Severe weather in Morocco and Spain has disrupted agricultural supplies to northern Europe, leaving some supermarket shelves in the Netherlands partially empty and raising concerns about possible price increases, Dutch media reported.
Heavy rainfall and colder temperatures have affected the availability of fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, legumes and tomatoes, according to retailers.
A notice displayed this week at an Albert Heijn supermarket warned customers that poor weather conditions in Spain and Morocco may result in shelves being “less well stocked than usual,” particularly in sections for berries and grapes.
A spokesperson for Albert Heijn said product availability currently varies by category. Legumes, soft fruits such as raspberries and blueberries, several herbs and tomatoes have been most affected, the company said, adding that it is working with growers, farmers and suppliers to minimize disruption.
Cindy van Rijswick, Rabobank’s global strategist for fruit, vegetables and floriculture, told Dutch daily De Telegraaf that persistent rainfall and colder temperatures have reduced sunlight, delaying harvests.
“The impact could be felt later in the year,” van Rijswick said, warning that current shortages could lead to higher prices. She noted that strawberries are particularly scarce ahead of Valentine’s Day, when demand typically increases in the Netherlands.
Recent storms in Morocco and Spain have disrupted agricultural production and trade, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector, contributing to supply shortages and upward pressure on prices in European markets.
In northern Morocco, strong winds and waves reaching up to five meters forced the temporary closure of Tangier Med port in late January. The disruption delayed exports to Europe and caused truck queues stretching more than 40 kilometers toward the Strait of Gibraltar.
Mudslides, blocked roads and high winds further complicated transport, leaving shipments stranded.
In Spain, heavy rains and storms affected key farming regions including Almeria, Huelva and Murcia. Flooding submerged greenhouses in Almeria, while power outages and storm damage halted harvesting and packing operations.
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