AU: Seasonal conditions causing leafy green shortage
Supermarket shelves at Coles and Woolworths have been left empty with the two supermarket giants saying they expect the shortages would only be “temporary”.
A spokesman for Woolworths said heavy rain in Gippsland, a prime growing area, had affected the supply of spinach and rocket.
“The shortage is expected to last one to two weeks. In the meantime we are working with our suppliers to ensure we have as much great quality stock as possible,” the spokesman said.
A Coles spokeswoman said seasonal conditions had led to a temporary industry-wide shortage of baby-leaf lettuce including spinach and rocket, which has impacted supply across Australia in the past two weeks.
“The shortage is a result of seasonal change, as production transitions to northern growing regions for winter,” the spokeswoman said.
“This has been compounded by significant weather events in many growing areas across the country, which have damaged some crops. Product prices will not be affected and availability is expected to improve from this week.”
Coles has placed apology notes in it stores informing consumers that seasonal conditions have affected supply.
Source: weeklytimesnow.com.au