FDF statement on Scottish Government’s consultation on price controls on essential food items

David Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Food and Drink Federation Scotland, said:

“Despite publishing a very lengthy consultation paper running to nine chapters, the Scottish Government still cannot answer some of the most basic questions about its food price cap plans, including which products would actually be capped.

“These proposals are causing major concern across Scotland's food and drink supply chain. Businesses that make food and drink in Scotland are increasingly questioning whether the Scottish Government understands, or cares, about the pressures they face and the contribution they make to Scotland's economy.

 “Food price caps will not address the underlying causes of food inflation. Food and drink manufacturers continue to face high energy, labour, commodity, packaging and regulatory costs. Capping the shelf price of selected products does nothing to remove those costs and will simply push them elsewhere.

 "The Scottish Government must listen to the evidence, recognise the risks and drop its plans for food price caps. Instead, ministers should focus on tackling the real drivers of food inflation and creating the conditions for long-term affordability, investment and growth."

For more information or media enquiries, please contact kirsty.tinsdale@fdfscotland.org.uk / 07508 303 736.