Press release Rise in raw material prices also affects soya sector ENSA, the European Natural Soyfoods Manufacturers' Association, is obliged to pass this price increase on to consumers. Brussels, November 2007 - Like all agricultural raw materials (maize, wheat, cow's milk, cocoa, etc.), the price of soya is rocketing. Between September 2006 and September 2007, the purchase price of soya rose by 50%. Other producer goods such as energy and cocoa have also become more expensive in recent months. Manufacturers can no longer absorb this increase and ENSA members are being forced to reflect it in sales prices. Rise in the price of raw materials and other producer goods
Growing demand for raw materials in emerging countries is causing a general increase in the price of raw materials. Soya is no exception: between September 2006 and September 2007, its purchase price rose by 50%. Moreover, the price of other producer goods for the production of natural soyfoods, such as cocoa and energy, is also on the rise. This increase can no longer be absorbed by the current pricing system. ENSA members have no choice but to reflect this increase in the sale price of their respective products and, eventually, in the price paid by the consumer. Consequently, the price of natural soy products is expected to rise from January 2008, following the curve traced by numerous other products (maize, wheat, cow's milk, etc.). Jean Cornet, ENSA's Strategic Affairs Director, explains the situation: "Even though soya, a direct source of vegetable protein, is a good substitute for dairy and meat products in human diets, having a positive impact on both the health of consumers and the environment, it is the increased consumption of milk and meat in countries such as China that is currently pushing up the cost of our raw material." To guarantee impeccable quality and nutritional properties, ENSA members have developed extremely thorough traceability policies to ensure that their products are GMO-free. This move is part of their commitment to offering consumers reliable, safe, good-quality products. As the ENSA member companies refuse to sacrifice the quality of their products, they see no alternative but to increase their prices. |
