Season of Shortages: Teilet Brothers in the Bronx face shortage on Italian products

Nutella, provolone cheese and imported pasta are just some of the traditional Italian food items for the holiday season.

News 12 Staff

Dec 15, 2021, 3:06 PM

Updated 1,102 days ago

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Nutella, provolone cheese and imported pasta are just some of the traditional Italian food items for the holiday season. But many local shops that cater to these Italian products are being impacted by the nation's supply chain shortage.
It's busy outside and inside at Teilet Brothers in Belmont. The Arthur Avenue business attracts both locals and out of towners. Customers agree it's the place to go for their holiday staples.
The wholesale and retail grocery company saw an influx of customers needing Italian products for their holiday celebrations. However, these traditional staples are getting harder to come by. Owner Gil Teitel says products like Nutella, some pastas, imported olive oils and even tomatoes are now at premium because of the current shipping shortage.
He says he had to buy more containers to stay stocked with many popular Italian products that cost 20% to 30% more this year. Unfortunately, he says some of the extra cost is now trickling down to local restaurants that Teitel Brothers serves.
A number of businesses on Arthur Avenue have been impacted by the lack of goods. The area's Business Improvement District says established shops like Teitel Brothers have been able to negotiate with their suppliers to keep to meet the demand of customers.
Despite the increase in some items, the wholesale grocery company says its has been able to keep its prices lower compared to other bigger competitors.