‘BUY British’ is one of the most important lessons to emerge from the impact the Middle East conflict has on household budgets and the cost of living, according to the CEO of Foodbuy UK&I, one of the UK’s largest group purchasing organisations (GPOs) and a leading procurement specialist for the foodservice sector.
Alex Demetriou said: “As we saw during the pandemic and at the start of the war in Ukraine, the immediate impact is often felt in areas such as fuel costs but the knock-on effects across wider supply chains can linger for months, and in some cases more than a year, before pricing stabilises.
“However, we have to believe that the UK can adapt and recover over the long term. A key part of that recovery must involve better use of nation’s own resources and strengthening domestic production and supply chains.
“Many consumers avoid buying British produce because it can be more expensive. But without consistent demand, British farmers and growers struggle to achieve the volumes and scale needed to bring prices down.”
Action is required on three fronts, he said. First, government must do more to support growers and encourage the right long-term behaviours; secondly consumers should be encouraged to buy British; Thirdly industry leaders need to provide growers with greater certainty through long-term contracts and investment support.
“If we get that balance right, Britain will be far better prepared for future global shocks, and the impact on household budgets will be far less severe.”
