Food and drink firms welcome CO2 agreement ensuring continued supply

The Food and Drink Federation trade body has welcomed the carbon dioxide (CO2) deal that will ensure continuity of its supply which is used in making meat, beer, baked goods and fizzy drinks, for at least three months.

A short government statement said on Tuesday (1) that the new industry-led deal would enable the CF Fertiliser plant in Billingham, County Durham, to continue to operate.

“UK food and drink manufacturers welcome the deal that will ensure continuity of CO2 supply, keeping our shops, pubs and restaurants stocked with our favourite food and drink,” Kate Halliwell, the chief scientific officer at the Food and Drink Federation trade body, which represents hundreds of UK food and drink businesses, said.

However, industry insiders said there were concerns about what the new industry deal would mean for the cost of CO2, which has risen sharply in the light of soaring energy prices.

The British Beer and Pub Association has demanded further details on the nature of the arrangement.

“We are encouraged by the agreement made between suppliers and CF industries, however we urgently need further details on the nature of the arrangement in order to understand the impact on our sector and the longer term sustainability of CO2 supply for the UK drinks sector,” Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said.

Meat processors, brewers, bakers and soft drink producers all use CO2 in making and packaging their goods. It is also required for the humane slaughter of animals including pigs and chickens, and is used by hospitals and nuclear power plants.

The CO2 supply came in question this week after a three-month emergency deal brokered by the government came to an end on Monday (31). That deal was prompted after a crisis in CO2 supplies hit the country in late September as high energy prices combined with annual maintenance shutdowns to bring UK production to a near halt.