Empty freezers in the supermarket threaten: Associations raise the alarm - "The situation is more than serious"

Created: 09/23/2022, 15:26

By: Patricia Huber

Rising energy prices are also affecting the food industry.

Various associations are now warning of drastic consequences, such as empty refrigerators.

Berlin – More and more companies are sounding the alarm.

High inflation creates an enormous additional financial burden.

Particularly energy-intensive companies are struggling with the extremely high electricity and gas prices.

This also affects the food industry - which could have drastic consequences.

Seven different food associations, such as the Association of German Cold Stores and Cooling Logistics Companies e.

V. and the German Frozen Food Institute.

Food associations warn Scholz, Habeck and Özdemir: "It's one minute to twelve!"

In an open fire letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Food and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens), the food manufacturers make it clear how serious the situation is.

Because especially the "energy-intensive companies in the medium-sized frozen and fresh food industry" would face an "existential threat".

"It's one minute to twelve!", the associations and the German Frozen Institute warn.

The situation is dramatic.

"The food industry is experiencing the worst crisis since the end of the Second World War," the letter said.

The companies lack financial support from the government.

After all, they would also be affected by the high gas and electricity prices.

In addition, there are disrupted supply chains, increased personnel costs and scarcity of raw materials.

All of these factors mean that companies are now already fearing “the imminent standstill of production lines and the closure of refrigerated logistics centers for food distribution”.

"Some are even preparing for possible bankruptcy," the letter warns.

Industry appeals to politicians: "Otherwise the refrigerators will remain empty"

Without financial help, there could be gaps in the daily food supply.

"The situation is more than serious!" The companies are demanding energy subsidy and a short-term opening of the energy cost containment program for all medium-sized companies in the deep-freeze chain - for industry, cold stores, trade and logistics services.

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In addition, the government should promote securing the energy supply with the highest priority.

"Otherwise the fridges and freezers for the German population will soon be empty!"