How very British of us to propose excuses for profiteering. The fact is, that in most cases, every step of the supply chain covers its costs. Maintains its margins as a percentage of costs. Adds a little bit more, just in case. And the end users cops the lot while shedding a tear for the straightened times of the supplier. Pathetic!
We need a bit (a lot) more innovation and thinking outside the box! Sure, there are rises that'll need to be passed on. Sure, some small businesses will go to the wall. But let's keep a bit of common sense shall we.
For example, the price of grain has increased due to issue with Russia. So what? We are net exporters of brewing and distilling barley. There's no reason for barley to go up except for fertiliser costs. How do organic producers manage. Don't we have an excess of cattle and sheep manure? Aren't we an island with loads of seaweed on our storm tossed beaches? Haven't we got the wherewithall to make our own fertiliser factories? The price of gas has peaked and started to fall, so energy is still dear, but not as bad as it might have been. So why is Minch Malt, a local Irish business, charging THBC nearly double if it's not profiteering? I could go on about hops in much the same way, but I'm not aware that there's an issue with hops just yet.
And another thing. When things get back to normal and Putin is put in his place, does anyone imagine that prices will slide back again? Dream on.