Availability concerns remain high

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Availability concerns at highest level

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In the latest consumer research conducted for IGD (21-23 April 2023), three quarters of adults (74%) experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently. This is still one of the highest levels recorded since this was first measured in July’21. This has declined slightly since last month (-3%).

Concerns over fresh produce availability decline

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Availability concerns have declined for fresh produce (40% compared to 52% 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. This has remained unchanged compared to last month. Record numbers of avian flu cases coupled with increased costs of production has led to supply chain disruption for eggs.

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Availability concerns for fresh produce and diary including eggs differ by region.

Availability concerns for fresh produce is highest for those living in East Midlands (48%), South West (47%) and Wales (45%). It is lowest in the West Midlands (32%).

Availability concerns for dairy is highest for East Midlands (50%), South East (45%) and London (45%). It is lowest in Northern Ireland (25%).