Australian chicken supply is the latest victim of the Omicron crisis as shelves go empty. The staff shortages have significantly cut sales. Furthermore, it has made products unavailable to one of its big customers, KFC. Each year, Australians eats almost 47kg of meat, especially chicken. According to statistics, Australia is among the popular meat consumers.
Additionally, chicken is one of the least expensive meats in the Australian market. Its average price is %5.43 per kilo which is almost half of the price of beef, lamb and pork. Ingham enterprise said, ‘’ the rapid spread of the Omicron variant across eastern Australian states from December 2021 and the resulting staff shortages, are now also having a significant impact on the Australian supply chain, operations, logistics, and sales performance of Ingham’s and some of its suppliers and customers.’’ The company further added, ‘’ this has disrupted production and distribution capability and impacted sales.’’
KFC made an apology
According to Guardian Australia, KFC is suffering from a shortage of some products due to issues facing in obtaining chicken pieces on the east coast. Moreover, consumers are finding empty shelves in the chicken sections of supermarkets.
Also, KFC issued a statement to the customers making an apology for the unavailability of chicken products. The company said, ‘’ This isn’t the way we wanted to start the year, please be kind to each other, and our staff as they do their best to provide the chicken we all love.’’ Further added, ‘’ Rest assured we’re doing all we can to get back to fryin’ everyone’s faves as soon as possible.’’
Labour-intensive work
Likewise, Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF) says the business in the supply chain experiencing a staff shortage. Though, there are plenty of chickens out in the firm. However, not enough people to pick them for processing and distribution. Dr Kite said the crucial part of chickens is cutting which is labour intensive. For example, cut-up, de-boned and skinless item which will be affected, he added, ‘’ we apologies to all our customers who have been unable to buy the products they want, and we ask for patience and understanding. It is a difficult time for everyone-farmers, chicken companies and all businesses in the chicken supply chain, as well as our valued customers. ‘’
The major reason for the labour shortage is the isolation of workers. Many employees are forced to isolate themselves from contracting the Omicron COVID Variant in the community. However, there is a hope that ease in restrictions will help to overcome the shortage of food.