There has been a significant increase in the number of shoppers experiencing availability issues for some items under food and grocery categories, says a recent report, claiming that 62 per cent of shoppers experienced shortages over last weekend (Aug 27-29).
As per the latest shopper research conducted for the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), about 62 per cent of adults claimed to have experienced shortages of some food and groceries in-store or online recently- up from 56 per cent last weekend.
Concerns are highest in Scotland where almost 72 per cent of the shoppers reported of food and grocery shortage as well as in London where 67 per cent of the shoppers faced shortages.
The report also mentions that shortages are again highest for fresh produce (21 per cent), soft drinks (18 per cent), bakery and dairy (16 per cent each), fresh meat or fish (14 per cent), household paper and chilled products (11 per cent each).
About 38 per cent of the shoppers felt the need to stock up or purchase this weekend more than they normally do- up from 31 per cent last weekend. Stockpiling was seen highest among those aged 18-24 (62 per cent), ABs (46 per cent) and those living in London (51 per cent).
Packaged foods, household paper, hand sanitiser, alcohol, cereals, household products and medicines were being stocked up, as per the report.
IGD's report comes at a time when the supply chain is reportedly under pressure owing to multiple effects including labour shortages due to Brexit.
