Imported fruit and veg is in short supply and prices are rising

The problem has been made worse because of icy conditions in Spain.

It means vegetables and fruit imported from abroad are being sold at twice normal prices for this time of year and they are still rising.

Wholesaler David McCarthy fears that the problem could get worse because conditions in the growing areas have persisted for longer than expected.

"Selling produce like this is a matter of supply and demand and there is very little coming into the region at present so prices are going up all the time," he said.

"My concern is that the situation will continue through March because of the problems with the growers and we could end up in a position where nothing is coming in at all."