Shoppers shout 'Keep calm' as major supermarkets warn of tea shortages
SHOPPERS are being warned they may struggle to find tea on shelves due to supply problems faced by supermarkets.
Sainsbury's has warned shoppers in some stores that there are 'nationwide' issues that could impact the availability of black tea.
But retail bosses have said the problems are “temporary” and stressed the impact on consumers is expected to be “minimal”.
A sign in a Sainsbury's store read: “We are experiencing supply issues affecting the national supply of black tea.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and we hope to be fully available again soon.”
Social media is flooded with shoppers wondering if they can still enjoy a cup of tea.
In the Facebook group Supermarket Deals and Offers, Local Shops and Services, someone said: “Sainsbury's has put up notices in stores about a shortage of black tea in their stores and the shelves may be low on stock!”
Others rushed to comment, with one user writing: “What are we going to do?”
Another added: “Keep calm and don't panic.”
While a third shouted: “Oh my God, life is over!”
Sainsbury's has been contacted for comment.
It is understood that the supply issues, which are partly related to the disruption of Red Sea transports, are specifically linked to just one supermarket tea supplier.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “There is temporary disruption to some black tea lines, but the impact on consumers will be minimal as retailers do not expect any major challenges.”
Tea is produced largely in Asia and East Africa, with China, India, Sri Lanka and Kenya producing about three-quarters of the world's tea.
Freight transport from these regions has suffered major disruptions in the past two months due to attacks in the Red Sea.
Violence by Houthi rebels in the region caused most shipping companies to use the main trade route, which heads towards the Suez Canal, to divert their cargo around the Cape of Good Hope at the foot of Africa.
This adds approximately 10 to 14 days to shipping times, as well as higher costs for shipping companies.
Joint attacks from the US and Britain have been launched against the Yemen-based Houthis in recent weeks in an attempt to stop the recent wave of attacks.
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