Food prices may rise 10%, warns poultry boss

SHOPPERS could face a 10 per cent hike in food prices as manufacturers grapple with soaring energy costs and a shortage of HGV drivers, industry leaders have warned.

Ranjit Boparan, the founder of poultry giant 2 Sisters Food Group, said the increase would be part of a ‘great food reset’ in an effort to deal with the ongoing supply crisis.

This would cover higher costs – including improved pay for HGV drivers – as well as soaring fuel and gas bills which will feed through to shelf prices.

Mr Boparan’s company is best known as a chicken supplier, however it has expanded dramatically in recent years into ready meals, pies, soups and pizzas sold through the major supermarkets.

‘Food is too cheap, there’s no point avoiding the issue. In relative terms, a chicken today is cheaper to buy than it was 20 years ago,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.

‘How can it be right that a whole chicken costs less than a pint of beer? You’re looking at a different world from now on where the shopper pays more.’

Mr Boparan added: ‘Three months ago I was vocal about the Government needing to help with labour issues.

‘I’ve now come to the conclusion that in reality it can’t fix all the problems, nor can it control inflation. Less labour means less choice, core ranges, empty shelves and wage inflation – and this isn’t going to change.’

Earlier this week the boss of Kraft Heinz, famous for its baked beans and ketchup, issued a similar warning as the company prepared to put up prices in several countries.

Other major food companies – such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Wetherspoon – have also been affected in recent months, with a lack of HGV drivers leading to supply shortages.