An inquiry has been launched into the impact of the energy crisis on the food and drink supply chain as the impact of soaring prices and economic turmoil intensifies.
The Food and Drink Supply Chain APPG, a cross-party parliament group designed to protect the food and drink sector, will investigate whether the government needs to take further action to prioritise food companies and retailers.
MPs said the inquiry would look at ways to offer long-term resilience against the threat of rising food costs as a result of energy inflation.
Last month ministers confirmed a six-month bailout period for companies facing higher than average energy bills, however it is currently unknown what would happen to those businesses when the six-month period ends in March.
The APPG issued a call for evidence throughout the supply chain and will be quizzing industry leaders from organisations like the National Farmers Union (NFU), Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) and the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
“Ensuring that the UK food and drink supply chain produces healthy, quality, and affordable food is of fundamental importance,” interim chair of the Food and Drink Supply Chain APPG, Sharon Hodgson said.
She added: “However, spiraling energy prices are having a major impact on food and drink businesses, intensifying the cost of doing business, and driving food price inflation to worrying levels.
“This forum will enable us to understand the short and medium-term effects the energy crisis is having on businesses, what steps we as policymakers can take to alleviate the worst of the situation, and how we can build a stronger, more resilient supply chain in the future.”
