Why Woolies shelves are bare and empty, sparking customer fury

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• Woolworths Queensland stores low on fresh produce
• Refrigeration issue at a Brisbane distribution centre
• READ MORE: Massive change coming to Woolworths - and how it could set a trend in Australia

The reason for 'apocalyptic' scenes at empty Woolworths stores has been identified as a distribution issue.

Several of the supermarket giant's Queensland stores have seen low-to-no stock available across its fresh sections - including milk, poultry and fruit.

While the reason behind the unavailability was initially unclear, Woolworths chief commercial officer Paul Harker confirmed on Monday afternoon that a problem at a major distribution centre was responsible.

It's understood a management system upgrade at the Brisbane site resulted in its refrigerated section damaged last week.

Mr Harker said the issue had caused 'carnage'.

'We're not particularly happy about the situation,' Mr Harker said.

'We're working very hard to improve it. We apologise to our customers that we have had issues.

'I might add we're continuing to take the committed stock from our suppliers, even if we can't get it out.'

The supermarket chain vowed to work hard to 'resume normal operations as quickly as possible'.

But the promise came too little too late for many customers, who took to social media to vent their frustrations.

'Woolies is empty. This is a disgrace it is,' one wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside photos showing their local Woolworths' sparse produce section.

Another added: 'Not sure what is happening with Woolies but empty shelves happening in both Woolies Banyo and Woolies Nundah.'

A third customer posted: 'A trip to Woolies yesterday afternoon had me wondering why the shelves are practically empty…. The bread aisle was empty, the only gluten free bread I found was out of date and stale.'

'Woolworths Richlands had 'basically nothing' in terms of vegetables, fruit and deli meats, according to a disappointed customer.

'Have been noticing reduced options in and around Moreton Bay region,' another said.

Another added: 'No fresh chicken pieces, very little milk at Logan Hyperdome [Woolies] on Friday. Notices up apologising for lack of stock due to supply issues.'

A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that customers can 'expect to see improvement in overall supply levels in the coming days'.

'Some stores may be stocking less fruit and vegetables, milk and chicken than usual. Product purchase limits are not in place,' they said.

'We’re grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding while our team works to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.'