberries in particular have been in short supply, with gaps reportedly on shelves at Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Asda. Raspberries have also taken a hit, with gaps at Morrisons and Lidl, while major chains are understood to be having problems sourcing avocados and peppers. The Fresh Produce Consortium acknowledged a product shortage but urged shoppers not to panic-buy.

It told The Grocer: "Shoppers may see price increases as the market adjusts to limited supply. We urge consumers to be aware, but panic buying will only make matters worse."

The empty shelves come after weeks of wet weather across the UK, Spain and North Africa. The UK has been hit with regular weather warnings for rain, potential flooding and snow since January.

Farmers in Spain and Morocco have reportedly suffered catastrophic crop losses due to floods that have taken out 40,000 hectares of farmland.

The Spanish Association of Agri-food Cooperatives estimated the damage could cost the sector at least €35 million.

Strawberry-producing association Freshuelva expected exports would drop by 50% year on year, because the storms affected the crops, production and the handling infrastructure.

Abel & Cole, an organic food delivery service, has also warned of supply issues. Control buying manager Caroline Dodds said that bok choi, usually available in January, would not be sold until March.

The chain was also having problems with purple sprouting broccoli, while citrus fruit cannot be picked in wet weather in Spain.

She added: "There is tighter availability of Mediterranean veg in general as they are not growing on as quickly due to the lower light levels."

The Met Office has forecast further spells of rain across the UK until Saturday.

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