British shoppers warned of fruit and veg shortages

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/10/shoppers-fruit-vegetables-shortage


Potatoes that have visible cracks and blemishes will go on sale in UK supermarkets after a poor harvest this summer. Photograph: Marc MacDonald/Alamy

This summer's poor UK harvest has left some supermarkets struggling to keep shelves stocked with fresh produce and taking the unusual step of apologising for the fact that some fruit and vegetables are of lower quality than usual.

Following today's warning from the National Farmers' Union (NFU) on low wheat yields, supermarkets have not ruled out the prospect of price rises in the future. But they pledged to help Britain's hard-pressed families by offering "competitive pricing" of staple and essential food items in their value and economy ranges.

Asda said: "We are working hard with our growers to give them long-term sustainability. Where crops have been badly affected by the weather, we have flexed our specifications to help British growers get as much of their produce into our stores as possible. Keeping prices low for our shoppers is as important now that it has ever been, and that will remain our commitment."

[GliderGuider]

1. "Food, glorious food..."

Not so much...