Latest news with #shortage
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Spice companies warning about possible shortage and price hike
It might become harder and more expensive to find a basic spice used in every Australian household as brands declare a shortage that could soon filter down to supermarkets. Ian Hemphill, the managing director of Herbie's Spices, said that a variety of factors — including monsoon seasons in Vietnam — have led to a shortage of black pepper. 'As you would appreciate, pepper being an agricultural commodity, it is always effected by the things that effect anything that's grown, harvested, processed,' he said. 'And so the changes we're experiencing — the monsoons have been unpredictable, they've been either too low or too heavy. And that's what fertilises a pepper crop.' He said from what he's seen, lower crop yields across countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia and India, have seen a lack of availability. He said this is normally when prices go up. 'I've been in the spice business for 50 years, and over that time pepper has fluctuated probably more than any other spice commodity,' he said. He said other factors, such as the current global unrest in the Middle East, will also play a part in supply shortages and price spikes. Mr Hemphill said this doesn't necessarily directly impact shipping, but it's been disturbed globally and impacted the cost of shipping. Jordyn Evans, the woman behind Mingle Seasoning, said the brand is working to limit any potential impact on products. 'Being a 100 per cent natural product, our ingredients can sometimes be affected by seasonal shifts, like the current global pepper shortage,' she said. 'Citrus Pepper is one of our top sellers in Coles, and while we do anticipate some supply pressure, we are doing everything we can to keep it on shelves. 'This will not affect pricing as we are committed to delivering the best value to our customers. While these challenges can be frustrating, they are sometimes part of working with real, natural ingredients.' Major supermarkets in Australia — Woolworths, Coles and Aldi — are all understood by to not have been impacted by the shortage just yet. But Mr Hemphill said that it would be at least two to three months before Australians saw an impact at their local grocery store. 'What you have to remember is the length of the supply chain. If you look at the big companies, they would pack 10 to 20,000 packets at a time,' he said, before the items would be stored in a warehouse and the distributed to retailers. 'In many respects, you're probably looking at pepper that was purchased way back when the price was lower. You will also find the bigger organisations will speculate, look at the climatic conditions, and stock up for a buffer.' He said that because black pepper is a dried product, that allows for this to happen. But he was firm on the fact that prices will rise — and warned that lower grade material may become more readily available. 'I'd like to finish up by saying — and I think this is a really important message — is that when it comes to the amount of pepper you use in your food, it is probably one of the lowest cost ingredients that go into the meal,' he said. 'Yes, you have to pay $7 when you buy it but it will last you for a month or more. When you grind it onto your food, it's only a couple of cents worth. 'It's nature's greatest economical flavour enhancer.'
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Acute shortage driving bus operators to hire without vetting, says group
It was reported last week that the bus driver involved in the crash that killed 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris had a record of 18 traffic summonses. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : An acute shortage of qualified bus and lorry drivers in Malaysia has led to some companies ignoring records when hiring new employees, an association says. Tour Bus Operators Association of Peninsular Malaysia president Steven Chong said the shortage worsened after the Covid-19 pandemic, when many drivers decided to quit the industry for good. He added that the industry, which he said had raised the shortage a number of times, continued to struggle with recruiting experienced drivers. Chong also said that the majority of the workforce comprised ageing drivers as efforts to attract fresh talent had failed. 'After the MCO, many of our drivers found other jobs,' he told FMT, referring to the restrictions on movements put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19. 'Once they are settled, it's very difficult to get them to come back. 'And in times of desperation, companies may skip the vetting process, such as checking for summonses,' he said, adding that a majority of bus companies would ensure that their drivers undergo a urine test the day before a trip. It was reported last week that the bus driver involved in the crash that killed 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris had a record of 18 traffic summonses. To overcome the shortage of drivers, Chong suggested that the government provide more training and incentives to encourage especially the younger generation to join the industry. He added that allowing the employment of foreign drivers would help. Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association president Ashfar Ali said although the transport ministry provides 1,000 training slots for those in the lower-income group to obtain Class E and public service vehicle licences, this was not enough to meet the current demand. Voicing gratitude for the existing allocation, he said the industry nevertheless needed more support. 'It's costly to obtain these licences, and while the free training initiative helps, the numbers need to be increased if we're serious about resolving this shortage,' he said. He also dismissed the notion that the shortage of drivers was due to unattractive salaries or unfavourable conditions, attributing it instead to issues with training and employee retention. Ashfar said operators often needed to provide an advance to sponsor aspiring drivers through licensing. However, he said many disappeared once they were certified, opting not to work for the companies that had funded them. 'We've seen cases where drivers get their licence and just vanish. Few operators are willing to take the risk,' he said.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers warned of ‘substantial' shortages of staple summer drink on supermarket shelves from today
SHOPPERS have been warned there will be "substantial" shortages of a classic summer drink from TODAY. Brits were devastated to learn they could find empty wine shelves in supermarkets up and down the country. 1 Bottles have disappeared rapidly after a popular wine supplier announced its workers are going on strike. Staff at Encirc, a Bristol based warehouse that holds 18 of the most drank wine brands in the UK, kicked off the 16-day walk out today. Around 2000 employees at the site, in Avonmouth, revealed they will carry out the industrial action from June 19 to July 5. Unit members are going on strike over a pay dispute, as reported by the Express, after already being offered a 3.2 per cent wage increase. A union spokesperson claimed workers are not paid properly despite the "very profitable company" Encirc turning over £600million. It will see key figures in bottling, packaging and distribution, walk out on different dates - as well as a 12 week overtime ban. Experts have claimed the strike could see a "significant" shortage of wines at UK supermarkets. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need. "This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to. "Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encric to steal our members hard won rights. