MPs launch inquiry into food supply chain
The Food and Drink Supply Chain All-Party Parliamentary Group(APPG), which was set up earlier this year, will explore the impact the current energy crisis is having on the food and drink supply chain.
It will also examine how this could potentially impact consumers and businesses across the UK and what steps need to be taken in the Chancellor’s next fiscal event, and after the government’s six month support package expires.
Feasibility
The parliamentary group admits that while thousands of food and drink businesses may have been saved from closure this winter by the energy bills relief scheme (EBRS), significant questions remain over the details, feasibility, and sustainability of government policy.
Sharon Hodgson, Interim Chair of the Food and Drink Supply Chain APPG said: “Ensuring that the UK food and drink supply chain produces healthy, quality, and affordable food is of fundamental importance.
“However, spiralling 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.
Energy crisis
“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.”
The first session will take place on Wednesday, 19 October with panellists including a representative from the National Farmers Union; James Bielby – chief executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors; Gavin Partington – director general of the British Soft Drinks Association; Ian Mace – head of government affairs and policy of Associated British Foods; Emma McClarkin – chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association and James Lowman – chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores.
