Food manufacturers are urging the cabinet to take targeted measures to keep supermarket prices affordable. The Dutch Food Industry Federation (FNLI) expects food prices to rise in the coming months. This is due to sharply increasing transport and energy costs.
The FNLI warns that national measures are adding to international cost pressures. “Proposed measures such as a sugar tax, higher excise duties on alcohol, and an additional packaging levy come on top of existing burdens, such as the consumption tax on non-alcoholic beverages. Combined with increasing regulatory pressure, this raises the burden on businesses and could lead to higher prices in shops,” the trade association said.
The food industry is calling on the cabinet to curb costs, restore competitiveness, and protect production in the Netherlands. “Ensure stable and competitive energy prices and avoid new national levies on electricity, gas, or packaging. Now more than ever, policies should support supply chain stability and affordable choices for consumers. New measures must also be carefully assessed for effectiveness, feasibility, and affordability,” the FNLI said.
According to the organisation, international disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East are affecting the entire supply chain. “Higher and more volatile costs for energy, logistics, packaging, and raw materials are building up. Although the causes lie outside the Netherlands, the effects are felt immediately here: in factories, in transport, and ultimately in shops.”
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
