Unusually cold temperatures in Spain and heavy rain and flooding in Morocco two of the biggest tomato suppliers to the UK have led to poor yields and are cited as the primary cause of the shortage.
In Spain, farmers blame recent freezing temperatures following record heat and dry conditions last year. Heat and drought in Europe last year also are affecting vegetable harvests in other countries, including Germany.
The shortages in Britain and contrasting pictures of full vegetable shelves in supermarkets in mainland Europe led to a degree of Brexit schadenfreude in some EU news outlets. Experts say extra Bureaucracy and costs associated with Brexit have played a part, though they Stress its not a main factor.
Farmers also have complained about the lack of government in the sector and funding to help them cope with painfully high energy bills.