Supermarket shelves across Britain are showing gaps for a range of fruit and vegetables as adverse weather in the UK and southern Europe disrupts harvests and transport, industry figures warn. Retailers and food groups say the immediate effect is patchy availability in stores and upward pressure on prices as supplies tighten. According to the report by The Guardian, hot and dry spells have also reduced yields in some regions, nudging annual food price inflation higher in recent months.

Shoppers have reported missing lines of strawberries, raspberries and some Mediterranean vegetables at major chains, mirroring trade commentary that fruit and soft-veg have been hardest hit. Industry commentators note the shortages are not uniform , availability varies by retailer and by week , but the pattern of gaps has been visible at national outlets.

Grower groups in Spain and Morocco say extreme rainfall and flooding have inflicted heavy damage on fields, with reporters and trade bodies describing extensive crop loss and logistical disruption. A Spanish strawberry-producing association warned exports could fall sharply this season, and flood damage has been quantified by one trade source as affecting tens of thousands of hectares, a setback that will reduce the volume entering UK supply chains.

Suppliers to UK box schemes and supermarkets say the weather is already delaying the normal cadence of seasonal produce. Abel & Cole told customers that some winter brassicas and Oriental greens will not be available until later than usual, and that citrus-picking in Spain can be delayed by prolonged wet conditions. The company said these shifts are forcing adjustments to menus and sourcing plans.

The disruption comes against a backdrop of sustained food inflation driven by a mix of factors, including weather-related yield losses, higher input costs and regulatory changes that add to industry operating expenses. Government and industry data show food and drink inflation has accelerated in recent months, while analysis by climate-focused organisations emphasises that extreme weather and energy costs have contributed materially to rising household food bills over the past few years. Forecasts from trade groups suggest price pressure could persist through the rest of this year.

Retail and produce industry representatives are urging calm and discouraging hoarding, saying that bulk buying would worsen shortages and push prices higher for other shoppers. “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,” a Fresh Produce Consortium spokesperson said in comments to trade media. Policymakers and businesses are being urged to factor extreme weather into planning to reduce the risk that episodic crop failures translate into sustained higher costs for households.