The National Meteorological Service (SMN) of the Mexican government reported that the third heat wave that extends throughout Mexico will last until June 22. The intense temperatures have skyrocketed the demand for cooling products and cooling systems. While thermometers reach up to 45°C in some regions, In the stores there is already a shortage of ice, jugs of water and fans, among others.
Since last weekend an unusual phenomenon has been seen. In full celebration of Father’s Day, many Internet users began to complain on social networks that they could not find ice packs in convenience stores or supermarkets.
Users have filled the channels of the main retail stores in Mexico, asking why there is no existence of these items and when the supply of the product will be regularized, without having a clear answer.
Now, major ice makers and bottlers have confirmed that there is a shortage of ice and other items. They explain that, despite the fact that they are working at their maximum, the rate of production is not enough to satisfy the demand.
“An apology, but all the ice we are producing is sold for the next two weeks. There is a national ice shortage and we are working 24 hours a day to normalize this situation. If it is of your interest, with great pleasure we can attend you from the second week of July. An apology again for not being able to serve you, ”explained the Hielo Fiesta company on its WhatsApp channel.
This has not only affected individuals and families, but also businesses such as restaurants, bars and shops of various kinds. Even convenience stores have sold out of ice packs and bottled water.
The shortage of ice, jugs of water and soft drinks
Entrepreneur.com He toured various stores such as Oxxo, 7Eleven and Walmart, among others, in the southern area of CDMX. Thus, we were able to verify that most of them did not have ice bags or there were very few units available (and they were already taking them away!). There were also lines of people waiting for them to be restocked or going through various points in search of said products.
“There is no ice anywhere and we don’t know when they are going to bring us more. We call the company and they don’t know either, because they can’t keep up. They just suddenly arrive, they leave the bags they can… And we already have people here waiting, so they take them away later-later and we have to wait again,” the manager of a convenience store commented to Entrepreneur.com
Given the situation, some establishments limited the purchase of ice to one bag per customer. This, because they detected that some bought up to 10 bags of frozen food, fearing (and causing at the same time) a shortage of ice.
According to the National Alliance of Small Merchants (ANPEC), production levels are not keeping up with demand. In the last month, Sales of bottled, mineral and flavored water have increased by 56.6%. For his part, the purchase of cola drinks registers an increase of 32.9% and the flavored soft drinks 9.8%.
However, Mexicans have given preference to beerwhose consumption has increased 80% in the same period. This despite the increase in the price of drinks.
“So far this year, beverages have suffered from a 10.5% price increase, where bottled water and soft drinks have risen from 2 to 3 pesos and beer from 3 to 5 pesos,” reports the agency.
“No factory can meet the needs,” say the businessmen
The ANPEC confirmed that shortages of bagged ice are reported in grocery stores in states such as Colima, Guanajuato, Quintana Roo, Campeche and Baja California.
Luis García, commercial director of the manufacturer of ice igloowhich supplies the main self-service chains and convenience stores, assured that the production for the next two weeks is already sold.
“No ice factory can meet the needs of all the demand that is now in the capital. We are not able to supply all stores. Today one is supplied, it is left full, and tomorrow they no longer have ice,” García explained in statements collected by El Heraldo de México. “After stocking a store, you have to wait up to a week to be able to stock it again, because we can’t keep up.”
Mairem Del Rio Addicted to watching series and movies, doing (a little) exercise and changing my hair color. I am also a journalist, with more than 16 years of experience and dedicated 100% to digital media since 2011. I have been from a reporter and community manager, to an editor in various media and agencies. My areas of expertise are as diverse as they are contrasting: entertainment, travel, lifestyle, health, business, and finance. Now I am focused on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, metaverses and the promising cannabis industry in Mexico.