Experts warn of 'super El Niño' and its impact on food prices

The looming threat of a powerful El Niño, informally termed 'super El Niño' or 'Godzilla El Niño,' has experts concerned about its potential to disrupt global weather patterns and, consequently, food prices. This phenomenon, characterized by unusual warming of the Pacific Ocean's surface, can trigger a cascade of extreme weather events worldwide, from heavy rainfall and floods in some areas to severe droughts and heatwaves in others.

These climatic shifts directly impact agricultural output. Key crops like bananas, coffee, sugar, tea, and cocoa, often grown in climate-sensitive regions, are particularly vulnerable. Reduced harvests due to droughts or floods can lead to decreased availability and increased costs for consumers. The effects can ripple further, impacting the prices of animal products if, for example, a soy shortage drives up the cost of animal feed.

Experts caution that the economic consequences of El Niño may not be immediate. It can take months for the effects of a poor harvest or supply chain disruptions to reach supermarket shelves. For European consumers, this could translate into gradual price increases for imported goods and commodities reliant on global supply chains, notably coffee, chocolate, exotic fruits, and sugar.

However, it's important to note that El Niño is not the sole driver of potential food price hikes. Other factors such as energy and transportation costs, labor expenses, ongoing conflicts, trade policies, and general inflation also play significant roles in shaping the cost of food.