Tomatoes have skyrocketed by 400% which could see a pizza crisis in the UK

Tomatoes have skyrocketed by a staggering 400% which could cause a pizza crisis as some firms are now unable to make the passata base.

Reports are suggesting that the price of tomatoes have risen from £5 to £20 a case and chefs are being forced to “get creative” with their ingredients due to the tomato shortage.

Supermarket shelves are empty of some foods and where there is availability shoppers are facing restrictions on how many vegetables and fruit they are allowed to buy.

Carmelo Carnavale, who runs Lizzie’s Cucina, told The Sun, “When I put something with different ingredients on the menu customers still want tomato.

“But if the price is going to rise again I will take out tomato from the menu for at least three weeks.”

Jim Winship, Chair of the British Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association said, “You can’t magic up tomatoes in a very short space of time.”

Due to bad weather in Europe and Africa UK supermarkets are facing a growing shortage of tomatoes.

Tomato growers in Morocco have had unusually cold weather, flooding and heavy rain over the past few weeks along with ferries being cancelled which has caused a shortage.

Spain who provides the winter source of tomatoes has also been affected by poor weather and this combined with Morocco and cancelled ferries has resulted in the volume of fruit on shelves across UK supermarkets.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, with represents UK supermarkets, said, “Difficult weather conditions in the south of Europe and northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes.

“However, supermarkets are adept at managing supply chain issues and are working with farmers to ensure that customers are able to access a wide range of fresh produce.”

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said shortages of some fruit and vegetables in UK supermarkets could be just “the tip of the iceberg.”