World · Europe · 10 hrs ago
UK shoppers turn to costly emergency food kits as sales surge
People in the UK are buying ready-made emergency food kits as concern grows about blackouts, cyberattacks and other crises.
Retailers say orders have quadrupled or more over the past eight weeks, and one supplier says its stocks are depleted.
A six-week supply can cost about £700 and may provide two meals a day for one person.
The kits often contain freeze-dried meals that need water to prepare and can be stored for up to 25 years.
The kits offer a quicker alternative to building a food stockpile item by item, though prices rise sharply for larger supplies.
Earlier this month, a government campaign urged households to prepare for a national crisis by keeping three days of food and water and enough cash in case electronic payments fail.
UK retailers say sales of emergency food kits have risen sharply amid concerns about possible crises and disruptions.
Emergency Food Storage manager James Blake said orders had quadrupled, or more, over the previous eight weeks.
Pre-packaged kits offer freeze-dried meals and other supplies, with some products designed to last up to 25 years.
A six-week supply of two meals a day can cost around £700.
A government campaign urged households to prepare for a national crisis, including by keeping three days of food and water.
- Who
- UK shoppers are buying emergency food kits, according to retailers.
- What
- Sales have surged, and some shoppers are purchasing pre-packaged kits costing around £700 for six weeks of food.
- When
- Retailers reported a surge in recent weeks; one said orders had quadrupled over the previous eight weeks.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- Retailers link demand to concerns about blackouts, cyberattacks and other crises, as well as the convenience of buying a prepared supply.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Retailers reported rising demand for long-life food packs and water filtration equipment.
Emergency Food Storage manager James Blake said orders had quadrupled, if not more.
A campaign launched by Andy Burnham's Government urged households to be ready for a national crisis.
- Six-week food supply
- Around £700 for two meals a day
- Emergency Food Storage orders
- Quadrupled, if not more, over the previous eight weeks
- Long-life food shelf life
- Up to 25 years
- One-month Emergency Food Storage pack
- £355
- 12-month family pack
- £34,500 for four people
What people are saying
Over the last eight weeks, order have quadrupled, if not more
It's so busy that our stocks are out. They're completely depleted.
demand has reached levels the company has never experienced before