Foodservice Footprint Stock-screen Food and drink inflation continues to rise in the sector reaching its highest level in 2018 Numbers you need to know

Food and drink inflation continues to rise in the sector reaching its highest level in 2018

Sugar tax, fishing quotas and tariffs among a host of issues identified by the new CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index.

Volatility in key food and drink categories including soft drinks and fish are fuelling inflation in the foodservice supply chain, according to the latest edition of the CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index.

The exclusive monthly report reveals that sot drinks prices were 11.1% higher in May 2018 than 12 months previously. Inflation has been triggered by the introduction of the government’s sugar tax and a shortage of food-standard carbon dioxide, a key component of carbonated drinks.

The Index meanwhile reveals fish prices to be at record highs, with year-on- year inflation hitting 23.8% in May. The upward trend has been fuelled by spiraling salmon prices in particular, and by uncertainty over future fishing quotas.

The Foodservice Price Index also highlights concerns over future inflation in meat, in the wake of rising tariffs in key territories and significant supply problems in Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter. Several other areas of food and drink recorded negative inflation in May, but the high prices in some categories are evidence of the ongoing turbulence in the foodservice sector.

The CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index features detailed analysis of ten important categories, accompanied by expert commentary on short and long term trends around the sector. It also forecasts future movements in foodservice prices, providing businesses throughout the supply chain with the intelligence required to stay on top of challenges and opportunities.

Shaun Allen, Chief Executive at Prestige Purchasing, said: “The upward movement in inflation to its highest level so far this year will not be welcome news for operators. The industry has experienced a continuous stream of supply issues this year which is contributing to the rise in inflation within the foodservice sector and the recent shortage of CO2 is only likely to add further pressure over the coming months. With more turbulent times expected as we head towards Brexit, it will be more important than ever that businesses take a proactive approach to managing the risks of inflation.”

Fiona Speakman, CGA Client Director – Food, said: “Our new Foodservice Price Index report is a reminder that inflation in the industry remains unpredictable. While some areas of food and drink have seen some welcome price stability in recent months, other categories are vulnerable to supply shocks. For all businesses, it is crucial to properly understand inflation trends and adapt purchasing and pricing strategies accordingly.”

The CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index is jointly produced by Prestige Purchasing and CGA, using data drawn from over 50% of the foodservice market and around 7.8m transactions per month. More information on specific categories is available on a subscription basis.