2017-01-13

New Year gym-goers aiming to build up a Popeye-like physique have been dealt a major blow.

Torrential rain in Spain has damaged this winter’s spinach crop, and supermarkets are struggling to feed consumer demand.

Read more: Manufacturing giant Premier Foods considers price rises due to Brexit vote

Waitrose supermarkets, for instance, have signs warning shoppers of the shortage.

“Apologies, for the next three weeks we will experience a shortage of spinach, due to torrential rain in Southern Spain,” a notice in one London outlet says.

“We are working closely with growers to maximise availability whilst ensuring that our quality standards are met.”

Read more: The food we wasted in 2015 equals the carbon emissions of 1 in 4 UK cars


Evidence: Waitrose warns London customers of three-week shortage (Source: Eleanor Humphrys)

The Grocer magazine has reported that Sainsbury's and Tesco have also been hit by the shortage, with spinach said to be like "gold dust" at present.

Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's have been asked for comment.

Show more