Storm Filomena, the worst snowstorm to hit Spain in 50 years, has caused shortages of lettuce and tomatoes in UK supermarkets. The storm blanketed Madrid and brought record low temperatures to key vegetable-growing regions Almería and Granada, disrupting crop production.
The shortage adds to existing pressures on UK food retailers and suppliers already grappling with post-Brexit border controls and coronavirus restrictions. Tesco has reported some Brexit-related 'teething problems' at the Channel crossing, but the current salad shortages are attributed to the Spanish weather.
In January, 90% of lettuce and 95% of tomatoes and soft fruit consumed in the UK are imported, with Spain as the primary European supplier. The cold weather has effectively stopped crop growth, leading to smaller yields and reduced supply.
Fepex, Spain's fresh produce export association, warned that the cold could cause irreparable damage, with farmers unable to collect enough produce to meet orders. A similar 'courgette crisis' occurred four years ago when Spanish farmers were affected by flooding and frost, causing price spikes.
Despite the challenges, some suppliers like Riverford, which sources from Murcia and Andalusia, have reported no significant issues. However, the closure of restaurants has increased demand for supermarket fresh produce, exacerbating the supply chain strain.
