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Food shortages we could see in 2022: What you need to know
The year 2020 marks the beginning of a challenging decade, with the global pandemic causing significant disruptions in various aspects of life. One of the most significant consequences of the pandemic has been food shortages, which have continued into 2021 and are expected to continue into 2022. A recent Bloomberg report revealed that food shortages have caused chaos across the United States, leading to bare shelves in grocery stores and difficulty in obtaining certain food items. Let’s explore some of the key food categories that are likely to be affected by shortages in 2022.
Milk and Dairy Shortages
One of the alarming findings highlighted by Bloomberg is the shortage of milk in public schools, particularly in places like Denver. However, this shortage is not due to a lack of cows, but rather supply chain difficulties and labor shortages. The entire dairy industry, from processing plants to drivers, has been affected by labor shortages. While dairy products may be plentiful now, these issues could lead to tighter markets in the coming weeks. Similar challenges have been experienced in the United Kingdom, where dairy farmers have been forced to discard tens of thousands of gallons of milk due to a severe driver shortage.
Pork and bacon supply problems
While there’s currently no shortage of pork and bacon, there are numerous factors contributing to potential problems in the future. Rising feed prices have made raising pigs more expensive, while supply chain challenges have made it difficult to get products to store shelves. Labor shortages in the transportation industry and meat processing plants, caused in part by Brexit in the United Kingdom, have forced farmers to cull healthy animals. In addition, the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus has devastated U.S. herds, resulting in significant losses.
Impact on Craft Beers
Craft beer lovers may have a harder time getting their favorite beverages in 2022. Carbon dioxide (CO2) shortages are a primary concern for small breweries. While large breweries can utilize the CO2 emitted during the manufacturing process, smaller organizations often need to purchase it externally. Since the pandemic began, the supply of CO2 has been limited due to a decline in ethanol production, which is closely tied to gasoline production. In addition, shortages of packaging materials such as glass, aluminum, labels, corks and closures have compounded the challenges breweries face.
Coca-Cola and beverage shortages
Coca-Cola, one of the most popular soft drink brands, is expected to experience sporadic shortages by 2022. Similar to other food products, Coca-Cola has been affected by supply chain issues, higher costs, and labor shortages. Coca-Cola’s CEO, James Quincey, has compared fixing the supply chain to a game of whack-a-mole. While Pepsi has also faced supply chain issues and a shortage of plastic bottles, it does not expect the situation to be as severe as Coca-Cola’s.
Salmon shortage
Salmon, a beloved fish enjoyed by many, has experienced a decline in supply due to multiple factors. Global wild salmon stocks plummeted in 2020, primarily due to climate change. Alaska, which accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s supply of wild salmon, has experienced both a decrease in quantity and a reduction in the size of the fish. This decline has had a profound impact not only on consumers, but also on indigenous communities that rely on salmon as a vital food source and cultural heritage.
Impact on the coffee industry
Coffee lovers may have to deal with the consequences of a coffee shortage in 2022. Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of coffee, has experienced a severe drought that has significantly reduced its coffee crop. The projected shortage is expected to last at least three years, leading to skyrocketing prices and potential unavailability of coffee on store shelves.
Aluminum Can Supply Challenges
The disruptions caused by the pandemic have impacted the supply of aluminum cans, resulting in ongoing supply chain challenges. Beverage companies have been forced to scale back production to accommodate the limited availability of cans. This issue is expected to continue through 2022 and into 2024, affecting the production and availability of various beverages packaged in aluminum cans.
While these are some of the key food categories that may experience shortages in 2022, it’s important to note that the situation is dynamic and subject to change. Factors such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, climate change, and unexpected events could further exacerbate these challenges. As consumers, it’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and explore alternative options to ensure food security in these uncertain times.
Note: The information provided is based on the article “Food Shortages We Could See In 2022” published on Mashed.com.
Food Shortages We Could See in 2022: What You Need to Know
The year 2020 marks the beginning of a challenging decade, with the global pandemic causing significant disruptions in various aspects of life. One of the most significant consequences of the pandemic has been food shortages, which have continued into 2021 and are expected to continue into 2022. A recent Bloomberg report revealed that food shortages have caused chaos across the United States, leading to bare shelves in grocery stores and difficulty in obtaining certain food items. Let’s explore some of the key food categories that are likely to be affected by shortages in 2022.
