Availability concerns decline
23 May 2023A range of factors continue to disrupt supply chains.
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.
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Availability concerns decline
In the latest consumer research conducted for IGD (17-18 May 2023), two thirds of adults (64%) experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently. This has declined sharply, by 10%, since last month. This is the lowest level since September 2022. However, this is still significantly higher than when this was first measured in July’21 (50%).
Concerns over fresh produce and dairy availability decline
Availability concerns have declined for fresh produce (32% compared to 40% last month) and dairy (33% compared to 40% last month). This followed some supermarkets introducing limits on some fruit and vegetables. This was due to extreme weather conditions in Spain and north Africa affecting harvests.
Availability concerns for fresh produce and dairy including eggs differ by region.
Availability concerns for fresh produce is highest for those living in Northern Ireland (42%), North East (40%), Scotland and the South East (35% each). It is lowest in the West Midlands (20%).
Availability concerns for dairy is highest in Wales (48%), London and South East (36%). It is lowest in Northern Ireland (20%).
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