Scottish catering and hospitality news in Scotland

Catering in Scotland magazine is published bi-monthly with in-depth features, views and news for the Scottish catering, hospitality and tourism industry. On this page we have the latest news to keep you constantly updated on the market. On the left hand side of the page you can search our archived news which is stored monthly.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

EGG PRODUCT PRICES SET TO SOAR

The British Egg Products Association (BEPA) has warned that food manufacturers and caterers can expect further significant price rises for egg products over the next few weeks, due to strong demand and the spiralling costs of egg production.

The pressure on the egg products market has largely been caused by the increasing cost of raw materials, which have been driven up by high wheat costs.

'The dramatic increases in feed costs, coupled with a shortage of eggs for processing, have meant that we are having to pay far more for eggs than we have done in the past,' says Clive Frampton, Chairman of the British Egg Products Association. 'The price rises are needed in order to guarantee supply to all our customers in the short to medium term.'

The cost of feed accounts for around half the cost of egg production and has nearly doubled this year. Wheat prices have risen as a result of the poor harvest across Europe, increased global demand for cereals for biofuels and increased meat consumption in developing countries. World cereal stocks are at record low levels.

Strong consumer demand has exacerbated the problem, with retail egg sales up by more than 3% this year and demand for egg products continuing to rise in line with the traditional seasonal uplift. As a consequence, food manufacturers and caterers are facing price rises of around 50%.

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