A worldwide ginger shortage, exacerbated by poor harvests and the coronavirus pandemic, is affecting UK supermarkets just as demand surges for Christmas baking. Shoppers report difficulty finding the spice, with Tesco and Sainsbury's selling out of own-brand ginger and Asda's website showing no fresh ginger available.
Ginger is a key ingredient for gingerbread men and other festive treats. Asda cited a 'temporary shortage', while Tesco attributed the issue to high demand from increased home cooking and baking during lockdowns.
The supply crunch stems from a poor harvest in China last year, followed by labour shortages on Chinese farms due to the pandemic. Another poor harvest in October has worsened the situation, while demand continues to rise.
Industry experts note that ginger is a standard supermarket item with no direct alternatives. Marcel Verdellen of Satori told Fresh Plaza: 'Generally, you'll make a killing if you can offer ginger now. It's not a question of sales. It's more one of being able to deliver the goods.'
Gabriel Bonancin of Fresh Quality added that the gap in Chinese supply has created opportunities for other ginger-producing countries such as Brazil. However, the shortage is expected to persist as global demand remains high.
