AFGC encourages consumers to buy early for Christmas

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) is encouraging consumers to do their Christmas shopping as early as possible, in a sign of the pressures that are buffeting supply chains around the world at the moment.

A wooden pallet shortage, partially driven by increased timber prices earlier in the year, has meant that manufacturers have had to slow or halt production altogether. Without pallets, products are unable to be safely shipped and thus fewer products are expected to be on shelves come Christmas time.

Adding to this problem is that globally there is a bottleneck in shipping and the supply chain at various stages, making it difficult for producers to easily access what is required for the manufacture of their products.

“Consumers do need to be aware that they may be limited in some of their choices and if they have particular products they want then planning to shop early is a good idea,” said Australian Food and Grocery Council CEO Tanya Barden.

“Our food and grocery manufacturers have continued to keep supermarket shelves stocked throughout all the disruptions that COVID-19 has thrown at the industry and they are continuing to do their very best in the face of unprecedented challenges.

“The shortage of pallets is a concern for our members and we hope that pallet providers are able to find a way to meet their projected supply of these vital items.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Svetlana Kolpakova