Upcoming Grocery Shortages by May 2025

Overview

Global supply chains are breaking down, leading to anticipated shortages of 10 common grocery items by May 2025.
Extreme weather and international conflicts are causing disruptions.
Prices for some items have already increased by 40% in the last two months.
The lecture discusses the items that will disappear, why it's happening, and preparation tips.

Global coffee production is under intense pressure.
Brazil, the largest supplier, is facing drought, heat waves, and irregular rainfall, with some regions producing 40% less coffee.
Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia also facing production challenges.
Demand is increasing with more people working from home.
Price spikes of 30% or more by summer; some US cities seeing premium beans doubling in cost.
Shipping disruptions: Port delays, fuel hikes, and container shortages.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on freeze-dried coffee and vacuum-sealed whole beans.
- Consider local roasters or regional brands.
- Limit daily intake.

The Mediterranean, especially Spain and Italy, is facing severe drought conditions.
Spain: Harvest dropped by over 50%.
Olive supply is shrinking, leading to premium prices and reduced supermarket orders.
Price of extra virgin olive oil has doubled in some areas.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on olive oil now, especially in dark glass bottles or metal cans.
- Store in a cool, dark pantry.
- Consider alternatives: avocado oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil.

Production collapsing in Thailand, India, and Vietnam due to catastrophic harvest failures.
Thailand: Extreme flooding destroyed 30% of rice fields.
India: Extended rice export ban for another year.
Vietnam: Worst saltwater intrusion in decades.
Global demand for rice is skyrocketing with rising wheat prices.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on alternative grains: quinoa, barley, farro.
- Use bulgur wheat as a rice substitute.
- Store rice in sealed containers and dry storage bags.

Wild salmon, tuna, and cod are facing alarming population declines.
Global overfishing and rising ocean temperatures are major factors.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on canned tuna, frozen salmon, and cod products.
- Look for sustainable fish alternatives: lionfish, Asian carp.

California's avocado production is down due to drought and water allocation cuts.
Imports from Mexico facing delays due to inspections and safety issues.
Price surge of 40-60% expected.
Preparation Tips:
- Buy and freeze avocados now.

Most spices depend on a few countries facing weather and political issues.
Specific spices: Black pepper, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cloves.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on key spices.
- Use spices to flavor shelf-stable meals.

Major producers in West Africa experiencing worst drought in 30 years.
Labor shortages are critical.
Chocolate prices expected to jump by 60%.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.

Citrus greening disease and climate change affecting citrus production.
Significant reductions in US and Mediterranean citrus harvests.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on vitamin C supplements.
- Freeze lemon zest and juice.

Conflict between Ukraine and Russia affecting wheat exports.
US and Canada facing production challenges due to drought and wildfires.
Preparation Tips:
- Stock up on flour, explore alternatives like cassava flour.
- Consider buying a grain mill to grind wheat berries.

Dairy farmers facing high production costs and declining cow productivity due to heat.
Supply chain issues leading to decreased dairy availability.
Preparation Tips:
- Consider plant-based dairy alternatives.
- Stock up on powdered milk for emergencies.