Global shortage means it's a sour summer ahead for lemon lovers

Gin and tonic drinkers may find this summer rather a disappointment - due to a worldwide shortage of lemons.

"By the end of July lemons will have almost completely run out,' said Jeremy Green of Lincolnshire firm Greencell which supplies 33 per cent of the UK's imported lemons.

They will be scarce until September when European lemon crops should be ready.

A single lemon is selling for around 28p - more than double the price last year.

The world markets were relying on bumper crops from the Southern Hemisphere following a terrible season in Europe.

Our summer supplies come from South Africa and Argentina but low temperatures and late frosts have led to a fall in output. Higher demand from the growing middle class in Russia, India and China is also pushing up prices. 

Other restrictions on the number of lemons reaching our shores are caused by the stringent supermarket conditions which regulate the size, shape and quality of lemons coupled with relatively weak buying power.

Jeremy Green added: "Lemons are in short supply and very expensive.

"The moment a shipment hits our shores they are cleared because it is an empty market - there are no stockpiles.

"Consumers will continue to buy lemons for their gin and tonics and their smoked salmon regardless - whether they cost 5p or 25p.

"But the trade is hard hit. It's a simple matter of supply and demand."