Supply Chain Disruption & Business Impact
The Challenge:
As operators begin their road to recovery and normality, supply chains have been struggling to cope.
The Reasons:
An estimated shortfall of around 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK at present.
Shipping delays have had a major impact on the availability of key commodities and product packaging.
Producers & Manufacturers have reduced capacity due to National labour shortage (particularly seasonal workers).
Pingdemic impact.
Brexit fallout has resulted in specific availability challenges and added costs.
Severe droughts in key countries.
What It Means to You:
Availability will be tight over the coming months.
Suppliers are having to pay higher wages to secure staff – particularly drivers.
The current market situation will inevitably lead to price increases.
What can you do to limit the impact?
If space allows, insert a statement on the menu describing the changing picture of buying food and beverage post covid?
Create menus that allow for a good level of flexibility, some products will simply not be available at times.
Do not invest in expensive menu printing at this time.
For events, keep the menu, dish composition, or description vague and price for a worst-case scenario in terms of ingredient sourcing.
Use freezer and storage space wisely, allowing you to take advantage of buying ahead when we can see specific product shortages or pending price increases – vegetable oil and chicken for example will be very expensive by end of September across all suppliers.
