And Brexit is influencing the supply chain
The recent severe frosts that swept through Spain have not only disrupted local affairs but also reverberated across borders. In the United Kingdom, the impact has become visible on supermarket shelves where tomatoes, once a staple, now appear sporadic and limited. The shortage has drawn attention to weather-related disruptions in Spain, one of the country’s principal tomato suppliers, and the consequences have been felt far beyond its borders.
British media coverage over the past weeks has highlighted ongoing shortages and rationing of tomatoes. Where available, purchases are often capped per customer, and social media feeds are filled with anxious and frustrated messages from shoppers who are watching empty aisles and high prices with concern.
Tomato production inside the UK remains modest and incapable of meeting national demand during the winter. In fact, during the colder months, about nine-tenths of the tomatoes consumed in Britain are imported, with a significant portion coming from Spain. Morocco also faced a similar weather pattern that affected its harvest, compounding the global supply chain pressures.
Photographs and reports from major British outlets show real scenes of empty shelves: a stark reminder of the fragility of imported produce cycles and the dependence on stable conditions in supplier regions. A London shopper is seen reviewing the near-empty presentation on the fruit and vegetable aisle, while photographers capture the quiet frustration of the market moment.
The BBC conducted inquiries with the Spanish government to understand the underlying reasons for the shortage. Government spokespersons stated that tomato supply is currently lower than usual, attributing the dip to unusual weather patterns. Hot conditions persisted from late summer into December, followed by a rapid onset of unseasonably cold temperatures in January, which together reduced the harvest and constrained shipments to partners abroad. These official statements were reported by the BBC and echoed across other outlets.
In remarks to radio audiences, James Bailey, chief executive officer of Waitrose, explained that abnormal weather included snowfall and hail in Spain and North Africa, which damaged a large portion of the crop. He expressed hope that conditions would stabilize and that supply would improve in the near term.
On the ground, the Almeria Fruit and Vegetable Producers Association, Coexpal, acknowledged a 22 percent drop in production compared with the same period the previous year. They noted that several firms faced difficulties meeting customers’ delivery schedules. Reports also suggested that some shipments intended for export were redirected to satisfy domestic demand within Morocco, further illustrating the temperature-driven shifts in regional markets.
There is also a political dimension discussed in the British press. Critics argue that post-Brexit bureaucracy has slowed the movement of goods from the European Union to the United Kingdom. The process for processing trucks crossing the border has grown more time-consuming, with many drivers reporting long queuing times and complex paperwork. For some shippers, this reality translates into slower deliveries and reduced supply pace on supermarket floors.
Overall, the combination of abnormal weather in key growing regions and administrative hurdles at the border has created a tight tomato market in the United Kingdom. The situation continues to unfold, with industry observers watching for improvements in both production and cross-border logistics. The evolving story underscores how climate variability and policy changes can intersect to affect everyday groceries, even in countries outside the primary producing regions. The situation remains dynamic as supply chains adapt to shifting conditions and as producers explore strategies to stabilize shipments in the months ahead.