Russia warned of shortage of fruits and vegetables from Iran

The military actions in the Middle East are already beginning to affect food supplies. Iran occupies a significant share in the import of certain categories of vegetables, fruits and herbs to Russia, so any disruptions in logistics and exports may lead to temporary shortages of products. Marina Shitikova, chief nutritionist at justfood, told Izvestia on April 1 about what could disappear from store shelves.

"According to industry media reports, from December to June, Iran's share in the supply of sweet peppers and eggplants to the European part of the Russian Federation reaches about 40%, and the country also actively supplies celery, lettuce (iceberg and romano), fruits such as watermelons and kiwis. At the same time, alternative suppliers exist, but their products are more expensive and require time to rebuild logistics," the expert said.

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It has become one of the most affected assets due to the war in the Middle East.

According to her, the first changes in the supply of a number of goods are already being recorded.

"The supply of iceberg lettuce is decreasing. Special attention is now being paid to bell peppers. According to information from the production, current supplies are on the leftovers. Suppliers also warn of a possible further increase in the cost of cucumbers, which is associated with a change in logistics and a redistribution of supplies. Some types of cottage cheese are also at potential risk, since some of the recipes depend on fresh vegetable ingredients and imported ingredients," Shitikova added.

She noted that the situation is developing in stages: some manufacturers are working with stock balances, some are already switching to alternative countries.

"According to market participants, the most noticeable changes may occur in the coming weeks, when stocks begin to decline, and stabilization is expected only with the start of the new greenhouse vegetable season," the source concluded.

On March 28, The Telegraph newspaper, citing experts, wrote that a protracted conflict in the Middle East would provoke a major crisis in the fertilizer market.

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