At the forefront of the risk of shortages caused by the war in Ukraine, observers often cite wheat and sunflower oil. The Belgian Food Industry Federation (Fevia) also points to linseed oil, honey, egg products, or glass packaging such as bottles and jars. Manufacturers of bread and bakery products, pasta and biscuits, are feeling the effects of reduced wheat exports from Russia and Ukraine.
As regards producers of prepared products made from potatoes and vegetables, prepared meals, margarines and minarines, sauces, chocolate spreads, breakfast cereals, pastry products, medical products and for babies, they are looking for alternative solutions and substitute ingredients. “We are a resilient sector, but in these circumstances our businesses need support and flexibility”indicates Anthony Botelberge, president of Fevia, advocating “the collective commitment of all players in the sector”.
This concerns distributors and governments (who are being asked to temporarily derogate from labeling legislation and take measures to moderate the energy bill), but also consumers (who must stop demanding prices that are too low).
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