Tesco has responded to furious customer complaints over the scarcity of its popular own-brand bean range.
In recent weeks shoppers searching for the supermarket’s kidney beans, black beans, butter beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas have often found them missing from the shelves.
Many have taken to social media to vent their frustration at the absence of the items – which are far more affordable than their branded counterparts.
‘Why is no one talking about the fact there is a bean shortage in @Tesco?’ one user expressed on X/Twitter.
Another added: ‘What’s happening to your range of own brand tinned beans? Nothing is in stock and for the last few weeks?’
A third shopper voiced their concerns with the post: ‘WHERE ARE THE BEANS AT TESCO?’
In light of the complaints, Tesco apologised for the shortage, attributing the issue to supply challenges.
A spokesperson told The Independent: ‘We apologise for the inconvenience caused.’
It is understand that the butter and borlotti beans are exported by the US, as well as Italy for the latter.
The black beans primarily come from Brazil followed by the States as well and Argentina.
Chickpeas primarily come from India, as well as Canada and Australia.
While alternative brands of beans are available on store shelves, many customers prefer Tesco’s own-brand variety due to its affordability.
The supermarket pointed out that its own-brand baked beans in tomato sauce remain in stock without issue.
This announcement comes on the heels of Tesco’s initiative to combat food waste and achieve its net-zero goals by providing food for free.
Last month, the supermarket trialled a ‘yellow sticker’ system where food approaching its expiration date was marked at £0.
This marked a shift from the traditional discounts which typically see items reduced by up to 90%.
The trial was implemented in a select number of Express stores for customers shopping after 9:30pm.
Tesco’s aim is to donate unsold food to charities, although some of the items have also been utilised to produce gas for energy through a process known as anaerobic digestion, which still counts as waste.
As part of this initiative, Tesco will continue to provide food donations to charities, and staff will be given priority access to the yellow sticker items that were previously reduced earlier in the day.
Metro has contacted Tesco for comment about when the shortages could end.
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