Booker has capped ambient orders for retailers nationwide as it has become the latest wholesaler to be affected by availability issues.

In a message sent to retailers, and seen by Better Retailing, the wholesaler said it was capping ambient deliveries to three cases from all depots on 7 and 8 June. On 9 June, retailers served by Thamesmead, Hemel, Didcot and South Elmsall will have cases capped at five per delivery, while a limit of three cases will be applied from the Wellingborough depot.

The caps affect ambient orders and the wholesaler said fresh, frozen and tobacco lines are unaffected.

On 5 June, retailers served out of the company’s Didcot and South Elmsall depots had a cap of two cases per delivery. Non-priority products were capped at one case, while priority products were capped at zero. Wellingborough, Thamesmead and Hemel had a cap of one cases per delivery on the same day.

In the message, Booker said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and will advise when the caps have been removed.”

Booker is the latest wholesaler to be affected by availability issues following late deliveries which saw some Nisa and Costcutter retailers receive their deliveries several days later than expected. The caps and delivery issues come as convenience stores saw increased footfall as a result of a sudden heatwave throughout the UK.

Booker has been approached for comment.