Supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East are experiencing shortages and empty shelves as a result of supply chain disruptions and changing shopping habits. Factors such as the receding impact of COVID-19, new purchasing methods, and rising cost-of-living pressures are making it difficult for supermarkets to predict consumer demand. Supply chain issues, reluctance to strike deals with suppliers amid high commodity prices, and external factors like war and extreme weather are also contributing to erratic stocks of various goods. The inflationary pressure is causing people to switch products in unpredictable ways and buy smaller amounts of groceries. Retailers are using technology, including artificial intelligence, to manage supplies, but the number of missing items on shelves has increased significantly. Multiple shopping options have made it challenging for retailers to determine what to order and where, and suppliers are struggling to meet orders due to rising costs and disruptions.

Read more from Reuters