While some supermarkets are rationing certain fresh fruit and vegetables with images of empty shelves being shared on social media, shoppers can fill their baskets at Bolton Market.
Four major supermarkets have introduced rationing of some fresh produce due to a shortage of fruit and vegetables in the UK.
Asda, Aldi, Tesco and Morrisons have introduced a limit on the number of fresh items that can be picked up from the store to preserve their stock.
Adverse weather conditions in southern Europe and northern Africa are blamed for supply problems for some fresh produce.
Charlotte Rae of Charlie’s Cheese and Salad Stall said there was no shortage of produce.
Charlotte Rae of Charlie’s Cheese and Salad Stall says there is no shortage
She said: “There is no shortage.
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“Shop at your local market, there is an abundance of food. I’ve bought more food this past week than I ever could.
Strawberry Garden’s Tariq Purvez has said it’s currently ‘difficult’ to source produce (Image: News Search)
He called on buyers to buy local and support merchants and ultimately farmers and producers.
Charlotte added: “But I don’t ration, because there’s no need, as there’s no shortage of food.”
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Environment Secretary Therese Coffey proposed yesterday (Feb 24) that the country should eat more turnips to help stave off fruit and vegetable shortages.
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Traders said that prices had risen, which was a challenge.
Stall owner Tariq Purvez of Strawberry Garden said: “It’s very difficult. Prices have doubled and tripled from normal and it is in very limited supply.
“Wholesale prices are going up.
bolton market (Image: News Search)
“There are fewer and fewer locally grown products than in the past.
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“This is due to the additional expenses for farmers.”
Another trader in the market noted that they bring their produce from Sri Lanka and have had no difficulty in purchasing it, although they do not sell tomatoes.