Availability issues

Operational labour and HGV driver shortages has become severe enough to disrupt food supply chains. Food and consumer good businesses have been hit hard by recruitment and retention challenges in 2020 and 2021. This is resulting in lower order fulfilment levels than normal, meaning there is an impact on availability of some food and groceries.

The government has committed to a package of support including the issuing of temporary visas for HGV drivers. Download our Viewpoint: A harsh winter ahead? report for more insight.

Availability concerns stable

In the latest shopper research conducted for IGD over this last weekend 05-07 November 2021, there has been little change in the number of adults interviewed who experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently.

• 64% of adults claim to have experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently, compared to 63% two weeks ago.  
• Concerns are highest in Northern Ireland (68%), South West (67%) and London (67%)
• Claimed shortages are highest for fresh produce (22%), followed by dairy (18%), soft drinks, fresh meat and household paper (all 16%)

Stable stockpiling

There has also been little change in the number of adults who have recently felt the need to stock up or purchase more than they normally do. A third (34%) have recently felt the need to stock up or purchase more than they normally do, a similar level compared to two weeks ago (35%). This is still relatively low compared to 50% in January’21 and a high of 64% in April’20.

There has been a decline in the number who say they will or might stock up (35% vs 45% two weeks ago). This is still much lower than the 60% recorded in March’20.

Nearly half (47%) in London claim to have stocked up recently compared to just 26% in south east and Wales. Stockpiling is also highest among those aged 18-44 (38%), ABs (38%) and those with children at home (38%).

Category differences

The chart above compares the categories being stocked up and the categories that shoppers claim to be in shorter supply.

• The top categories that are being stocked up remain tins and packaged foods (12%) and household paper (11%). These are followed by hand sanitizer (9%), household products (8%) and cereals (7%
• Claimed shortages are highest for fresh produce (22%), followed by dairy (18%), soft drinks, fresh meat and household paper (all 16%)

Sign up here to our bulletin detailing our round up of the latest economic and political news focused on FMCG.