A range of factors continue to disrupt supply chains including the war in Ukraine, labour shortages, increased costs of production, extreme weather conditions and the cost-of-living crisis. This is covered in more detail in free Viewpoint webinar. Register your place here.
Availability concerns at highest level
In the latest consumer research conducted for IGD (17-19 March 2023), three quarters of adults (77%) experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently. This is the highest level recorded since this was first measured in July’21. This has increased by 10% since last month.
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Fresh produce and dairy shortages driving availability concerns
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Availability concerns are increasing the most for fresh produce (52% compared to 23% last month). Extreme weather conditions in Spain and north Africa have affected harvests. Some supermarkets have introduced limits on some fruit and vegetables. These shortages are expected to last a few weeks until the UK growing season begins.
40% claim to have experienced shortages of dairy, including eggs compared to 34% last month and just 12% last September. Record numbers of avian flu cases coupled with increased costs of production has led to supply chain disruption for eggs.
In response, a number of supermarkets introduced restrictions on the number of eggs customers can buy.
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Availability concerns for fresh produce and dairy including eggs differ by region.
Availability concerns for fresh produce is highest for those living in the North East (64%) , Northern Ireland (60%) and Wales (59%). It is lowest in the West Midlands (45%).
Availability concerns for dairy is highest for those living in Wales (58%), the East Midlands (47%) and the South East (45%). It is lowest in Northern Ireland (15%).
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