UK consumers turning to convenience stores for fresh fruit and veg amidst shortages 

Independent retailers in the UK that can maintain supplies are reporting rises in sales of up to 30% as a result of supermarket vegetable shortages. Nearly every major grocer has capped purchasing on staple lines such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, salad bags, cauliflower and broccoli as a result of weather and energy issues stunting harvests. Pratik Patel, of Jay’s Budgens of Crofton Park, London, told better Retailing he is seeing sales rise, but also increases in wholesale costs. “We are paying three times more above the average base line since December,” he said.