The poll of industry leaders found that 99% of businesses are currently experiencing supply chain issues, with nearly nine in ten (88%) facing reduced product lines. More than four in five have seen deliveries of products delayed (82%) or failing to turn up completely (84%).

Supply issues have driving inflation in many key cost areas, with more than four in five seeing higher costs in their supply chain (82%). Access to products from Europe has been a particular issue, with 68% of leaders identifying it as a major area of concern—up by 27 percentage points since the second-quarter Business Confidence Survey.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “Brexit and Covid-19 have dealt two painful blows to the food and drink supply chain, and few hospitality businesses have escaped the impacts.

“Delivery problems and cost pressures have come at the worst possible time, with thousands of pubs, bars and restaurants only just finding their feet after months of lockdown. This two-pronged crisis highlights the need for targeted government intervention and sustained support to protect thousands of businesses and jobs in the months ahead.”

While some business leaders hope to absorb rising costs, three in four (76%) say they will have no choice but to pass them on to consumers by increasing their prices—jeopardising sales just as trading conditions return towards pre-Covid-19 norms. 

Sebastien Sepierre, managing director – EMEA, Fourth, added: “The survey paints a very stark picture of the supply chain crisis that is severely impacting hospitality businesses right now. Many in the sector are concerned about how it will impact this year’s festive season, particularly in light of the fact last year’s Christmas trading was severely curtailed by Covid restrictions.

“We will be working very closely with our customers and their supply chain from a procurement, workforce and planning standpoint, to help them best prepare for and tackle these ongoing challenges in the weeks and months ahead.”