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21
Dec 2020
Harrogate greengrocer predicts fruit shortages due to border chaos
An independent Harrogate greengrocer has warned there could be fruit shortages due to the ongoing chaos at the UK's borders.
Last night France closed its border with the UK for 48 hours because of a new strain of coronavirus found in the south of England. This caused huge tailbacks and panic buying.
The end of the UK transition period to leave the EU on December 31 is set to cause further delays at ports.
The issue has caused concern among national and local retailers.
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's warned today port restrictions could leave the UK without fruit and vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower and citrus fruits, which are all imported at this time of year.
Its fears were echoed by James Sore, co-owner of greengrocer Roots & Fruits, on King Edward's Drive in Harrogate.
Mr Sore said the queues at Dover were already having an impact on his shop, which was recently without plums for two or three days.
He said the plums were "floating on a ship" because lorries were unable to bring them back to Harrogate.
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He added problems at ports were likely to affect the supply of tropical fruit, such as citrus fruits and bananas, which can only be grown in warmer climates:
Despite predicting shortages on imported produce, Mr Sore said local farmers could receive a boost due to having a "captive market".
Chris Herron, from Killinghall wholesaler J G Bellerby, which supplies produce to restaurants and shops across the district, said he wasn't worried about food shortages, despite the long tailbacks of lorries in Kent.
He said the company will "ride it out" and see what happens. But he suggested the prices of some vegetables, such as cauliflowers, could rise.
Earlier this month, North Yorkshire County Council played down fears that frozen food is being stockpiled at schools and care homes to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period.
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