Delivery interruptions provoked in many major catering networks a shortage of key products. According to the agency Reuters, at least nine of the surveyed companies admitted that they had to cut the menu or change the usual mode of operation.
It is not only about the shortage of food, but also a non-food component of their business – for example, packaging. According to the representative of Starbucks, the deficit is temporary and varies depending on the particular institution. For example, in the Network Restaurant in the city of Pokapesy, New York State is not enough cold green tea, syrup with cinnamon, spinach and feta cheese.
“We continue to work closely with our suppliers to replenish stocks as quickly as possible. And we recommend using our application to check for the availability of the position you need,” the company’s statement reports.
One of the sources close to KFC shared that many network establishments suddenly remained without paper bags, and the Subway restaurant complained about the lack of roast befe, chicken grill and acute mustard.
However, the problems of companies are caused not only by the deficit of products as such, but also interruptions in the supply chain. Cargo ships, cars and trains have become unprofitable to maintain when enterprises closed due to a pandemic and the number of workers on farms, factories and warehouses has decreased. This affected the production of goods – it became not enough of all: from meat and vegetable oil to plastic and glass packaging.
And now the growing number of vaccinated from COVID-19 provoked a surge of attendance of restaurants and other catering establishments, which caught the surprises of manufacturers and food suppliers. The Partner of the Food Industry Consultant PentalLect Barney Frands believes that because of the long lack of anything in the menu “Companies risk disappointing many of their customers” and lose them.
In early June, Starbucks had to be removed from the menu of drinks on oatmeal and some desserts due to the inconsistency of the supply volume sharply increased demand against the background of removing coronavirus restrictions.