Morrisons shelves have been empty due to various issues, notably a late 2024 cyberattack on their supply chain software (Blue Yonder), causing fresh produce shortages. Other recurring problems include driver shortages, staffing issues, increased costs impacting suppliers, and general financial pressures from a private equity takeover, leading to reduced stock, less frequent restocking, and potential customer dissatisfaction.
Morrisons shoppers have been complaining on social media that their local shops lack fresh produce. According to The Mirror, the shortages came after hackers hit a software system the retailer uses to manage its supply chain.
A primary reason we are going to experience food shortages is due to the immigration laws now in place. The majority of our food system (Ie pickers and growers) are immigrants. They already work in harsh conditions often lacking adequate access to food, water, and transportation while also being underpaid.
Did half a shop. Disappointing." Speaking to the M.E.N, Morrisons confirmed that the shortage has hit stores after its supply chain management company Blue Yonder suffered a ransomware attack which impacted warehouse supply chains. This has caused shortages of fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat in its stores.
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Why are store shelves empty in 2025?
The GreyOrange survey found that tariffs are disrupting retail stock, specifically. Store managers report more empty shelves, lower sales and more stock outs since April 2025, when the tariff rollercoaster began. “HQs have handed managers instructions to cut labor, reduce inventory and raise prices,” the report warns.
I've heard many people claim the primary cause of out-of-stock items is a lack of inventory availability in the supply chain or perhaps a delivery issue. Maybe merchandisers aren't showing up when expected, trucks are delayed due to weather, or the routine delivery frequency or stock volume isn't right.
Why is there a shortage of food in supermarkets in 2025?
A combination of climate-driven harvest failures, rising energy prices and trade disruptions could create national shortages or unaffordable prices much more quickly than many people may expect. Including food security on the national risk register would prompt government departments to plan coordinated responses.
A crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to excessive stockpiling and food hoarding. Excessive stockpiling behaviour in a crisis is explained by psychological reactions such as panic disorder, anxiety, depression, fear, and uncertainty about the future (Lehberger et al., 2021).
The "3-3-3 Rule" for groceries isn't one single definition, but usually refers to planning around three main food types (proteins, carbs, fats/veggies) for balanced meals or a variation like the "3-3-2-2-1 Method," focusing on 3 veggies, 3 proteins, 2 grains, 2 fruits, and 1 dip/spread for simple, balanced shopping, helping to avoid meal planning ruts and create variety with minimal effort.
Morrisons is undergoing significant restructuring, closing many in-store services like cafes, Market Kitchens, florists, pharmacies, and fresh food counters (meat/fish) across the UK, impacting hundreds of jobs as part of cost-cutting measures after its private equity takeover, while also facing financial pressures, including a £17m tax bill and delayed net-zero targets. The closures aim to modernize the business, but signal financial struggles, with some observers noting a decline in standards, leading to a "slow slide" for the company.
The Morrisons "£10 rule" is a loyalty perk for More Card members: spend £10 or more in a single in-store shop, scan your card, and you receive a voucher for a free refillable hot drink (like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) at a Morrisons Café, redeemable within seven days, excluding takeaway or Morrisons Daily locations. This promotion offers a nice bonus for regular shoppers, though it's important to note restrictions like the single-use voucher, the 7-day limit, and exclusions for certain store types or online purchases.
The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange until it was acquired by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in October 2021. Many changes were made after the takeover, and the company is struggling financially.
Supermarket shoppers across the UK are all too familiar with empty shelves when disruption strikes. Whether it was the panic buying of COVID-19, floods affecting deliveries or strikes in distribution centres, the fragility of supply chains has affected most of us in recent years.
What foods are going to be in short supply in 2025?
Fresh Produce & Agriculture – Higher Costs and Limited Fresh Produce. Imports at risk: Avocados, tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, beef, pork, dairy. Meat and dairy imports from Canada are also at risk, driving up costs. Supply chain risk: Price volatility and shortages in fresh produce, beef, and dairy products.
Conclusion. With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, escalating Middle East tensions, and the growing risk of cyberattacks, 2025 could bring significant disruptions to global food supplies. By stockpiling now, you can safeguard your household against price surges, empty shelves, and supply chain failures.
Conflict, the climate crisis, economic shocks and skyrocketing costs are all driving the global hunger crisis – and food shortages – around the world. But as you can see, there is plenty we can do to keep more people from falling into hunger.
For a UK war stockpile, focus on essentials: water (10L/person/day), non-perishable food (tinned goods, dry pasta/rice, pet food, tin opener, cooking oil/spices), power/light (battery/wind-up radio, torch, spare batteries, candles), first aid (kit, essential meds, hand sanitiser), documents/cash (copies in waterproof bag, physical money), hygiene (wipes, soap, sanitiser), and specialised items (baby/pet supplies, iodine tablets for fallout, a camping stove/fuel, a multi-tool). Build up supplies gradually, focusing on 72 hours of self-sufficiency initially, but aim for longer.
A UK food stockpile focuses on non-perishable staples like tinned beans, fish (tuna, sardines), meat (spam, corned beef), and pulses (lentils, chickpeas) for protein; rice, pasta, oats, flour, sugar, oil, and UHT milk for carbs/fats; plus tea, coffee, stock cubes, spices, tinned tomatoes, peanut butter, biscuits, and long-life juice for morale and flavor, adding essentials like water, a tin opener, candles, and toiletries for comprehensive preparedness.
Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, consider maintaining a supply that will last that long. You may not need to go out and buy foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned goods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves.
Research published in 2023 assesses the major risks to the UK's system for producing and distributing food (Jones et al, 2023) . The authors find that these risks, which include extreme weather, cyber-attacks and pathogens, could lead to food shortages and civil unrest in the next ten to 50 years (see Figure 1).
Empty shelves plague some Whole Foods after distributor knocked offline. Whole Foods says it is working to restock shelves following a cyberattack that has disrupted operations at United Natural Foods, a major supplier.
When something is out of stock, will it come back?
Yes, out-of-stock items often come back, especially basics or popular seasonal items, but it's not guaranteed and depends on the retailer and product; you can usually sign up for email alerts or check for estimated restock dates, but some items, particularly limited editions or discontinued ones, might never return.
The 5-4-3-2-1 grocery method is a viral TikTok trend for balanced, easy meal planning, guiding you to buy 5 vegetables, 4 fruits, 3 proteins, 2 grains/carbs, and 1 fun treat (or 2 sauces/spreads + 1 treat) for the week, simplifying shopping by focusing on food groups rather than specific recipes, allowing for flexibility while ensuring a variety of nutrients.
