The organisation representing retailers in Northern Ireland has hit back at claims by the British Cabinet minister charged with no-deal preparations that there would be no food shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Speaking yesterday, Michael Gove said everyone would have the food they need.
But today Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said Mr Gove was mistaken in his assertion.
"We agree with our NIRC colleagues that lettuce, tomatoes, soft fruit and other fresh produce will face significant delays in the event of a no-deal Brexit," he said.
"Any delay to our 'just in time' supply chain will have huge implications for suppliers, retailers and the logistic sectors in Northern Ireland."
"This does not just include large supermarkets; this will impact on local convenience and family-run fruit and veg stores in every village, town and city in Northern Ireland"
Mr Robert said a withdrawal deal is now essential to avoid the economic disaster of crashing out of the EU on 31st October.
Last week the Government and retailers here played down suggestions by the freight transport industry that there might be some shortages in certain fresh foods if the UK crashes out of the EU with no deal.
