Why green capsicums and cucumbers are vanishing from supermarket shelves this week
A green capsicum shortage has hit supermarket shelves yet again, the result of "diverse growing conditions" impacting several fresh produce categories in 2026.
"Capsicum supply has been impacted due to diverse growing conditions," a Fresh Market Update at Woolworths in Baulkham Hills reads.
"We are working closely with our growers to return to normal supply as soon as possible."
A green capsicum shortage has hit supermarket shelves yet again. Nine
It appears green capsicums are proving the most vulnerable to these "diverse growing conditions", with plenty of the red and yellow varieties in stock, however Woolworths has since clarified there are no current issues with their capsicum supplies.
Any issues reflected in this customer notice pertained to the period from April 17 to May 15.
A similar capsicum supply issue was seen in 2025.
Woolworths is selling green capsicums for $1.98 each according to its website, or $8.90 per kilo. Red and yellow capsicums are priced at $2.48 each, or $10.90 per kilo.
Anton van den Berg from Box Divvy told nine.com.au many of these fresh produce supply issues are short-lived and the result of supplies coming from different growing regions as the seasons change.
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Red and yellow capsicums are plentiful. Nine
This has been the case with Asian greens, some of which were in short supply earlier this month but now appear to be plentiful.
"We had a bit of a tight market maybe three or four weeks ago. The last two weeks this has been easing up, and we've probably been paying the lowest wholesale price in several months for any of the Asian greens," van den Berg explained.
This was due to supplies finishing up in South Australia and switching over to Queensland, he said.
van Berg said major retailers tend to be fussier about the fresh produce they stock, and some capsicums haven't suffered in appearance this month, which could further explain any supermarket shortages.
"If there's anything that's expensive, its cucumbers," van den Berg said.
"I believe cucumbers are about $8-$9 a kilo, and it's simply because local cucumbers from Coffs Harbour have been slowing down because of the cooler and wetter weather.
"We hope that will improve."
Potato supplies are also a bit "tight", and some are blemished, even at Coles and Woolworths. This has been the case for much of 2026.
A Fresh Market Update at Woolworths reads: "Due to adverse weather in growing regions, you may notice minor blemishes on our potatoes.
"Although their appearances may be affected, their quality and taste remain the same."
Potato supplies are also a bit 'tight', and some are blemished Nine
Cucumbers have soared in price, however tomatoes have significantly dropped in price. 9Honey
Mushrooms are also in short supply and will be "on and off for the next couple of weeks".
In good news, mandarins are coming in thick and fast and are of excellent quality. Onions and leeks are "a lot cheaper than they were three or four months ago".
One of the biggest price drops has been tomatoes, which van den Berg said are back down to $3-$4 a kilo at most grocery retailers.
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