Grocery Supply and Price Crisis Overview

Introduction

• Global Food Security Report highlights shortages in over 140 major grocery items.
• Analysis from 2,500 stores shows significant stock reductions.
• Focus on 10 everyday products disappearing from shelves.

Vanilla Extract Crisis

• Madagascar cyclones decimate vanilla production—80% of world's supply.
• Vanilla now more expensive than silver; bottles limited to one-per-customer.
• Factors: Cyclones, climate change, labor costs, New Jersey warehouse fire.
• Alternatives: Vanilla bean paste, mix maple syrup with bourbon.

Coffee Shortage

• Brazil's worst drought in 50 years reduces Arabica production by 35%.
• Global transportation crisis enhances shortage; shipping costs up 280%.
• Brands affected: Lavazza (60% stock drop), Peet's Coffee (40% cut), Starbucks Reserve.
• Tip: Check roast dates for freshness, avoid old stock.

Organic Eggs

• Supply drop due to cold snaps and increased feed costs.
• Organic hen production down 32%; prices for organic eggs could rise to $8.99 per dozen.
• Hacks: Freeze beaten eggs, use free-range alternatives.

Hot Sauce Production

• Mexican and Californian chili harvests suffer due to extreme weather.
• Glass bottle shortages impact production; brands affected include Valentina, Tabasco.
• Tip: Check smaller grocery stores for better availability.

Frozen Vegetables

• Weather damages key crops (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans).
• Processing facilities facing equipment delays.
• Prices for frozen veggies doubling; consider buying fresh and freezing them.

Baby Formula

• Abbott's facility upgrade impacts specialty formula availability.
• FDA tightens import regulations on foreign formula brands.
• Solutions: Check local pharmacies, contact pediatricians for samples.

Chocolate Shortage

• Cocoa bean shortage and worker issues in West Africa.
• Major brands reducing premium chocolate production.
• Advice: Stock up on high-cocoa products, but limited purchase advised.

Greek Yogurt

• Dairy farmers face rising feed costs; plastic container shortages.
• Brands like Chobani operating at reduced capacity.
• Alternatives: Regular yogurt with protein, Icelandic skyr, cottage cheese.

Breakfast Cereals

• Decrease in wheat production affects cereal availability.
• General Mills and Kellogg's face production issues.
• Tip: Store brand cereals face same production line issues.

Fresh Berries

• California and Florida experience adverse weather impacting berry crops.
• Transportation issues further complicate supply.
• Solution: Use frozen berries, check for Chilean blueberries.

Summary

• Key items like chocolate and berries showing shortages.
• Use alternatives and stock strategically.
• Stay informed on market changes to save money and secure supplies.