Shock shortages of daily treats in dystopian future

  • 27/10/2017

People say they can't live without wine, coffee or chocolate - but worsening world weather may mean this dystopian future is heading our way.

We rely on these substances to get us through our day. We use a cup of coffee to get us going in the morning, a nibble of chocolate to help us relax after work, and then a glass of red to help us sleep at night.

However we are heading towards global shortages, with prices expected to increase after a series of weather-related events.

Here are four vital treats heading towards the cliff. People are already stocking up in preparation - but could it already be too late?

Shock shortages of daily treats in dystopian future

Wine

The world is heading towards a wine shortage - and drinkers are being warned to stock up.

Extreme weather conditions - including frosts and heatwaves - have hammered wine production in European countries like Spain, Italy and France, while wildfires in California are expected to ravage the United States' output.

Italy's wine production is expected to fall by 23 percent, while France will produce 19 percent less and Spain will be down by 15 percent, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine says.

New Zealand has also seen a slight decline.

Overall, production is estimated to fall 8.2 percent globally compared to 2016.

The shortage is predicted to push wine prices higher, and the news has sent drinkers into a spin.

Shock shortages of daily treats in dystopian future

Coffee

New Zealand's coffee consumption is colossal - we're among the top coffee 20 drinkers in the world.

But that liquid pick-me-up may be under threat from global warming.

Research conducted by the Climate Institute and presented in its report A Brewing Storm, says at the current rate climate change will cut the global area suitable for coffee growth in half by 2050.

So what happens then?

Rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are already affecting coffee bean growth, which is having a major impact on countries where it's is a major export.

Climate change is expected to strain infrastructure in those countries.

Those costs will be passed on to you, while shortages will also push prices up.

Still, there are some things coffee guzzlers can do to help.

Researchers believe consumers should drink fair trade coffee, or a product that rewards the grower. This way communities where coffee beans are grown can prepare for the effects of global warming.

Shock shortages of daily treats in dystopian future

Chocolate

There are fears for the future of our favourite treat after years of record crops.

While there is currently a cocoa bean surplus, this is expected to turn into a shortage in the future.

The main cause is an oversupply of beans pushing prices down and leaving farmers to live on marginal wages.

As older farmers retire or leave the business, their children are less interested in taking over and maintaining the plantations. The older trees become less productive - and without regular new plants the overall crop declines.

Climate change is also predicted to bring higher temperatures and longer droughts, as well as causing more natural disasters, plant diseases, and pests.

New Zealand has already faced the impact of weather conditions on chocolate this year, after Whittakers' original Samoan cocoa was impacted by last year's drought.

Shock shortages of daily treats in dystopian future

Potato chips

A wet winter may prove the bane of potato chip lovers this year, with growers warning there could be a shortage of potato chips in the coming months.

Potatoes New Zealand CEO Chris Claridge told Newshub there are very real problems with potato supply and in particular crisping potatoes that are used to make chips as a result of the wet winter.

"Companies who process their crisps in the North Island are mostly affected; companies who process their crisping potatoes in the South Island aren't as affected because weather hasn't affected them as much," he told the AM Show.

Mr Claridge said there are ongoing supply problems in the North Island and particularly in Pukekohe, Matamata and Horowhenua meaning that prices are likely to remain high and firm.

A spokeswoman for Foodstuffs said some of the companies suppliers were struggling to meet demand due to weather-related crop shortages.

"We are working closely with our suppliers to manage supply as much as possible," she said.

"It is anticipated new season crops will be harvested in the next few weeks so supply is likely to settle down then."

The country went through a similar potato shortage in late 2014 due to poor weather.

Newshub.