‘Most Britons experienced grocery shortage recently’

Most Britons have experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently, claims a new report by IGD, adding that ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is having wide economic and commercial implications on food supply chains.

According to an IGD analysis released on Monday (16), more than two thirds of adults (68 percent) interviewed experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently. This has increased significantly since last month (+11 percent). This is the same highest level achieved in January 2022 and December 2021 during COVID-19 restrictions.

Availability concerns are increasing the most for oils (+9 percent compared to last month). Concerns are also rising the most for dairy (+5 percent), bakery, fresh meat and frozen food (+4 percent each). Availability concerns are still highest for fresh produce (24 percent).

Over a third of people (36 percent) have recently felt the need to stock up or purchase more than they normally do compared to 37 percent a month ago. This compares to a high of 64 percent in April 2020. The top categories that are being stocked up are tins and packaged goods (11 percent), cereals (9 percent), household paper (9 percent) and household products (7 percent). 6 percent are stocking up on oils (vs 4 percent last month).

There has also been little change in the numbers saying they will or might stock up (36 percent vs 37 percent a month ago), the report said.

Availability concerns are highest in Northern Ireland (81 percent), London (75 percent) and the South West (73 percent).

Availability concerns are highest in Northern Ireland (81 percent), London (75 percent) and the South West (73 percent).

Russia Ukraine conflict has resulted in a reduction in the amount of grains and oil available for export from the region. Some supermarkets are limiting how much cooking oil customers are able to buy as supplies have been affected by the conflict.