'Sobering' inflation figures impacting food and drink manufacturers

18 May 2022

Food prices are rising at their fastest rate for over 10 years. The FDF's chief executive Karen Betts gives her view on the latest inflation figures.

 

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  • Business insights & economics

Chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation Karen Betts said:

“Today’s inflation figures are very sobering, with food and non-alcoholic drinks prices rising by 6.7%, slightly more than food manufacturers’ had feared.

“This is a very worrying time for many households, and food and drink businesses are continuing to do everything they can to contain food-price inflation. However, the pressures on both large and small businesses are immense. Ingredient price rises have been relentless for more than a year now, as a result of pressures in the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The war in Ukraine, with both Ukraine and Russia important suppliers of commodities like wheat and food oils, as well as energy and fertiliser, has made the situation worse. Our sector is, in particular, impacted by the significant rises in energy costs seen this year – with over 60% of food and drink manufacturers reporting energy price rises are impacting their operations. Meanwhile, wages are rising too with labour shortages right across our sector taking hold.

“In this context, it’s vital industry and government work hand-in-hand to ensure the cost of doing business is kept as low as possible. For instance minimising the costs of existing and new regulation, and with a view to responding to shortages in supply in as agile a way as possible.”

Insights: Food prices are rising as UK inflation hits 40-year high

18 May 2022

Food and non-alcoholic drink inflation picked up speed for the ninth consecutive month, reaching its highest level since June 2011. April’s food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose on an annual basis by 6.7%, up from 5.9% in March.

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