Workforce and delivery problems causing empty aisles as shoppers struggle to find meat and toilet paper

While supermarket shelves have been stripped bare and the run on toilet paper steps up, shoppers are urged to turn to independent stores for essential goods.

Barren supermarket shelves have returned as Omicron sweeps the nation and industries struggle with workforce shortages and delivery disruptions.

Toilet paper stocks have plummeted despite more than 1.2 million Kleenex rolls being manufactured in South Australia every day, while empty meat fridges at major chains have sent shoppers hunting for butchers.

Empty aisles have largely been caused by Covid-19 hitting factory workers, including an outbreak at a Naracoorte abattoir affecting nearly 140 people, while truck and pallet shortages delay the arrival of goods.

Foodland chief executive Franklin dos Santos said it had been challenging to maintain stock levels but he was confident it could “meet customer demand in the coming days and weeks”.

In Coles Mount Gambier aisles have been stripped bare in the meat section. Picture Ganesan

Mr dos Santos said the independent retailer’s non-reliance on interstate suppliers and instore butchers would allow it to stock the shelves sooner.

Drakes managing director Roger Drake called for the end of panic buying, asking shoppers to “only buy what they need” but reported fewer staff “being physically or verbally abused” over restrictions and low stock.

He said customers should not be worried and working with SA suppliers would ensure stock levels returned to normal as soon as possible.

Adelaide Central Market had not introduced purchase limits and general manager Jodie Kannane said its shoppers had access to an “abundance of fresh produce and essentials”.

Tony O'Connell from O'Connells meats in the markets says empty supermarket shelves has people returning to the butchers to get their meat supplies. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

O’Connells Meats owner Tony O’Connell said his store was fully stocked despite an increase in customers.

“We still have butchers working on the back end cutting and sorting … (so) we can provide the meat that we need,” Mr O’Connell said.

“If they can’t get it from where they normally get it on they’re going to come and see us. (They’re) quite surprised that they’re saving quite a bit of money.

“Don’t worry – there’s plenty to go around.”

Brandon Pitts, owner of Grantville Court Butchers. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Mount Gambier’s Grantville Court Butchers owner Brandon Pitts has also seen a sharp increase in shoppers but was unsure if it could keep up with demand.

“We’ve had a very high demand … (we’re) selling out most days,” Mr Pitts said.

“We don’t how long it’s gonna last … we’re ordering as much as we can and what turns up isn’t really what we’re ordering.”

Mill manager Adam Carpenter said everything was being done to distribute the more than 1.2 million Kleenex rolls that are manufactured every day at Kimberly-Clark’s Millicent factory.

Gaping holes had formed in the toilet paper aisle at Coles Mount Gambier on Thursday morning with customers now limited to one pack each. Picture: Arj Ganesan

“Truck and pallet shortages are placing significant strain on Australia’s supply chain generally,” Mr Carpenter said.

The South-East factory had not mandated vaccination for its 400 strong workforce but strongly encouraged the jab by hosting a pop-up clinic for employees and families last year.

Kimberly-Clark and its team at the Millicent Mill are working hard to ensure supply of toilet paper across the country. Picture: Kimberly-Clark

Mr Carpenter was unable to reveal how many staff were double vaccinated or isolating as cases numbers spiked to 1675 in the Limestone Coast on Thursday.

“Those who feel unwell are asked to remain at home,” he said.

Covid safe measures including temperature checks upon arrival, mask and social distancing policies have also been implemented.

To reduce pressure the state government introduced new rules for close contacts and Covid positive “critical workers” granted permission to work.

Coles has again placed a nationwide shopping limits on toilet paper as well as painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin.