Independent retailers that maintain availability and up marketing to customers are reporting overall store sales uplifts of up to 30% as a result of supermarket vegetable shortages.

Nearly every major grocer capped purchasing staple lines such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, salad bags, cauliflower and broccoli last week as a result of weather and energy issues stunting harvests.

The issues have led to widespread supermarket shelf gaps on these lines.