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel "Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite's full support throughout this dispute." Unite regional officer John Sweeney added: "There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves. "While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making. "Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer." Encirc said it is 'open to dialogue with the union in good faith.' This comes as beer fans are going bananas over this summer beverage accessory that has been branded a "great product." The product is currently on sale for nearly half the price and can arrive at your home in time for the weekend. And, Sun reporter Helen Nicklin has tested a range of supermarket summer cocktails in a can. The winner was a Pimm's mix - which was £10 cheaper than the new Aperol Spritz. Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making. And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience. Here, drinks expert Helena sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails. Plus, Morrisons shoppers have raised a glass this week as the industry giant rolls out brand-new cocktails for just £1.50 per drink – and they're perfect for summer BBQs. The budget-friendly booze is part of an exclusive tie-up with premium cocktail brand The Drinks Bureau, bringing a taste of the bar straight to your garden party. Available now in over 280 Morrisons stores across the UK, the 1.5-litre cocktail boxes are priced at £15 each – or just £12 with a More Card. That works out at as little as £1.20 per serving, offering premium drinks at pocket-friendly prices. Each box contains ten ready-to-drink servings and includes a tap-style spout for easy pouring, making it an ideal option for hassle-free entertaining. It's also the first time shoppers can get premium 'on tap' cocktails from a UK supermarket – a format that's proven popular in bars and pubs. How to save money buying alcohol Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs. It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price. Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz. The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter. If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers. Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as or Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too. If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Wine shortage fears after bottling workers go on strike
Drinkers face the possibility of wine shortages this summer after workers at the nation's biggest bottling plant voted to go on strike. Union bosses warned shoppers to expect empty supermarket shelves after 200 staff at the Encirc factory in Bristol decided to walk out in a dispute over pay. The facility is capable of bottling nearly 300 million litres of wine a year, the equivalent of about 360 million bottles, and has 40 per cent market share. It supplies all the major supermarkets and is used by 18 of the top 20 wine brands in the UK, including Hardys, Villa Maria and McGuigan, as well as several popular celebrity wines including Graham Norton and Sarah Jessica Parker's ranges. Most new world wines are shipped to the UK in huge containers and bottled here to save the financial and environmental costs of transporting millions of bottles. The trade union Unite confirmed that the strike would take place between Thursday and July 5 and that workers in different parts of the business would take industrial action on different dates and at different times to maximise disruption. John Sweeney, Unite's regional officer, said: 'There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves. While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making.' • Cognac workers strike over Hennessy's plans to bottle in China Unite explained that Encirc, which is owned by the Spanish Vidrala group, had only offered its workers a 3.2 per cent pay rise, with all future pay rises linked to inflation. The union also accused the company of effectively removing collective bargaining rights because any pay increases will in future be imposed on workers without negotiation. Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, said that the firm was 'very profitable' and had 'a turnover of more than £600 million'. She added: 'Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need. We will not stand idly by and allow Encirc to steal our members' hard-won rights. Encirc workers deserve better and they have our full support throughout this dispute.' In a statement, the company said that it was 'incredibly disappointed' with the industrial action and would try to 'mitigate any impact' on supplies. The firm said: 'We have worked hard to not only uplift pay and conditions, but to create a truly great place to work. If this latest pay offer was accepted, we would have increased pay for our Bristol-based site by more than 16 per cent in less than two years. There are few companies in our sector globally who have done the same for their people.' The firm added that it remained 'open to dialogue with the union in good faith'. Enirc's Bristol site is one of the most advanced and sustainable bottling facilities in the world, operating with zero waste and 100 per cent renewable electricity. It boasts of being able to handle bulk container shipping tanks that hold 24,000 litres of wine, which is then bottled on site, reducing glass shipping costs and carbon emissions. Supermarkets and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association have been approached for comment.
Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Wine shortage to hit UK this summer
The UK is set to face a wine shortage over the summer as glass makers and bottle fillers strike over pay, according to trade union chiefs. Unite, the union behind the Birmingham bin strikes, has said hundreds of its members at the Bristol branch of Encirc, a leading wine packaging firm, would walk out from Thursday until July 5. Workers based at the site in Avonmouth, Bristol, are said to have been angered after receiving a 3.2 per cent pay rise offer from the firm, with the union claiming it was not consulted about the deal. Staff are scheduled to take action on specific days across the two-week period in an attempt to impact production as much as possible. It comes as the Government faces a ' summer of discontent ', with teacher and university strikes possibly also taking place well into the autumn. 'Encirc is choosing not to pay its workers properly' In a statement, Unite said: 'There is set to be shortages of bottled, box and bags of wine on supermarket shelves this summer as over 200 Unite members at the Encirc site in Avonmouth strike over pay and collective bargaining. 'Members at the factory work across different areas, including bottling and packaging red, white, rosé and sparkling wine and distributing it from warehouses. 'Encirc supplies all the major supermarkets with wine, which is the most popular alcoholic drink in the UK.' The statement said there would also be 'a 12-week overtime ban as part of the action'. John Sweeney, the regional officer at Unite, said: 'There's no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves. While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making. 'Management has consistently refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer.' Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, criticised the packaging firm's pay offer, saying: 'This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly – but it is choosing not to.' The union said it supported Encirc's request for Acas, the conciliation service, to step in.
