Increasing availability concerns
25 March 2024See our latest consumer research results, which highlight an increase in poorer availability for some food and drink.
In our latest Resilience report: a system under pressure, we highlight the 10 key risks that are likely to put the UK food system under greater pressure in the years to come. In recent years, the UK food system has faced major supply chain disruption, as a result of numerous challenges including a pandemic and war in Europe. This has impacted price and availability.
The attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have led to an impact on shipping and availability of some categories (e.g. tea, coconut milk, exotic fruits, spices). See our full analysis.
A year ago, 77% of shoppers reported poorer availability of some food and groceries. This was linked to extreme weather conditions in Spain and North Africa affecting harvests resulting in some supermarkets introducing limits on certain fruit and vegetables.
Since then, there has been a gradual decline in the numbers reporting poorer availability. However, our latest consumer research conducted 20-21 March 2024 shows that there has been an increase in the number reporting poorer availability of some food and groceries in-store or online recently. It has increased to 53% compared to 47% two months ago.
Our latest consumer research shows an increase in reports of poorer availability for both over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
There remain around 1 in 10 consumers reporting poorer availability for tea. That represents double the level from January (8% vs 5%).
Availability concerns have remained relatively stable for other categories.
Availability concerns by region
Availability issues for tea are highest in Eastern England (14%) and the North West (13%). Availability issues for prescription medicines are highest in Eastern England (18%) and London (15%).
Consumers in London report poorer availability at an overall level (66%).
IGD Viewpoint
The UK is a net importer of food. Disruption to trade due to geo-political issues will continue to impact availability and prices. However, there are a number of other risks impacting the food system including climate change, agricultural challenges and disease impacting crops and livestock.
Our latest report highlights the 10 key risks likely to put the UK food system under greater pressure in years to come. Mitigating these risks will require a vast range of actions resulting in many significant changes, between sectors and within specific businesses.