The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has warned that certain foods, including chocolate, could be in short supply in the UK in the near future as summer 2026 sparks concern among scientists.
The Super El Niño has caused skyrocketing temperatures in parts of the world this year, raising new fears over the effects of climate change. In the UK, a record five heatwaves have been recorded since May, with another expected to arrive soon. Alongside droughts, short-term concerns have been raised about farming in the UK and food supplies to butchers and supermarkets.
Global cocoa producers at risk
On a global level, the findings show that countries most exposed to the risk of climate change are among the least equipped to deal with it. These countries tend to be big producers of things like cocoa, which is used to make chocolate.
A new analysis from the ECIU found that nations most exposed and least resilient to climate change-driven extremes were the source of 13% of UK food imports, worth £8.9 billion. Additionally, the 15 top suppliers from that group alone made up 11% of UK food imports, worth £7.4 billion. Those nations include Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which are the world leaders in growing cocoa.
Warning from the ECIU
Gareth Redmond-King, Head of International Programme at the ECIU, warned: "With a powerful El Niño about to land on top of climate change, unless farmers here in the UK, and in the countries that grow our food, are supported to shift towards more resilient, sustainable forms of agriculture, everyone’s food security is at risk."
He added: "But unless we halt climate change, with reaching net zero emissions being the only way to do that, heat in the fields will continue to spiral, and no form of adaptation will make that bearable for farmers, threatening them and the food they grow for us."
Impact on UK chocolate makers
Meanwhile, chocolate makers in the UK have felt the effects of rising temperatures. Jon Collins, owner of Hull-based Cocoa Chocolatier, told the BBC that he had temporarily halted production due to rising temperatures.
In London, confectionery chain Hotel Chocolat had to close one of its stores over fears its stock would melt amid scorching temperatures. It said on its website that heat and humidity are "the two worst enemies" of its products, and recommends they are kept between 18C and 20C, as it announced the temporary closure of its Marylebone store on what became the hottest day of the year.
