FDF Statement on reports of food shortages as a result of Iran war

Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation said:

“The UK’s food and drink manufacturers are agile and resilient, and consumers should not be concerned about shortages.

“However, the war in the Middle East is causing supply chain disruption which is starting to push up manufacturing costs, including for energy, road and sea freight, packaging and some commodities.  Manufacturers will work hard to protect consumers from price rises but, even under an optimistic scenario, our forecast is that food inflation will reach at least 9% by December.

“We are engaging government to ensure they are acting to reduce costs where possible for food and drink manufacturers, to mitigate the impact of rising food prices on inflation.”