UK tea drinkers warned of supply issues facing supermarkets

Shoppers in Britain have been warned they may struggle to find black tea on the shelves due to "supply issues” facing supermarkets, which are said to partially be linked to the disruption of shipments through the Red Sea. One of the largest supermarket chains, Sainsbury’s, has cautioned shoppers in some stores that there are "nationwide” problems that could impact the availability of black tea. But retail bosses have said the problems are "temporary” and stressed that the impact on consumers is expected to be "minimal.” A sign in one Sainsbury’s store read: "We are experiencing supply issues affecting the nationwide supply of black tea. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to be back in full supply soon.” Sainsbury’s has been contacted for comment. It is understood that the supply problems, which are partly linked to the disruption of shipments through the Red Sea, are specifically linked to just one supermarket tea supplier. Andrew Opie, director of food ...