This time last year a feared prosecco shortage left consumers concerned that their favourite fizz would soon be absent from nights out, nights in and any occasion in between. Later in 2016, Brits faced a looming Marmite shortage and sales of the product soared as the news spread. Now, were dealing with a vegetable shortage as a result of poor growing conditions in Europe.

Aubergines, courgettes, broccoli and lettuce have all been affected, with supermarkets now rationing vegetables. In store notices advise Tesco customers of a three-lettuce limit on icebergs, while Morrisons has reportedly introduced a two-lettuce limit and capped broccoli sales at three heads per customer.

Consumers took to the internet and reacted in their usual way, with the likes of #LettuceGate, #LettucePray and #LettuceCrisis seen on Twitter, and iceberg lettuces for sale in the region of £20,000 on eBay.

The shortage is expected to continue until April, with spinach, mixed leaves, rocket, lollo rossa, cauliflower, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes all in the firing line, in addition to concerns that citrus fruit supplies could be hit next. A price hike – although not quite to the severity of that seen on eBay – is also feared.