In the latest shopper research conducted for IGD over this last weekend 22-24 October 2021, there has been a slight decline in the number of adults interviewed who experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently.

• 63% of adults claim to have experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently, down from 67% two weeks ago.
• Concerns are highest in Northern Ireland (72%), South West (70%), North East (70%) and London (69%)
• Claimed shortages are highest for fresh produce (22%), followed by soft drinks and dairy (both 19%), fresh meat or fish (18%) and bakery (16%).

Increased planned stockpiling

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

There is a rising trend in the number who say they will or might stock up (45% vs 40% 8-10 October vs 34% 1-3 October). This is still much lower than the 60% recorded in March’20.

Half (52%) in London claim to have stocked up recently compared to just 24% in Yorkshire & humberside. Stockpiling is also highest among those aged 18-24 (48%), ABs (40%) and those with children at home (45%).

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 (13%) and household paper (12%). These are followed by hand sanitizer, cereals and medicines (8% each).
• Claimed shortages are highest for fresh produce (22%), followed by soft drinks and dairy (both 19%), fresh meat or fish (18%) and bakery (16%).