Supermarkets running out of fresh produce as snow slows deliveries

The persistent snowfall and the traffic and transport issues it is causing are starting to impact supermarkets. Several Albert Heijn supermarkets are facing empty shelves, with dairy, meat, and fresh fruit and vegetables being particularly affected, the Telegraaf reported.

Photos from an Albert Heijn store in the center of the country show almost completely empty fresh produce shelves, with a note saying: “Due to the bad weather conditions, our fresh produce delivery has been canceled. We hope to be restocked on Wednesday during the day.” The situation was the same at an Albert Heijn in Amsterdam, according to the newspaper.

“If deliveries can’t be made this morning, they will try again later in the day. But that hasn’t been possible everywhere,” an Albert Heijn spokesperson told the Telegraaf. “We’re monitoring the situation as it develops. In any case, we’re doing our utmost.”

AH to Go, Albert Heijn’s delivery service, is also struggling with the winter weather. “Sometimes we’re forced to cancel orders. We’re assessing the situation hour by hour,” a spokesperson said.

Today is the sixth consecutive day of persistent snowfall in the Netherlands. The weather has wreaked havoc for road, rail, and air transport. Today saw the worst Wednesday morning rush hour since 1999. NS is running a reduced timetable and struggling with switch failures on many routes. And Schiphol has canceled over 700 flights so far today.