Global supply chain disruptions causing food shortages

The invasion of Ukraine has also exacerbated these issues

Supply chain disruptions are resulting in shortages of food items from sriracha to popcorn. The world’s supply chains are still under pressure causing random foods to become wildly expensive or unusually hard to find. Some examples are onions and salami in Japan, lettuce In Australia, and bottled beer in Germany. Businesses around the world are scrambling to find alternatives for their customers. The problem is due to the strained global supply chain and not due to the lack of the product itself. Factors range from adverse weather conditions to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, and increasing demand.

The lettuce shortage in Australia has prompted popular food chain KFC to use cabbage in its burgers. Heavy flooding in the country was cited as the main reason for the supply chain disruptions. Shipping container shortage and tight labor market also added to supply chain challenges. The invasion of Ukraine has also exacerbated these issues and resulted in cutting off supplies of cooking oils, grains, and food. Germany is facing a shortage of bottles as Ukraine used to supply brewers with glass. Lids, cups, and paper bags are in short supply. Farmers are also contemplating giving up corn and switching to more lucrative crops.