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Supermarket giant hit by shortages as shoppers complain about gaps on shelves
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A SUPERMARKET giant has been hit with shortages of a common fruit due to supply issues.
Tesco shoppers have been left baffled after struggling to get hold of grapes in their local branches and online.
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It is understood the UK's biggest supermarket has faced nationwide supply issues in recent weeks due to lower harvest yields in Spain.
This is when the amount of crops harvested per area of land is less than normal or expected.
Tesco said availability of grapes across stores was improving and would continue to do so in the coming days.
But shoppers have been posting online fuming about the missing kitchen staple.
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One recently said on X: "Tesco why aren't grapes available at your Melton store?
"Haven't been able to get any on my deliveries for weeks!"
Another said: "I haven't been able to order grapes online for weeks, is there a reason?"
A third chipped in: "Tesco hi do you have a date when grapes will be back availableT
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";They’ve not been available for five weeks now."
Others, posting on online forum Mumsnet have been left fuming over the disappearance of the fruit from shelves.
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One said: "I went into both big Tesco locally earlier this week to get grapes as they are continually out of stock when I order online shopping.
"Completely empty sections with boxes turned up."
Another said: "I can't get grapes delivered at all, apart from the cheap 'get whatever colour we have' ones - which taste awful!"
It's not the first time in recent years Tesco has experienced issues with stock shortages.
Last year, the supermarket was forced to limit purchases on some fruit and veg following a bout of cold weather in Spain and Morocco.
The retailer imposed limits of three items per customer on three fresh produce items: peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes.
In 2022, Tesco joined Iceland and Morrisons in rationing cooking oil due to shortages sparked by the Ukraine-Russia war.
Shoppers were limited to just two bottles of sunflower oil as part of measures to stop stock running out.
In other news, Morrisons said it was experiencing stock shortages of fresh produce following a malware attack last week.
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Software used by the retailer, provided by Blue Yonder, to control its supply chain was hit by hackers at the end of last month.
It saw shoppers struggling to get a host of popular items in stores and online.
How to save on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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