Focus On Oils: 4 June

Contact Simon Roughneen - simon.roughneen@wrbm.com 

Publishing: 4 June 2022
Advertising deadline: 20 May 2022
Submissions deadline: 13 May 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing problems closer to home for Brits. Before the war, both countries were major exporters of sunflower oil, accounting for 80% of the world’s supply by some estimates. The disruption has rippled through UK grocery, causing retailers to ration supplies and the price of cooking oils to keep climbing. So what are the prospects for sunflower oil as war drags on? What impact has it had and will it have on extra virgin and other oils? And at a time of economic crisis, how will shoppers adapt their buying behaviour?

Rationing: Brits grew used to certain categories being rationed during the pandemic as retailers tried to manage limited stock. How widespread is this practice likely to get through oil, and what are the implications?

Trading restrictions: Indonesia’s ban on palm oil exports caused jitters in global edible oils markets. How will shifting trade policies, such as rising protectionism, affect the cooking oil market in the UK?

Inflation and input costs: Market leader Filippo Berio has warned of “spiralling costs” from logistics, raw materials, packaging and shipping. With its peers facing similar problems, what impact will this have on the category?

Price sensitivity: With economic trouble ongoing, shoppers will be looking to save money. Which products are likely to benefit from this? And how can premium lines stay relevant?

Cooking habits: Brits’ reduced cooking habits explains much of the sales decline over the last year in oil. So how will our changing lifestyles continue to influence the category in future?

Innovations: We hope to profile 4 new products or ranges that have not previously featured in The Grocer. For each, we need a launch date, rsp, and a hi-res picture.