Milk and Dairy Shortages
One of the alarming findings highlighted by Bloomberg is the shortage of milk in public schools, especially in places like Denver. However, this shortage is not due to a lack of cows, but rather supply chain difficulties and labor shortages. The entire dairy industry, from processing plants to drivers, has been affected by labor shortages. While dairy products may be plentiful now, these issues could lead to tighter markets in the coming weeks. Similar challenges have been experienced in the United Kingdom, where dairy farmers have been forced to discard tens of thousands of gallons of milk due to a severe shortage of drivers.
Pork and bacon supply issues
While there is currently no shortage of pork and bacon, there are numerous factors contributing to potential problems in the future. Rising feed prices have made raising pigs more expensive, while supply chain challenges have made it difficult to get products to store shelves. Labor shortages in the transportation industry and meat processing plants, caused in part by Brexit in the United Kingdom, have forced farmers to cull healthy animals. In addition, the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus has devastated U.S. herds, resulting in significant losses.
Impact on Craft Beers
Craft beer enthusiasts may have a harder time accessing their favorite beverages in 2022. Carbon dioxide (CO2) shortages are a primary concern for small breweries. While large breweries can utilize the CO2 emitted during the manufacturing process, smaller organizations often have to purchase it externally. Since the pandemic began, the supply of CO2 has been limited due to a decline in ethanol production, which is closely tied to gasoline production. In addition, shortages of packaging materials such as glass, aluminum, labels, corks and closures have compounded the challenges breweries face.
Coca-Cola and Beverage Shortages
Coca-Cola, one of the most popular soft drink brands, is expected to experience sporadic shortages in 2022. Similar to other food products, Coca-Cola has been affected by supply chain issues, higher costs, and labor shortages. Coca-Cola’s CEO, James Quincey, has compared fixing the supply chain to a game of whack-a-mole. While Pepsi has also faced supply chain issues and a shortage of plastic bottles, it does not expect the situation to be as severe as Coca-Cola’s.
Salmon shortage
Salmon, a beloved fish enjoyed by many, has experienced a decline in supply due to several factors. Global wild salmon stocks plummeted in 2020, largely due to climate change. Alaska, which accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s supply of wild salmon, has experienced both a decrease in quantity and a reduction in the size of the fish. This decline has had a profound impact not only on consumers, but also on indigenous communities that rely on salmon as a vital food source and cultural heritage.
Impact on the coffee industry
Coffee lovers may have to deal with the consequences of a coffee shortage in 2022. Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of coffee, has experienced a severe drought that has significantly reduced its coffee crop. The projected shortage is expected to last at least three years, leading to skyrocketing prices and potential unavailability of coffee on store shelves.
Aluminum Can Supply Challenges
Pandemic-related disruptions have impacted the supply of aluminum cans, creating ongoing supply chain challenges. Beverage companies have been forced to scale back production to accommodate the limited availability of cans. This issue is expected to continue through 2022 and into 2024, affecting the production and availability of various beverages packaged in aluminum cans.
While these are some of the key food categories that may experience shortages in 2022, it’s important to note that the situation is dynamic and subject to change. Factors such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, climate change, and unexpected events could further exacerbate these challenges. As consumers, it’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and explore alternative options to ensure food security in these uncertain times.
Note: The information provided is based on the article “Food Shortages We Could See In 2022” published on Mashed.com.
FAQS
Key factors contributing to food shortages in 2022 include supply chain difficulties, labor shortages, rising feed prices, transportation challenges, climate change, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food industry.
Which food categories will be most affected by shortages in 2022?
Some of the food categories expected to be most affected by shortages in 2022 include milk and dairy products, pork and bacon, craft beers, Coca-Cola and other beverages, salmon, and coffee.
How will labor shortages affect the food industry?
Labor shortages affect the food industry in a variety of ways. They are affecting the dairy industry, meat processing plants, the transportation industry, and small breweries. The lack of available workers is disrupting supply chains and making it difficult to meet the demand for food products.
How are food shortages affecting consumers?
Food shortages can lead to higher prices, limited availability of certain foods, and potential disruptions in the food supply. Consumers may need to plan ahead, explore alternative options, and be prepared for potential challenges in accessing their favorite foods.
Are there long-term solutions to food shortages?
Long-term solutions to food shortages include improving the resilience of supply chains, investing in agricultural technology and infrastructure, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering global cooperation to mitigate the impact of climate change on food production.
How can consumers cope with food shortages and ensure food security?
To manage food shortages and ensure food security, consumers can stay informed about the current situation, plan ahead by stocking up on essential food items, explore local and alternative food sources, grow their own food when possible, and reduce food waste by practicing mindful consumption.