A multitude of factors continues to disrupt supply chains in and to the UK, including the war in Ukraine, labor shortages, increased costs of production, extreme weather conditions, and the cost-of-living crisis.
This is covered in more detail in the latest Viewpoint report. 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 availability decline
Availability concerns have declined for fresh produce (32% 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 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%).
Source: igd.com