[Image: X/@RoryPetzer]
“Apocalyptic scenes at Woolworths,” tweeted comedian Rory Petzer of his local store.
Meat eaters were disappointed this past week as they arrived to find barren shelves where their prized cuts should have been.
But Woolies shoppers aren’t just battling to secure their protein fix—the retailer is also grappling with a shortage of fresh vegetables, leaving many trolleys emptier than expected.
In a statement shared with The Citizen, the retailer explained that the shortage is due to heavy rainfall in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
According to FoodForMzansi, recent flooding in parts of the country has destroyed crops and livestock and damaged farming infrastructure.
They said they cannot give a date for when the red meat shortage in Gauteng will be resolved, but it is certain it will be soon.
“Our teams are working hard to source produce from alternative regions, and we hope to see this corrected over the next week,” communication manager Rachel Alberts said.
Alberts explained that a supplier-related issue had disrupted red meat availability, leaving Woolies’ shelves noticeably understocked.
“Our supplier is in the process of resolving this, and we’re confident supply will return to normal shortly.
“However, more poultry, duck, venison, fish, and prepared meals are in stock at Woolies stores to make up for this gap in availability,” she assured. “We hope this will give our customers suitable alternatives in the meantime.”
While some folks were cool to switch it up in this difficult time, many customers took to social media to express their frustration:
I literally just got home from a Woolies trip, and I see your post. pic.twitter.com/DfojEzGFyY
— RoffStoffSki (@stoff87) March 5, 2025
I feel your pain. @woolworths have a huge supply chain problem. Each time I go to shop, I take bets with myself on what will be available. pic.twitter.com/ovZRiYvzxr
— Linda Barron (@justbaroness) March 5, 2025
I am devastated. This is @woolworths shelves today. No meat (all i want is an Angus Beef Burger) @RoryPetzer the pain continues. pic.twitter.com/7rYxiYaavi
— Linda Barron (@justbaroness) March 6, 2025
Hi @WOOLWORTHS_SA you’re stocked out on almost all your meat offerings? please advise, what’s going on? pic.twitter.com/jUHOjviJqZ
— ℜ (@ThatGirlCebi) March 6, 2025
Woolworths replied to tweets with a standard response that read: “We’re aware of a supplier issue that has meant less stock of our meat on shelves. It’s a top priority to get supply back to normal, and we are very sorry for the impact this has had on you and your shopping trips. Please bear with us – we’re working on it”.
Despite this hiccup, Woolworths Food continues to be the star of the show, outperforming the group’s other businesses.
For the 26 weeks ending 29 December 2024, the food division saw impressive growth, with turnover and concession sales climbing 11.4% and 7.3% on a like-for-like basis.
To the okes who only want an Angus Beef Burger, this might be your sign to start a side hustle as a lettuce enthusiast.
[Source: Citizen]
