Costly Christmas in store for hospitality, buying specialist warns
Lynx Purchasing advised operators to be more flexible with their menus.
Christmas could prove costly for catering and hospitality operators, with some staples projected to see higher prices in the run-up to the festive season, according Lynx Purchasing.
Turkey, Brussels sprouts, lemon and cream are some items they cited that are forecasted to be more expensive.
"While we're still waiting for clarity on how Brexit, in whatever form it takes, will affect the supply chain, other factors are having an impact as operators get ready for the peak trading season," Lynx Purchasing managing director Rachel Dobson said. "Extreme weather, from the spring floods to the summer heatwave in Europe, has affected many crops, and there are various other challenges facing meat, seafood and dairy."
Dobson adds that operators who have not secured the essentials they need for their Christmas menus may find some items in short supply.
"Even where they have placed firm orders, they're likely to have higher-than-expected bills to pay when it comes to settling up with suppliers in January,” she explained.
However, she said that any flexibility that can be built into menus will help businesses make the most of the best value produce available.
"Equally, suppliers are just as concerned as operators about the ongoing political uncertainty and the resulting consumer caution, and will be grateful for any certainty they can get, so operators who can give forecasts of their potential orders to help suppliers plan will be in a stronger position when it comes to price negotiations."
