Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with trade unions on (a) the reasons for which bread prices have risen in the UK and (b) the security of supply chains in that sector.

Food price inflation is being driven by a combination of factors including increased global commodity prices and farm input costs. For food manufacturers production costs have also increased reflecting a tight labour market, increasing wages, energy price increases, fuel and packaging materials costs.

Regarding bread prices, the largest upward effect in the annual CPIH rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages in the year to March 2023 (19.2%) came from the bread and cereals class increasing by 19.4% in a year, although the more recent drivers have been from increases in the price of biscuits and cakes within that class.

To ensure a consistent supply of food, the UK relies both on its own production and on imports. Sourcing food and its ingredients from domestic and global markets contributes to food resilience. Diverse supply chains and global trade in agri-food commodities increases availability and consumer choice

Defra has well established ways of working with the industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.