Convenience retailers are seeing shortages of big-name bottled water brands, resulting in reduced sales of up to 25%.
This comes partly as an effect of the UK’s 40C heatwave in July as well as due to labour shortages and overall disruption to wholesale supply which started earlier this year.
According to The Grocer, the shortage spreads across the sector, affecting water brands such as Evian, Buxton, Highland Spring and Volvic, with larger formats and multipacks most highly impacted.
As a result, some retailers have seen a 25% decline in bottled water sales and have seen a consumer switch to own-label and local brands.
To manage the shortages, some retailers have taken to adding a cap on the amount of water bottle products customers can purchase at one time or looking elsewhere to outsource its supply.
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Nisa retailer, Kishor Patel told The Grocer: “Due to rationing at Nisa, they have been unable to deliver our orders so we’re having to make trips to Booker and Costco to fullfill demand.
“It’s been a real challenge, but with our extra hard work we’ve managed to keep the fridges and shelves full most of the time.”
A Natural Source Waters Association spokesman told the publication: “Natural source waters have seen sales bounce back strongly post lockdown. This, combined with lower than normal stock levels at the start of the summer, supply chain challenges and labour shortages, has left the overall distribution network overstretched and struggling to meet demand.
“This meant that as the hot weather surge in sales occurred, it has not been possible for this increased demand to be met.
“Delivering for grocery, wholesale and convenience customers is a top priority for our members, who are working tirelessly with distributors, wholesalers and retailers to resolve this and get their products on shelf during what has been a demanding period for the category.”
