When the grain price on the world market doubled as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, prices rose. Even if the Flemish millers do not get their grain in Ukraine. “Our bakers now pay almost twice as much for their flour as at the end of last year,” says Eddy Van Damme of Bakkers Vlaanderen.
But he is not so sure yet that the price for flour here will also follow the downward trend. “Because of inflation, the millers will have to pay their workers eight to ten percent more from New Year’s onwards. It is possible that the increased wage costs will be passed on. I hope not, because the bakers also have to index the wages of their shop assistants and workers. In addition, they saw their electricity bill double, and the gas bills were multiplied by three or four. This is even more important for bakers than for families, most have ovens that run on gas and they have to be hot all year round. Many bakers have already raised the price of bread in the spring, which now fluctuates between 2.75 and 3 euros. If the flower price does not go down, a new price increase is imminent by the beginning of next year,” predicts Van Damme. “It would be a step in the right direction if we could still avert it.”
Although the chairman of the federation of warm bakers already seems to be preparing to defend a new price increase. “With one loaf of bread you have enough to offer five to six guests a complete meal. What else can you get for three euros for so many people?”