An additional problem is that many food companies are unable to pass on their rising costs to their customers. “We do see a certain flexibility in the catering industry and the companies that prepare meals,” says Bart Buysse.
The problem lies with the wholesale distribution: the large supermarket chains. “Unfortunately, we notice that they are hardly open to talk about inevitable price increases.” Fevia therefore asks them to face the economic reality and to pass on their price increases in the prices they pay to the food companies.
“This also shows that there is an urgent need for regulations to guarantee that contracts and prices can be adjusted more quickly in times of crisis, in the event of unforeseen and enormous cost increases,” says Bart Buysse. The prices that the supermarkets pay are laid down in annual contracts, which they conclude with food producers. According to Fevia, this system should not be a reason to pass on all costs to the producers.
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