Lecture Notes: The Disappearance of Grocery Staples

Introduction

• Rising grocery bills and disappearing major grocery items
• Over 140 staples at risk; 10 vanishing rapidly
• Stock levels for some essentials dropped by 80% in one month

Items to be Affected

1. Coffee Crisis

• Brazil faces worst drought in 50 years, dropping coffee production by 35% since November
• Supply chain issues: extreme weather, labor shortages, transportation bottlenecks
• Massive increase in shipping costs (280%)
• Major brands affected:
  • Lavazza: 60% supply cut
  • Pete's Coffee: 40% production cut
  • Starbucks Reserve line impacted
• Advice:
  • Check the roast date on coffee bags to avoid stale beans
  • Stock up on favorite blends but store beans properly (airtight, away from light and heat)

2. Hot Sauce Shortage

• Decline in chili pepper harvests in Mexico and California due to extreme weather
• Global glass bottle shortage affecting production
• Major brands impacted:
  • Valentina, Tapatio, Texas Pete reducing production
  • Sriracha still unavailable
• Advice:
  • Shop at smaller Mexican and Asian markets for better stock
  • Stock up on hot sauce to avoid bland meals

3. Baby Formula

• Abbott Nutrition's main plant shutdown affecting supply
• Specialty formulas like Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Gentlease at risk
• New FDA regulations impacting international formula availability
• Advice:
  • Check smaller independent pharmacies for stock
  • Contact pediatricians for samples and priority lists

4. Greek Yogurt

• Rising feed costs and plastic container shortages
• Major brands like Chobani and Feige operating at reduced capacity
• Advice:
  • Consider alternatives like Icelandic Skyr or cottage cheese

5. Fresh Berries

• Weather disasters in California and Florida affecting berry production
• Increased shipping costs and transportation challenges
• Alternative sources: frozen berries, Chilean blueberries, and upcoming Mexican berry season

6. Vanilla Extract

• Cyclones in Madagascar and supply chain issues causing shortages
• Prices reaching record highs
• Advice:
  • Purchase vanilla bean paste or use substitutes like maple syrup and bourbon

7. Organic Eggs

• Cold weather affecting organic hen production
• Rising feed costs leading to shortages
• Advice:
  • Buy and freeze eggs when available
  • Consider free-range eggs as a substitute

8. Frozen Vegetables

• Weather-related crop destruction affecting supply
• Processing plant issues in Washington
• Advice:
  • Buy fresh vegetables and freeze them at home
  • Stock up when frozen veggies are available

9. Premium Chocolate

• Cocoa bean shortage leading to higher prices and reduced production
• Worker shortages in West Africa affecting supply
• Advice:
  • Purchase high-cocoa chocolate bars now
  • Expect recipe changes in premium chocolates

10. Breakfast Cereals

• Decline in wheat production and other grains
• Production issues at General Mills and Kellogg's
• Retailer restrictions on cereal purchases
• Advice:
  • Buy and store favorite cereals

Conclusion

• These shortages are expected to continue until late March or beyond
• Act now to avoid future frustrations and shortages in your pantry