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Writer's pictureIan Jones

Anticipating and Managing Food Shortages

Updated: Oct 29

Managing food shortage

During the Covid crisis, concerns about potential food shortages sparked many discussions on social media platforms. As we navigate these uncertainties, it's crucial to stay informed and take proactive steps to ensure our well-being. In this guide, we delve into the dynamics of supply chains, the role of supermarkets, and practical strategies to anticipate and manage potential food shortages.

Understanding Supermarket Supply Chains

  • Power Dynamics: Supermarkets wield significant power over suppliers, determining which products make it to the shelves. When the supply chain faces challenges, supermarkets prioritize essential items over others, categorizing products into tiers based on their importance.

  • Tiers of Priority: Essential products, labelled as "tier 1," receive priority during stocking, ensuring their consistent availability. Bulkier items, such as alcohol, may face delisting of smaller brands in favour of generic options during supply chain strain.

Signs to Watch Out For

As a consumer, it's essential to be vigilant when shopping and recognize potential red flags indicating supply chain challenges.

  • Generic Brands Prevail: If you observe a depletion of trendy, small-brewery ales while generic brands like Bud or Carling remain stocked, this could signify the beginning of a supply chain strain.

  • Reduced Variety: A collapsing supply chain often manifests as a reduction in product variety. Smaller competitors may be edged out, leading to a prevalence of more generic products on the shelves.

Proactive Measures: Starting Your Stockpile

To prepare for potential food shortages, consider building a strategic stockpile. Our Starting Stockpile Shopping List provides inspiration for creating a small larder or stockpile to weather shocks to the food supply. This preparation can prove invaluable in situations such as storms, unrest, or disease waves.


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