Produce Shortage Hits Supermarkets

Farmers and supermarket operators confirm a shortage of sweet potatoes and other locally grown agricultural produce that could persist for another month and a half, taking that time frame close to Christmas.

Weather conditions are the main reason.

There’s also concern about the supply of chicken although poultry industry sources deny an outright shortage.

Shoppers found sweet potatoes, in particular, hard to find on supermarket shelves over the past few weeks and over the weekend there was none available at several outlets.

Managing Director of Carlton and A-One Supermarkets, Andrew Bynoe, spoke to Starcom Network News about the situation.

Managing Director of Carlton and A-One Supermarkets, Andrew Bynoe

In relation to the chicken supply, major industry sources say there is still product on supermarket shelves but disclosed that a temporary supply and demand challenge may have arisen after a producer went out of business.

Starcom Network News was told that Prime Minister Mottley held a meeting with poultry producers last week to get an update on the state of the sector and especially in relation to prices.

Meantime, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society James Paul, says harsh weather conditions, firstly intense heat and then heavy rains, have badly affected crops.