The shortage of certain products is starting to become glaring in some supermarkets. In fact, it’s getting harder and harder to get hold of certain foods. Others are still available, but at worrying prices. Daily shopping has become a real problem for many households. Scarcity makes it necessary to find alternatives. That being said, inflation doesn’t make the task any easier. Everything has to be calculated. Especially since the effects of this situation are not only felt in relation to food. All daily expenses, or almost, are affected. The price increases never end. The out-of-stock that we already experienced during lockdown is back in force. The shortage affects products that until then could be found in almost all kitchens. This is the case, for example, with mustard and sunflower oil.
A deficiency that could worsen with global warming
Contrary to popular belief, the scarcity is not solely due to the geopolitical situation. Of course, the war in Ukraine and the various measures taken against Russia have direct and indirect effects. Climate change has become a brutal reality for some, despite years of alarm. Successive episodes of drought and water scarcity have had a major impact on agriculture. Production of some fruits and vegetables has declined. As a result, commodity prices skyrocket. Sometimes production is no longer sufficient to develop processed products. It’s the lack. Potato cultivation, for example, is severely affected by climate change. However, this vegetable is one of the most consumed in Europe and is used in the composition of many recipes. What was previously taken for granted is now being questioned.
Coming food shortage
The shortage is hitting the sauces and condiments department hard. It’s not just the mustard that’s running low. When ingredient prices rise, staples like sandwiches become too expensive. They are becoming increasingly difficult to find in supermarkets. Several soft drinks and lemonades are also affected by this shortage. Appetizer cakes, which are oil-intensive to produce, are obviously much less profitable. In addition to this overall complex situation, there are other phenomena. The bird flu epidemic that struck this year impacted poultry production. As a result, the shelves normally laden with cuts of chicken or turkey are much emptier. The lack of processed products can make us reconsider our habits. When it comes to essential ingredients, it gets harder!