The fresh produce industry has expressed surprise after Tesco opted for an in-store message warning customers about weather-related problems on its tomatoes and peppers.
The notices, which FPJ found at fresh produce aisles in several London-based Tesco stores including Goodge Street and Colney Hatch Lane, claim the two salad crops are currently “struggling with the weather,” and offer dissatisfied customers a full refund.
Phil Morley of the Tomato Growers’ Association was surprised by the notices as he believes the British tomato industry is currently bouncing back from a difficult period. “British product is currently performing very well and as we approach the end of the season the only weather-related issues have been to do with yields,” said Morley.
Among the fresh produce FPJ discovered in stores was Hertfordshire baby plum tomatoes grown by St Albans-based grower Glinwell, and peppers grown in West Sussex.
Glinwell, a significant supplier of tomatoes and peppers to Tesco, was also surprised its tomatoes were included in the display, with production currently reporting no issues. A spokesperson said: “We have had issues with greening on the peppers we have supplied Tesco, so that isn’t a surprise. But our tomato production hasn’t had any real quality issues.”
It has been a difficult year for the tomato and pepper industries, with disappointing weather resulting in sales falling prior to summer, and low light levels making production extremely difficult.
However the industry has also overcome the challenge of last year’s E. coli outbreak, which affected sales of salad crops across the continent, and has been boosted by this summer’s various sporting events.
Tesco warning:
“Our tomatoes and peppers are currently struggling with the weather. You may find that the quality is not up to its usual standards. So, if you’re not 100 per cent happy with a purchase, remember we offer a full refund or replacement.”
