Tue, 21 Oct 2025

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high

Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why
1. Citrus greening disease: A bacterial disease affecting citrus trees, particularly oranges, which has reduced global production. 2. Weather conditions: Unfavorable weather conditions, such as droughts and floods, have impacted orange crops worldwide. 3. Supply chain disruptions: The reliance on a few large producers and the resulting stranglehold on the market contributes to price volatility. 4. Changing consumer preferences: A shift towards more exotic fruit juices and concerns about sugar content have led to decreased demand for orange juice. The article also explores other food price increases, including beef, veal, butter, chocolate, coffee, and milk, which may be related to factors such as: 1. Supply chain complexities: The difficulty in tracing relationships between retailers, manufacturers, farmers, and contracts. 2. Climate-related challenges: Climate change affecting agricultural production and imports, particularly for densely populated countries like the UK. The article concludes by highlighting the need for increased transparency and understanding of food supply chains to mitigate price shocks and ensure food security in the face of a changing climate. Some key points to note:
* The global consumption of orange juice is down 30% from its peak two decades ago, partly due to high prices.
* The UK imports most of its fruit, vegetables, and seafood, making it vulnerable to climate-related challenges and sustainability risks.
* Consumers may need to accept that food price shocks will become more frequent as a densely populated small country with limited agriculture. The article raises important questions about the resilience of global food systems in the face of climate change and the need for greater transparency and understanding of supply chains.
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