Many pubs and restaurants will need to revise their spring menus due to the spread of the Schmallenberg virus, which will reduce supplies of lamb and increase costs.
Buying specialist Lynx Purchasing expects the shortage to dramatically push up the price of menu favourites such as roast lamb and lamb shank. Lynx managing director John Pinder says: “The arrival of the virus in the UK is clearly a tragedy for the farms affected, and will also have an impact on the foodservice sector.
“Lamb prices are already rising at very high levels, and will inevitably rise further as a result of the shortage of new spring lamb caused by the virus. That will push the price beyond the point where many operators can afford to offer roast lamb as an option in carveries and Sunday lunches, simply because their customers won’t be prepared to pay the higher prices that will have to be charged.
“Lamb dishes planned for spring menus will also have to be substituted in many cases. The biggest problem will be faced by operators who have put lamb on Easter or Mother’s Day menus, and have already taken bookings at agreed prices. The sharp increase in the cost of lamb we’re expecting will decimate their margins unless their suppliers are able to help.
“The cost of imported lamb is also likely to increase as a result of the shortfall in supply, and operators may find they’re being asked to pay high prices for meat which isn’t up to their usual standard. We’re talking to our meat suppliers to negotiate the best possible prices for our customers for good quality lamb.”
The Schmallenberg virus has been recorded on more than 80 farms in the south of England, and is thought to be spread by midges.
Lamb prices rose by 16.2 per cent in the year to January, according to ONS inflation figures.
Lynx Purchasing offers caterers access to the best prices in the market, with no fees or contracts. For more information see www.lynxpurchasing.co.uk