A wave of lawless looting across the UK this week could drive many small companies in the fresh produce supply chain out of business.

Residents cowered in their homes and tourists stayed away as the restaurant trade suffered amid widespread vandalism and violence in the capital and other large cities.

Small fresh produce retailers suffered as roads were closed, shops attacked and retail markets closed in the sustained unrest.

Foodservice analyst Peter Backman, MD of Horizons, said a week’s loss of trade represents two per cent of annual turnover and, with the margins many small firms are working on, it may be enough to send them to the wall.

Insurers put the damage at “tens of millions” and have urged businesses to check their policies closely for cover against civil disobedience.

The Association of British Insurers has written to business groups to let business owners know that many commercial insurance policies will cover them for loss of trade as well as damage. But the Forum for Private Business said that businesses were likely to enter a grey area as to whether policies covered the rioting and whether incidents are deemed “civil disobedience” or “isolated criminal incidents”.

The wholesale trade has been affected with a number of street markets closed and independent retailers unsure of business.

Dave Alberts, sales director of supply chain consultant Crimson & Co said: "The worst night of civil disorder in living memory has again highlighted the impact that a catastrophic loss of stock can have on business profitability. Unless stock can be replenished and shops can reopen quickly, customers buying habits and preferences can rapidly change.

"Contingency supply chain planning, often premised on catastrophic events outside the UK, can help restore livelihoods in a short space of time. It remains to be seen whether the contingency planning model can accurately handle the issue of domestic anarchy these disturbances have produced."