Worldwide ginger shortage caused by poor harvests and coronavirus-hit Chinese farms

Worldwide ginger shortage caused by poor harvests and coronavirus-hit Chinese farms threatens to leave a bad taste in festive cooks’ mouths

  • Shoppers have reported they cannot find ginger, right before the festive period
  • Due to a worldwide shortage, supermarkets are struggling with their supplies
  • Poor harvest and the impact of the pandemic have affected this year’s supply

Poor harvests and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in a worldwide ginger shortage, right when the demand is high, as people are preparing their Christmas gingerbread. 

Shoppers have reported having trouble finding the tasty spice, as supermarkets struggle with their supplies of ginger.

Tesco and Sainsbury’s have already sold out of their own-brand ginger while Asda’s website has no fresh ginger available.   

Ginger is a key ingredient of gingerbread men, a Christmas favourite

According to The Times Asda reported a ‘temporary shortage’ while Tesco said there is high demand because more people were cooking and baking at home. 

It appears that part of the reason this year’s supply is limited, is the poor harvest and an impact on the coronavirus-hit Chinese farms. 

Last year China suffered a poor harvest  and this year the coronavirus pandemic led to labour shortages on farms.  

The situation has only gotten worse by another poor harvest in October- while the demand of the spice has been rising.   

As a result the wholesale prices have soared. 

Ginger is a very popular spice used all over the world

Ginger is a very popular spice used all over the world 

Marcel Verdellen, of Satori, told the Fresh Plaza food website: ‘Generally, you’ll make a killing if you can offer ginger now. 

‘It’s not a question of sales. It’s more one of being able to deliver the goods. After all, people still want to offer ginger. 

‘It’s a standard supermarket item. And there aren’t any alternatives. 

Gabriel Bonancin of Fresh Quality which imports ginger to Europe added: ‘There was a gap in the supply from China, and they are usually the biggest supplier of ginger, so this has brought a lot of opportunities for other ginger supplying countries such as Brazil.