Woolworths is working tirelessly to restock its shelves after a combination of supplier-related problems and heavy rains led to shortages of fresh produce and meat. The retailer has assured customers that it expects to have fully stocked shelves soon, following disruptions that left some stores with empty sections.
The issue came to light when images of bare shelves, particularly in the vegetable and meat aisles, were shared on social media platform X. Woolworths attributed the shortage of fresh produce, including lettuce, spinach, and cauliflower, to heavy rains that impacted agricultural output in key regions like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. To address the issue, the retailer is sourcing products from other regions and anticipates improved availability within the next week.
In addition to fresh produce, Woolworths is also grappling with a red meat shortage caused by a supplier-related issue. The company has acknowledged the problem and is actively working to resolve it. “We’re aware of a supplier issue affecting our stock and are working to resolve it. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
This isn’t the first time Woolworths has faced supply challenges this year. In January, the retailer experienced a temporary avocado shortage due to altered harvest schedules in KwaZulu-Natal, reduced yields in the Eastern Cape, and logistical delays in Tanzania. To mitigate such issues, Woolworths has been diversifying its supply chain, sourcing from alternative suppliers and anticipating improved harvests from regions like Mozambique and Limpopo.
As Woolworths works to resolve these challenges, customers can expect to see fully stocked shelves in the coming days. The retailer remains committed to providing high-quality products and has thanked its customers for their patience during this time.
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