Supermacs boss warns of winter food shortages

The founder of one of Ireland’s biggest fast food chains is predicting severe food shortages this winter in Ireland.

Supermacs owner Pat McDonagh, whose Plaza Group owns nine service stations across Ireland, said people should think about stocking up on tinned goods and other long-life foods such as dehydrated, dry and vaccum-packed rice, potatoes and pasta

Mr McDonagh says he is concerned that Irish families are still not prepared for how difficult times could get over the winter months.

“I would be recommending people buy long life food! I do honestly think that people should stock up,” Mr McDonagh said.

“I would be concerned though that there could be a scarcity of food towards the end of the winter up towards December, just with the way things are with the war in Ukraine – it has a massive knock-on effect.”

Mr McDonagh said he has seen a 40% increase in the cost of beef he buys for Supermacs.

“Look, the cost of fuel and food is going to continue to grow. The cost of beef to ourselves has gone up 40% likewise with chicken,” he said.

“I think you’ll have a lowering of the food productivity in this country – I can’t predict what happens but I’m assessing it in my own way.”