Food shortages and supply issues becoming 'normality'

This comes as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Minette Batters yesterday (Tuesday 21 February) told Sky News the production of a range of vegetables could be at risk amid soaring energy costs for farmers.

The NFU president warned “peppers and other salad vegetables grown indoors” as well as cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli and potatoes, could be impacted.

Regular disruptions 

Speaking at the NFU conference in Birmingham yesterday, Batters warned the “clock is ticking” for Government to “start putting meaningful, tangible and effective meat on the bones of the commitments it has made”.

However, food shortages and supply chain issues are becoming “normality” as chefs continue to “adapt”, according to Only Food and Courses in Westminster, London, chef/owner Robbie Lorraine.

He said: “Unfortunately, our economy is seeing supply chain disruptions quite regularly. 

“As chefs, we’re used to adapting our menus based on seasonality and quality of produce, so we’ve always had a knack of keeping menus flexible wherever possible. 

Able to adapt 

“Covid after-effects, Brexit and climate change, are all playing a major role in the availability of certain products at different times of the year. Sadly, this is our normality so we have to ensure that we are able to adapt.”

This follows news that olive oil, sugar and low-fat milk prices​ soared by more than 40% in the 12 months to January 2023 with food prices maintaining upward pressure on inflation, according to the latest data from the Office For National Statistics (ONS).

In addition, research from Lightspeed’s most recent Global State of Hospitality report​ showed 69% of businesses raised their menu prices in 2022.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The rate of inflation decreasing for three months in a row is promising but it remains the case price rises continue to significantly hinder hospitality businesses.”