What's happened
Iceland is experiencing a cucumber shortage due to a viral TikTok recipe by influencer Logan Moffitt, known as the 'Cucumber Guy.' Demand has reportedly doubled, overwhelming local supply chains. The Horticulturists’ Sales Company anticipates a return to normal supply within a week.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the viral cucumber salad recipe by Logan Moffitt has led to a doubling of cucumber demand in Iceland, causing a nationwide shortage. The Horticulturists’ Sales Company noted that they are struggling to keep up with this surge. Meanwhile, the New York Times highlighted how Moffitt's engaging TikTok content has not only popularized cucumbers but also disrupted local supply chains, with grocery stores reporting empty shelves. The Guardian pointed out the humorous side of the trend, noting Moffitt's rise to fame as the 'Cucumber Guy' and the community he has built around his recipes. This situation underscores the significant impact social media can have on food supply and consumer behavior.
How we got here
The cucumber shortage in Iceland stems from a viral TikTok trend initiated by Logan Moffitt, who popularized a cucumber salad recipe. This surge in popularity has led to a significant increase in demand, outpacing local production capabilities.
More on these topics
-
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, with a population of 364,134 and an area of 103,000 km², making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík.
-
TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.