Vegetable Shortages Hit Belgian Supermarkets as Mediterranean Harvests Falter

Belgian supermarkets are suffering from their dependence on Spain, Morocco and Turkey. "Like other supermarkets, we are experiencing supply difficulties for some products grown in southern Spain and North Africa," said a spokesperson for the Asda retail chain. The disruption of harvests in these regions is at the origin of these difficulties. "The difficult weather conditions in southern Europe and North Africa have disrupted the harvest of certain fruits and vegetables, particularly tomatoes and peppers," said Andrew Opie, an official of the BRC retail trade federation.

This situation is forcing some supermarkets to postpone the installation of new factories. "Many producers have also chosen to postpone the installation of new factories, rather than having to sell at a loss. This mainly concerned tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers and strawberries. The consumer feels it in his wallet: when supply decreases, price increases," explains Nele Kempeneers of the Boerenbond association to Nieuwsblad.