Food supply chain feeling effects of COVID-19: Food trends expert

COVID-19 is causing headaches for many food producers and manufacturers in the world.

The pandemic has thrown the supply chain into a loop with restaurants being restricted and with many questions about if there will be a lack of labour and support for farmers during 2020.

“The entire food supply chain is recalibrating just because food service does not exist right now — restaurants are now closed,” Sylvain Charlebois, a professor at Dalhousie University and a food trends expert, told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday.

“That’s not going to last forever but there could be some permanent damages moving forward for sure.”

But Charlebois, who used to live in Regina, expects the resilient farmers in the west to find a way.

“I think they’ll just keep on going and grow something they can make money with come harvest,” he said.

Charlebois said the hog industry is being affected by COVID-19. With factories closing in the U.S. and Canada, there are now more hogs waiting to go to market.

“Don’t be surprised if supplies at retail are lower than usual but we are expecting prices to drop,” he said. “In fact, in some parts of Canada, prices have started to drop (already) for pork products like bacon and ham. We’re past Easter now so we should get some good deals.”

While some people may have noticed flour and yeast shelves being empty, Charlebois said that’s not expected to be an issue.

“People are baking more, which is not unusual (because) we’re spending more time at home. If you’re patient and you see an empty shelf, whether you’re in Regina or elsewhere, you’ll be fine and probably have the product you need,” Charlebois said.

When it comes to companies raising the prices on items that are in high demand, Charlebois said some smaller businesses might but large chains won’t risk the negative publicity that could come with it.

“Within a second you can see a picture on social media being shared a thousand times and you can see your reputation being damaged,” Charlebois said. “All the major store chains are very careful and they try to price their products right, especially during a pandemic.”

Charlebois said seeds for produce have been in high demand as people choose to start their own gardens this year due to the pandemic.